Patrick Hudson MD, FACS

REPAIR OF STRETCHED OR TORN LABIA is called a labiaplasty or labioplasty. Dr. Hudson has performed this operation for over twenty years.

One of the least talked about areas of cosmetic plastic surgery is reconstruction of the external genitalia after childbirth.

 During delivery, tearing and stretching of the genitalia may occur resulting in an abnormal or unattractive appearance. Sometimes an episiotomy is performed which heals poorly, distorting the vaginal entrance.

Many women request labial rejuvenation, or external vaginal cosmetic surgery, despite not having children. For them, the most common reason for requesting labioplasty is to get an improvement in appearance. One in seven women feel that the appearance of their labia is abnormal.

 Almost as common is a functional problem, such as irritation when riding a bicycle or horse. Soreness or pain during intercourse or sexual activity is another common reason to request a labioplasty.

The resultant scar and stretching may make an already difficult problem even worse. Many women complain of pain during sex or sexual intercourse, an unattractive appearance and considerable discomfort and inconveniece during activities like jogging or riding. The photograph on the left shows the extreme stretching that can occur.

By increasing their self-confidence labia surgery may enhance sexual satisfaction for some women. However, if emotional issues exist that affect sexual pleasure, these need to be addressed separately. 

The so-called camel toe appearance that bothers some women may, or may not, be changed by surgery.  Indeed some women seek labioplasty to create the camel-toe appearance.  It is caused by fullness in the labia majora, and surgery on the inner labia, or minora, will not usually change this area

Surgical correction depends on an accurate diagnosis of the problem. After evaluation the plastic surgeon can give an assessment of the type of surgery needed. In many cases revision of a contracted scar is enough but each case is very different and correction is not easy. In many cases a Labioplasty or labiaplasty corrects the problem by removing excess tissue restoring a more normal appearance.

Surgery of the clitoral hood, or female foreskin, is unusual but  is sometimes performed for hygiene reason when adhesions cause the collection of smegma behind the hood.

The labia minora can be so long that they cross over each other. This makes any exercise, including riding, jogging or even sexual intercourse, uncomfortable.

Patients who have pain in scars after delivery may gain some relieve when the scars are released. However in patients who have deep neuromas, or scar tissue around nerve endings, the pain will persist after surgery.

All genital surgery has risks, and when performed for purely cosmetic reasons may raise important questions regarding  social attitudes about sex and our bodies.

It is important to remember that no surgeon can give a guarantee about the final outcome, including appearance, shape, size and so on.  You should have a realistic attitude about the outcome, and remember that all surgery has good and bad aspects. That there is no such thing as ‘perfect surgery’. 

The satisfaction rate for cosmetic surgery is around 90%  and although a satisfactory outcome is anticipated this means that 10% of people do not achieve the result that either the patient or the surgeon would like.  

If things do not go well you may need revision or secondary surgery. Although many surgeons do not charge for this, there is often a charge for anesthesia and operating room costs.

complete this form before you see Dr. Hudson for an evaluation for labiaplasty

Alternative names:  labiaplasty, labioplasty, genitoplasty, vulvarplasty, vulvaplasty, labia minora, cosmetic vaginal surgery, vaginoplasty, vaginal rejuvenation, labia reconstruction, labia surgery, labial hypertrophy, labia reduction, labia rejuvenation, vaginal lip reduction, vaginal lip surgery, female genital reduction, labia minora hypertrophy, labia minora reduction, labia minora surgery