Large or irregular labia is a source of embarrassment and discomfort for many women. While some women are born with this condition, others develop this as they age or after childbirth. Enlarged labia can lead to chronic irritation. This can have a huge impact on one’s self-esteem and prevent them from participating in activities such as jogging, bike riding or sexual intercourse. Regardless of the reason, cosmetic or functional, labiaplasty is a good surgical option to improve a woman’s quality of life and self-esteem.
Enlarged or irregular labia minora are diagnosed with a history and physical exam. On exam, the labia minora overhang or protrude from the genital area. A labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces and improves the shape of the labia minora. This procedure can be performed in combination with other procedures to enhance the female external genitalia such as fat grafting to the labia majora or reduction of the labia majora. These procedures enhance the cosmetic appearance of the vagina thereby restoring confidence in women who were once embarrassed by its appearance.
Recovery from a labiaplasty is generally well tolerated. Initially, there may be discomfort while urinating and sitting but this improves after several days. Some bruising and swelling is expected and diminish over the course of weeks. Most patients return to work and light activity after 3-5 days. It is advised to refrain from any penetration to the vaginal area for 8 weeks.
An alternative form of vaginal rejuvenation involves the use of platelet-rich plasma. PRP injections can be used to increase lubrication, enhance clitoral and G-spot stimulation and in some cases, improve mild urinary incontinence. The recovery from this procedure is minimal and involves no penetration for 3 days. The procedure is performed in one hour in the office. After the area is numbed with topical numbing cream, plasma high in growth factors derived from the patient’s blood is injected into specific areas of the female external genitalia. A series of 3 injections is recommended, performed 4-8 weeks apart.
