Labiaplasty Surgery

Dr. Mathews surgery procedure produces a superior cosmetic appearance.

Labiaplasty (or Labia Reduction) surgery is performed to help women who are having physical issues or emotional issues with the size, shape and/or appearance of their labia (the inner and outer lips of the vagina). This procedure can be performed in our Plano office under local anesthesia or as outpatient surgery under general anesthesia, and it usually takes about one hour.

Dr. J. Kyle Mathews uses highly refined surgical techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, creating less trauma to the tissue than basic laser or electrocautery techniques, while creating more natural-looking results.

Labiaplasty addresses two issues (or sometimes both issues during the same surgery)—labiaplasty minora and labiaplasty majora.

Labiaplasty Minora and Labiaplasty Majora

During the labiaplasty minora procedure, Dr. Mathews removes excess or uneven skin of the labia minora (the smaller, interior vaginal lips) and/or the labia majora (the broader, outer lips of the vagina). Excess or uneven skin in these areas can cause a bulge that can be seen in swimsuits and other fitted clothing. It can also cause chronic irritation, rubbing or even discomfort during sexual intercourse.

The labia can be enlarged at birth or it can grow bigger due to estrogen stimulation at puberty or pregnancy. Aging can also cause the changes. The good news is that the situation can be corrected in about one hour with labiaplasty surgery.

Labiaplasty Recovery

Most women will be able to return to work four to five days after their labiaplasty surgery. Just six hours after the surgery, it’s fine to shower and wash as often as you like. What else can you expect?

  • Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising can last from two to seven days.
  • Some women may experience spotting or urinary hesitance.
  • Dr. Mathews suggests that you refrain from jogging, biking, horseback riding, running, heavy lifting and sexual intercourse for six to eight weeks.

You may use sanitary pads and apply antibacterial ointment to the surgical site for comfort after labiaplasty surgery.

Potential Risks and Complications of Labiaplasty Surgery

With any surgery, including labiaplasty, there are inherent risks, such as infection, bleeding or the possible (though rare) need for a blood transfusion. Another rare problem involves a reaction to the anesthesia. Surgical complications may include: food or liquid aspiration into the lungs; pain; blood clots; wound breakdown; or even risk of death, which is extremely rare.

An additional risk to consider and discuss with Dr. Mathews is a kind of “buyer’s remorse.” Some patients may not be completely happy with the results of their surgery because perfect symmetry is impossible to achieve, and the precise “look” the patient wants may be impossible to attain.

If you want to know more about labiaplasty surgery and discuss the procedure in more detail, contact Dr. Mathews for a consultation at Plano Urogynecology.