30+ Years
Breast & Body Surgery
Double Board-Certified
Plastic Surgeon
6,000+
Body Procedures Performed
AAAASF-Accredited
Surgical Facility
Labiaplasty in San Francisco
The labiaplasty procedure is performed for women who have redundant, or overly large, labia minora (inner labia). These women often complain of their labia getting caught in their underwear and clothes and can experience discomfort during sexual intercourse. With the operation, San Francisco double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leonard Gray removes the excess labia skin and tissue, leaving smaller, natural-looking labia minora. Care is taken so that the edge of the labia appears natural and that sensation is preserved. Discomfort, painful intercourse, and the catching of the labia in clothes are typically relieved by this surgery.
Surgical Technique
Women who are considering labiaplasty should consult with a qualified plastic surgeon. In the past, the common approach was to simply amputate the excess tissue. Today, Dr. Gray uses aesthetic reshaping techniques that reduce the size of the labia while protecting the nerves, so sexual sensation is preserved. His goal is to maintain the natural color and contour of the labia and create a result that looks natural with minimal visible scarring.
Dr. Gray performs labiaplasty using fine surgical scissors called iris scissors, which allow him to precisely reshape the inner folds of the labia. A V-shaped wedge of tissue is removed from the labia to reduce their size, and Dr. Gray carefully reshapes the remaining tissue to meet each patient’s aesthetic goals. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. For some patients, a laser treatment may be an option, but it is only recommended in cases where the excess tissue is minimal.
Leonard W. Gray, MD, FACS: Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
30+ years of breast and body expertise
During & After Surgery
Labiaplasty typically takes 1–2 hours to complete, depending on how complex the surgical case is. It is performed under general anesthesia in Bay Area Plastic Surgery’s AAAASF-accredited surgical suite and does not require an overnight stay. Women who undergo labiaplasty will need to avoid any activity that may cause swelling and bleeding, such as exercise, sexual activity, douching, and the use of tampons. These activities can be resumed slowly around 4–6 weeks post-op. Many women find that their confidence improves after surgery.
Labiaplasty FAQs
Should an OB/GYN or a plastic surgeon perform labiaplasty?
When researching labiaplasty, most patients will find that many plastic surgeons offer the procedure. While many OB/GYNs are capable of performing labiaplasty, the procedure is most often considered cosmetic. An OB/GYN can surgically remove excess labial tissue; however, a plastic surgeon also focuses on the aesthetic result. This helps keep scarring minimal and ensures that color, contour, and symmetry look and feel natural.
Will labiaplasty surgery cause loss of sensitivity?
It is unlikely. As with any surgery, there may be some temporary numbness in the labial area while the skin and tissue heal. With regard to sensitivity, labiaplasty affects, for the most part, the labia only, and the clitoris, the most sensitive area, is not altered. A skilled plastic surgeon who specializes in labiaplasty, like Dr. Gray, works carefully around these areas to protect sensation.
Will Labiaplasty Affect Intercourse?
Labiaplasty, when performed by a skilled surgeon, often improves comfort during intercourse. In many cases, this is because the excess skin and tissue that may have gotten in the way during sex before will now be removed. The clitoral region will be protected and the sensory nerves preserved so that sexual intercourse is not impacted in a negative way.
Should I get labiaplasty surgery before or after pregnancy?
In most cases, it is recommended that women wait to have labia rejuvenation until after all pregnancies are complete. However, if having enlarged labia is bothersome and causes physical symptoms and emotional hardship, then this surgery can be performed before a planned pregnancy. If the results of the surgery are compromised due to a post-surgical pregnancy, a second surgery can be discussed.
What qualifies you for a labiaplasty?
The best candidates for labiaplasty are women who have developed significant labial changes postpartum or who have always had large or irregular-sized labia minora. While there is no emphasis on standard shapes or sizes of labia, many women express dissatisfaction with asymmetry.
Other labiaplasty qualifications may include the following:
- Being at least 18 years old (Dr. Gray often recommends waiting until your early 20s)
- Experiencing physical discomfort while sitting, exercising, or during intercourse
- Feeling self-conscious about the size or appearance of the labia
- Having labial tears resulting from childbirth
Most patients interested in labiaplasty are seeking cosmetic enhancements; however, there are many reasons you may pursue this procedure. At Bay Area Plastic Surgery, we respect every patient’s motivation and provide a compassionate and caring experience.
What is the best age to get a labiaplasty?
The labia majora and minora go through multiple transitions throughout a woman’s life, especially during puberty. Variations in size, shape, and symmetry are all normal and rarely indicate any potential problems in the teen years. We don’t recommend undergoing cosmetic surgery on labia that are still growing and changing, since that could result in a need for secondary corrective surgery.
Patients must be at least 18 years old, and Dr. Gray often encourages those who are still developing physically and emotionally to wait until they’ve reached full maturity in their early 20s.
How painful is labiaplasty recovery?
Labiaplasty is a relatively minor surgery performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Afterward, some discomfort and swelling are normal as the labia heal.
Dr. Gray can prescribe medication to help manage discomfort if needed. Still, over-the-counter pain relievers work well for most patients after a labiaplasty.
How long do labiaplasty results last?
In most cases, the results of a labiaplasty are permanent. However, all bodies are different, and things like childbirth, aging, or trauma can adversely affect some labiaplasty results.
How long do I have to wear a pad after labiaplasty?
Every patient has a different experience, but many wear maxi pads or period panties for one to two weeks after their procedure. These tools keep the area sanitary and protect your clothes from any bacitracin ointment or bleeding that may occur from the incision during the healing process. Pads and period panties also provide extra cushioning and protection throughout the day to keep you more comfortable.