Labia reduction

Duration: 1-3 hours
Anesthesia: local anesthesia
Length of stay: outpatient
Suture removal: none necessary
Healing time: 2-4 weeks

Many women find enlarged or asymmetrical labia both cosmetically and functionally disruptive. Both self-confidence, sex life and everyday activities can suffer from the enlarged labia and put a lot of strain on those affected. With intimate surgery, Dr. Matiasek offers the possibility of reducing the size of the labia and thereby improving quality of life.

What are the reasons for a labia reduction?

The doctor divides the labia into outer, large and inner, small labia. The main task of the labia majora is to protect the small labia from mechanical stress such as friction and dehydration. In many women, the outer labia surround the inner labia so that they are completely covered.

However, the inner labia can also be enlarged so that they protrude from the pubic cleft. Likewise, asymmetrical inner labia of different lengths can occur. The enlargement can have various reasons. Often, genetic factors or hormonal fluctuations are involved in the shape and size of the labia. But giving birth and old age can also lead to enlargement of the inner labia. In principle, this is not uncommon and occurs in a large number of women, although the majority of women have no problems with the larger inner labia. However, some sufferers have problems with their labia – either for cosmetic or functional reasons – and would like them to be reduced in size.

In mild cases, those affected usually do not notice any restrictions in everyday life, but many patients perceive the protruding labia as aesthetically disturbing. The ideal beauty of a smoothly shaved vulva, in which the outer labia completely cover the inner labia, has recently become increasingly apparent, especially due to easier access to erotic films. If one’s own vulva does not correspond to this image, the self-confidence of those affected can suffer. This can go so far that women avoid saunas, bikini bottoms or tight clothing because they feel uncomfortable.

With a strong enlargement of the labia, patients also describe a functional load due to the mechanical friction of the sensitive tissue. Those affected can find certain sports such as cycling and horse riding, sexual intercourse or wearing tight pants uncomfortable or even painful. Another problem with greatly enlarged labia is the tendency to chronic bacterial infections of the vagina.

For these reasons, labia surgery may be considered. The goal of labia reduction is to hide the inner lips with the outer ones. As a result, an optimal cosmetic result is achieved and symptoms caused by mechanical stress on the labia are eliminated.

Who is labia reduction suitable for?

Labia correction is suitable for women who suffer psychologically or physically from their enlarged or asymmetrical labia. Since cosmetic appearance is extremely subjective, Dr. Matiasek calculates the need for an operation based on the suffering of the person concerned. This means that there are no objectively measurable “excessively large” labia, rather the restriction of the patient’s quality of life is decisive. In order to get an exact picture of the living conditions of those affected, Dr. Matiasek discusses with them in detail the decisive reasons behind the request for an operation. The operation cannot be performed on women under the age of 18 or if there is an existing or planned pregnancy, as a vaginal birth could lead to wound complications.

What do I have to consider before labia reduction?

Since it is particularly important to Dr. Matiasek that his patients are informed and feel comfortable, he conducts a detailed initial consultation before labia surgery. He particularly goes into the client’s wishes, the current level of suffering, the symptoms and any previous illnesses of the women. This is followed by an examination of the genital area so that Dr. Matiasek can provide an exact picture of what results can be achieved. He then discusses the individually appropriate form of labia correction, explains the procedure carefully to the client and is happy to answer any questions about the operation.

In consultation with Dr. Matiasek, it may be necessary to stop taking blood-thinning medication before labia reduction. You should also refrain from alcohol and smoking for two weeks before the operation in order to minimize the risk of complications.

How does labia reduction work?

On the day of labia surgery – also called labioplasty – Dr. Matiasek again explains to the patient the exact course of the procedure. In most cases, general anesthesia is not necessary; the procedure can take place under local anesthesia. At the patient’s request, sedation can also serve as anesthesia during the labioplasty. Both local anesthesia and sedation are a relief for patients in that the operation can be performed on an outpatient basis, which is not the case with general anesthesia. This means that you can go home on the same day of the procedure.

In the operating room, Dr. Matiasek discusses the tissue parts to be removed with the patient using a hand mirror. He then marks this and numbs the operating area. Various techniques for reducing the size of the labia differ in their incision site and the use of clitoral correction. When adjusting an asymmetry, the comparison of the two labia is particularly relevant. However, it is common to all types of surgery that excess labial tissue is removed. Dr. Matiasek sews the resulting wound edges with a fine suture thread, which dissolves on its own after a while. The entire procedure takes between one and three hours, depending on each individual situation. You can then rest for some time at the practice and finally be discharged home with an escort.

What complications can occur with labia reduction?

Although the labioplasty is generally a very low-risk procedure, there are still a few possible complications to be mentioned. Above all, redness, swelling, slight secondary bleeding and bruising should be mentioned. However, these usually go away on their own after a few days to weeks. In addition, sensitivity disorders in the genital area can occur in the first few days after the labia correction. Normally, however, these do not last long either. As with any surgical procedure, there is also a risk of wound infection or impaired healing, which, however, is a very rare complication if the patient follows the patient’s hygiene measures.

Sexual dysfunctions, such as reduced moistening of the genitals, can also occur very rarely as a result of labioplasty. Intolerance to narcotics used rarely occurs and is usually known to those affected in advance, for example from a syringe at the dentist’s.

What do I have to consider after labia reduction?

You should rest for a few days after the operation. To support wound healing, you will receive special inlays and a disinfecting fatty ointment. To avoid infection, you should pay particular attention to hygiene after using the toilet. For example, it is essential that no feces come into contact with the wound.

In addition, a follow-up appointment takes place one to two weeks postoperatively with Dr. Matiasek instead. He will change the dressing and assess the healing of the wound and the preliminary result.

In the first four weeks after the procedure, you should avoid mechanical stress on the genital area. These include sports such as horse riding or cycling, as well as sexual intercourse. Since the sutures used dissolve by themselves, no suture removal is necessary.

When are the results of labia reduction visible?

Swelling occurs after an operation to reduce the size of the labia. For this reason, the end result cannot be assessed immediately after the procedure, but usually only after a few weeks. Since the tissue does not grow back after the operation, the result lasts for life.

Labia reduction is a good way to give women new self-confidence and attitude towards life. If you are interested in a labioplasty or would like to receive more information about the operation, Dr. Matiasek warmly welcomes you for a consultation!

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private -Doc. dr
Johannes Matiasek

Specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery

My name is Priv.-Doz. dr Johannes Matiasek and I will help you to realize your personal and natural ideal of beauty. You will also master life with more self-confidence. Achieving this not only requires a high level of expertise on the medical side, but also years of relevant experience and a keen sense of uniqueness. I bring all these resources with me. The combination of my well-founded training as a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery with a deep empathy for the wishes and needs of my patients means that your beauty and health harmonize as best as possible with my treatments.

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