Labiaplasty is a procedure that will reduce the size of a woman’s genital lips, the labia minora. It can also be used to correct asymmetry between the lips. Enlarged labia can occur as a result of childbirth, age, sexual intercourse, and even hormones, and can cause discomfort during many daily activities. During a labiaplasty procedure, Dr. Vallecillos will remove excess skin and fat from the inner lips of the vagina. Depending on the individual case, a combination of skin excision, laser, and liposuction may be utilized. If an augmentation labiaplasty is being performed, fat is retrieved from other areas of the body, purified, and injected into the outer lips of the vagina, the labia majora, to enlarge and enhance them.
Procedure Walk-Through
- Preparation: Certain steps need to be taken to prepare for a labiaplasty. Smoking should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery, as it can increase the chances of complications and also increase recovery time. Any medications that act as blood thinners (such as Aspirin) will also need to be stopped. Dr. Vallecillos may require certain vitamins to be taken before the procedure to speed up the healing process. Transportation to and from the facility on the day of the operation should be arranged, as the patient will be asked to refrain from driving for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Anesthesia: A labiaplasty is usually performed under a local anesthetic. General anesthesia will only be used if the patient requests it.
- Procedure: There are several surgical techniques that may be used during a labiaplasty, including traditional and laser skin excision, as well as liposuction. Reducing the size of the labia minora can benefit patients who have decreased sexual gratification and pain and/or experience difficulty with routine activities such as walking, sitting, and riding a bicycle.
Labiaplasty Benefits
For many women, the decision to have a labiaplasty is motivated by multiple factors that go beyond aesthetics. Enlarged or asymmetrical labia minora can cause persistent physical discomfort, including chafing during exercise, irritation from clothing and tight-fitting activewear, and pain or difficulty during intercourse. These issues are more common than many people realize. According to a global survey by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS), there were over 164,000 labiaplasties performed in 2019. The numbers continue to climb as more women discover how labiaplasty can holistically improve their quality of life.
When the physical discomfort resolves after surgery, many patients report a dramatic improvement in their daily life, from renewed confidence in intimate settings to the ability to simply exercise without pain. Whether your reasons for pursuing labiaplasty are functional, aesthetic or both, Dr. Vallecillos approaches every case with the same level of precision and care.
The primary benefits patients experience include:
- Relief from chronic irritation, chafing and discomfort during physical activity
- Reduced pain or sensitivity during sexual intercourse
- Correction of labial asymmetry for a more balanced, natural appearance
- Improved comfort with fitted clothing, swimwear and athletic gear
- Renewed self-confidence and comfort in intimate situations
How Is Labiaplasty Customized to Each Patient?
No two labiaplasty procedures, just like no two labiaplasty patients, are exactly alike. The anatomy of the labia can vary significantly from patient to patient, and the surgical approach Dr. Vallecillos takes is shaped entirely by your individual presentation, concerns and goals.
For patients whose main goal is to reduce the labia minora, the two most common techniques are the trim method and the wedge method. The trim technique removes tissue along the free edge of the labia, producing a clean, linear result. The wedge technique removes a V-shaped section of tissue from the thickest portion of the labia, preserving the natural border and often resulting in a more natural-looking outcome.
Dr. Vallecillos considers a range of key factors, including tissue thickness, degree of asymmetry, skin pigmentation and the patient’s aesthetic preferences, to determine which approach (or combination) will deliver the best result.
For patients interested in augmentation labiaplasty, fat harvested from another area of the body is purified and carefully injected into the labia majora to restore lost volume and improve overall contour. This is particularly well-suited for patients dealing with volume loss due to aging, weight shifts or hormonal changes.
During your consultation, Dr. Vallecillos will walk you through your options in detail, explaining his recommended approach and what you can realistically expect from your results. This is your opportunity to make your questions and concerns heard.
What’s the Difference Between Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty?
Labiaplasty and vaginoplasty are two distinct procedures that are often confused with each other, largely because they address similar concerns in the same region of the body. Labiaplasty focuses on the external structures, specifically reshaping or reducing the labia minora, and in augmentation cases, restoring volume to the labia majora.
Vaginoplasty, by contrast, is a reconstructive procedure that tightens the vaginal canal itself, addressing laxity commonly associated with childbirth or the natural aging process.
The two procedures target different anatomical structures and serve different functional goals, though many patients develop issues in both of these areas (particularly women who have had children). When that’s the case, combining labiaplasty and vaginoplasty in a single surgical session is a practical and highly common approach. This combination is often referred to more broadly as vaginal rejuvenation.
Performing them together allows you to get more well-rounded results with one anesthesia event and one recovery period. Dr. Vallecillos evaluates each patient’s anatomy and concerns holistically to determine whether a combined approach makes sense, and he will walk you through the reasoning clearly during your consultation.
Labiaplasty Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from labiaplasty is generally well-tolerated, with most patients returning to desk work and light daily activities within five to seven days of the procedure. Swelling, bruising and mild discomfort are expected during the first week and typically resolve steadily over the following two to three weeks.
As noted in the procedure walkthrough, tampons should be avoided for at least two weeks post-surgery, and sexual intercourse should be postponed for three to six weeks. Strenuous exercise and activities that place direct pressure on the treated area, including cycling, should also be avoided during this window.
By the four to six-week mark, most patients are fully healed and able to resume all normal activities. Final results are typically visible once residual swelling has fully resolved, which can take up to three months in some cases. Dr. Vallecillos will provide you with a personalized aftercare plan and is available to answer questions throughout every stage of your recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Vallecillos for Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a procedure that demands both technical precision and a surgeon who understands that the stakes are personal. Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS brings a level of expertise to this surgery that few surgeons in the country can match. A fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Vallecillos completed his plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship training at Providence & St. John’s Medical Center and has built a national and international reputation for results that are natural, meticulous and patient-driven.
Beyond his surgical credentials, Dr. Vallecillos is an active national speaker, a regular contributor to the European Journal of Plastic Surgery and a Senior Faculty Member of Palette/Scientiae, where he provides continuing medical education to surgeons and physicians across the country. He sits on advisory boards for Allergan and Suneva, and has served as a clinical investigator for Mentor Corporation. He stays active in the industry to bring his patients the latest innovations in surgical techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recovery time for labiaplasty?
The patient should arrange for transportation to and from the facility on the day of the surgery. After the procedure has been performed, it is normal for the patient to experience discomfort and swelling, which can persist for several weeks. Tampons should not be worn for at least two weeks after surgery, and sexual intercourse should be avoided for three to six weeks after a labiaplasty. Dr. Vallecillos will provide you with comprehensive instructions for your aftercare.
Are there risks or side effects with labiaplasty?
A labiaplasty, like any surgical procedure, can carry certain risks, such as infection, scarring and the possibility of changes in color and sensation in the area. The possibility of risks and side effects should be discussed with Dr. Vallecillos prior to undergoing a labiaplasty.
How long do the results last?
The results of a labiaplasty should be permanent; however, if the same factors that rendered the first procedure necessary recur, additional procedures may be necessary in the future to maintain results.
Am I Good Candidate for Labiaplasty?
If you are self-conscious of, and/or experience pain or discomfort as a result of enlarged labia minor, you may be a candidate for labiaplasty. This surgical procedure can correct asymmetry and reduce the size of the labia minora, which can become enlarged as a result of a number of factors including sexual intercourse, childbirth, and hormones.
Feel at Home in Your Body Again With Labiaplasty
Discomfort, self-consciousness and physical limitations have no place in your everyday life. If you’ve been considering labiaplasty, whether for relief, confidence or both, Dr. Glenn Vallecillos brings the surgical precision and patient-centered care that Beverly Hills patients trust. Call us at (310) 273-3007 to schedule your private consultation.