Labia (Inner Vaginal Lip) Reduction

The appearance and function of the female genitalia is not a subject that comes up in conversation frequently, but I suspect that there are many women who are very unhappy with their vaginal anatomy with regards to physical comfort and appearance. Most people are unaware that surgery can be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon to significantly improve symptoms in this anatomical area.

Due to time, pregnancies, genetic predisposition, or other issues, some women develop significantly elongated or oversized labia minora (inner vaginal lips). Women I see for this type of surgery generally have a few areas of complaints. Many report that they have chafing and discomfort when they wear tight jeans, bikinis, or other form fitting clothes. They also frequently report soreness with activities such as riding a horse or a bicycle. Additionally, these women tend to be very self-conscious regarding their appearance, and this embarrassment can have an impact on their sexual relationships.

Fortunately, reduction of excess vaginal tissue can be corrected with a relatively straightforward procedure called a labiaplasty, or labial reduction. As with all of my surgeries, the technique I use for each person is specifically customized to address each of their issues. In general, I perform a modification of the wedge resection technique developed by Dr. Gary Alter of Beverly Hills, CA. By using this technique, I minimize the risk of sensation loss, and minimize the scarring along the labial edge, maintaining a natural and aesthetic appearance.

Surgery can be performed in an outpatient setting at my Scottsdale medical center under either local anesthesia with sedation, or under general anethesia depending on the patient's wishes. Improvement in the labial size and appearance can be seen immediately after surgery.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohen, board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, please call 602-702-5380 . He will be happy to answer any questions you may have about labia reduction procedures. Dr. Cohen welcomes patients from all over Arizona, as well as other states and countries. Dr. Cohen's facility, the Scottsdale Center for Plastic Surgery, is conveniently located in the region of Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley. To save $50 on your consultation fee, please click here.