Labiaplasty
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes and reduces the size of the labia, or the outer and inner folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening. Having enlarged or sagging labia can make wearing tight clothing, exercising, and feeling comfortable during physical intimacy difficult. (1) Women may seek labiaplasty for several reasons, including these more functional issues (2) as well as aesthetic preferences.
Dr. David Matlock and Dr. Daniel Yamini have decades of experience helping patients enhance their appearance with customizable procedures. The way you feel about your body is important, and personalized surgery can help you improve both your comfort and how you feel about your image.
Contact our Los Angeles office or call (424) 424-1462 to learn more about how thousands of women have improved their appearance.
Contents
About Labiaplasty
Loose, drooping skin around the vaginal opening can be uncomfortable and affect your self-esteem. Labiaplasty is an effective procedure that has helped thousands of women improve their appearance in this area. Between 2020 and 2021, labiaplasty procedures increased by 36%. (3)
Some patients experience the lining of the vaginal skin becoming discolored in addition to sagging over time. This can further create a more aged appearance. With a labiaplasty, we can remove portions of the droopy folds of skin for a smoother, more vibrant look. Additionally, the laser treatments we offer can help you effectively reduce both the thickness and length of the folds of skin.
Some patients also experience asymmetrical labial folds that create bulges that they find unflattering. If both the labia minora and majora are elongated or out of proportion, Dr. Matlock can address both areas for a smoother, more proportional look.
If you experience discomfort while wearing fitted clothing, engaging in sports, intimate situations, or if you simply desire a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing look to enhance your confidence, consider a labiaplasty at David Matlock MD.
Types of Labiaplasty
During this procedure, your surgeon will carefully remove excess tissue to achieve a symmetrical and proportional appearance of the labial area.
Laser reduction labiaplasty (LRL)
Laser reduction labiaplasty (LRL) of the labia minora is a procedure that reduces the size of the inner lips of the vagina. If you have sagging, uneven vaginal lips, or thick skin that is affecting their appearance, we can improve the labial appearance with a laser treatment.
Undergoing a LRL treatment is one of the most common and effective procedures for improving appearance and comfort. We also recommend this procedure if childbirth has resulted in unwanted visual changes to the skin surrounding the vagina.
During the procedure, Dr. Matlock will use a special laser to remove skin from both vaginal lips for a more proportional appearance. He will carefully reshape the vaginal lips with the laser and close the incisions. Afterward, you can enjoy a more proportional labial appearance. This might even inspire a boost in confidence afterward!
Labia Minora with Reduction of Excess Prepuce
It is common for women who undergo LRL to also receive treatment for the labia minora with reduction of the excess prepuce. The prepuce is also known as the skin around the hood of the clitoris. Aging, hormonal changes, or childbirth, and general changes to the skin in this area can affect intimacy; excess skin may possibly even impede sensation in the area.
Many women who wish to decrease the size of their vaginal lips are left with clitoral hoods that are still excessive or are not proportional to the labia minora. Removing the excess skin around the clitoris can help you achieve a more balanced look.
Labia Minora with Reduction of Thickness of the Minora
Overly thick vaginal lips can be uncomfortable, especially if they are also long and chafe beneath close-fitting clothing. The labia minora with reduction of thickness of the minora is another procedure we offer at David Matlock MD that seeks to address these issues.
During the treatment, Dr. Matlock can use a special laser to remove the appropriate amount of tissue. Afterward, you can enjoy a more proportional appearance and feel more confident wearing close-fitting clothing and being active.
Benefits
There are several benefits of labiaplasty, including:
- Enhanced comfort: Many women report feeling more comfortable during physical activity and while wearing close-fitting clothing.
- Improved aesthetics: The procedure can create a more balanced appearance of the labia.
- Boosted self-esteem: You may enjoy feeling better about the appearance of your intimate areas after this procedure.
- Improved sexual satisfaction and confidence: Some individuals find that removing excess skin improves sensation and intimacy.
- Customizable procedure: Dr. Matlock will adjust your procedure based on your specific anatomy and needs.
- Long-lasting results: Skin removal is permanent, but the skin will continue to be affected by the gradual processes of aging over time.
Candidates
Suitable candidates for the procedure are nonsmokers–or people who are willing to quit smoking for a period of time–who are in good health and would like to improve the appearance of their labia. Many candidates are looking for a solution to:
- Discomfort caused by elongated labia
- Chronic irritation or chafing issues
- Aesthetic dissatisfaction with the labial appearance
To verify that you are a viable candidate for labiaplasty, we will review your medical history for any conditions that could affect your ability to receive or heal from your procedure.
Personal Consultation
During your consultation, we will ask about your aesthetic goals, medical history, and current medications to create the best surgical plan for you. If you have any questions about the potential procedure, we encourage you to come prepared to discuss them. Dr. Matlock will take this time to answer the questions you have and discuss the treatment process in depth.
You may be looking for additional procedures to achieve your goals. Many women receive more than one procedure to improve their appearance after aging, hormonal changes, and pregnancy. To learn more about additional procedures, see our blog.
Preparation
Patients will receive detailed instructions before their labiaplasty, which may include:
- Stop taking medications and supplements that thin the blood
- Refrain from smoking weeks before and after your procedure
- Fill your prescriptions ahead of time
- Arrange for someone you trust to drive you home
- Schedule adequate time off work to recover comfortably
Recovery
Recovery from a labiaplasty can take several weeks. Although you may be able to return to work sooner, you will need to wait for a longer amount of time before you can resume exercising, possibly 3-4 weeks or however long Dr. Matlock advises for your specific situation. You will also need to refrain from sexual intercourse for about 6-8 weeks while you continue to heal.
It is common to experience some discomfort or tenderness around the treated sites. Dr. Matlock will provide specific instructions to help you recover fully. In some cases, he may prescribe medication to improve your comfort during your recovery.
Results
As you continue to heal, you will be able to notice a smoother, more balanced labial appearance. You can also enjoy feeling more comfortable in your clothing without needing to worry about bothersome chafing or a pinching sensation. Many women notice that their self-confidence improves as well, and that their intimate relationships are more enjoyable. Since Dr. Matlock makes discreet incisions, you can enjoy natural-looking results that are long-lasting.
Designer Laser Vaginoplasty
Designer laser vaginoplasty (DLV)® is a collection of procedures that enhance the appearance of intimate areas. After aging or childbirth, you may have noticed changes to the vaginal lips. Weight loss can also change the appearance of these areas, and this may affect your self-esteem in a negative way.
If you are struggling with the appearance of a bulging “camel toe,” long labia majora that pinch uncomfortably under clothing/during movement, or outer vaginal lips that have changed in size or appearance, we can improve them with this customizable DLV procedure. Dr. Matlock can also perform vaginal puffing, a procedure that increases the volume of the vaginal lips to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
To learn more about DLV, see our guide.
The Cost of Labiaplasty in Los Angeles
The cost of labiaplasty will depend on the type of procedure you need. If you have multiple aesthetic goals and would like to improve the overall appearance of your intimate areas, we can discuss an all-inclusive quote during a personal consultation. Many patients combine labiaplasty with vaginal puffing or other treatments to achieve a rejuvenated appearance.
Contact our Los Angeles office or call (424) 424-1462 to learn more.
FAQ
Is labiaplasty painful?
We use anesthesia for your comfort during the procedure. Although it is normal to experience discomfort around the treated sites afterward, your surgeon will provide you with instructions for how to maximize your comfort.
When can I return to normal activities after labiaplasty?
Most patients can return to work in approximately 1 week but will need to avoid intense exercise and sexual activities for longer to help their bodies heal. Recovery times may vary.
Will there be visible scars after labiaplasty?
Your surgeon will carefully make discreet incisions along your labia to minimize scarring. For most patients, scars fade significantly over time.
How long does the labiaplasty procedure take?
The length of your procedure will depend on your specific treatment plan and the amount of skin you would like to remove. We can discuss any questions you have about the procedure during your consultation.
Can I combine labiaplasty with other procedures?
Yes! You can combine labiaplasty with other vaginal rejuvenation treatments, depending on your interests and goals.
References
- Willis RN, Wong CS, Pai A, Patel BC. Labiaplasty Minora Reduction. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448086/
- Gowda AU, Chopra N, Khalifeh M. Indications, Techniques and Complications of Labiaplasty. Eplasty. 2015;15:ic46. Accessed October 24, 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4544281/
- Sharp G, Draganidis A, Hamori CA, Oates J, Anne Nileshni Fernando. Beyond Motivations: A Qualitative Pilot Exploration of Women’s Experiences Prior to Labiaplasty. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2023;43(9):994-1001. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjad105