Labiaplasty

What is labial hypertrophy?

Everyone has different facial features, body types, and coloring. There are also differences in female external genitalia, known as the vulva. The vulva contains two sets of skin folds, or lips. The large outer folds are called the labia majora. The smaller, inner folds are the labia minora. In most women, the labia aren’t symmetrical. It’s not at all unusual for one side to be larger, thicker, or longer than the other.

The term “labia majora hypertrophy” refers to labia majora that are enlarged. Likewise, the term “labia minora hypertrophy” describes the labia minora that are larger or stick out more than the labia majora.

Either way, labial hypertrophy doesn’t mean that you have a medical issue. Most women will never have a problem due to the size or shape of their labia.

What are the symptoms of labial hypertrophy?

If you have mild labial hypertrophy, you may not notice it. Labia minora, however, are much more sensitive than the protective labia majora. That’s why enlarged labia minora can cause a noticeable bulge in your clothing, especially when you are wearing a bathing suit.

Other symptoms of labial minora hypertrophy include:

• Hygiene problems

  If the area is overly sensitive, you may be inclined to avoid touching it. It can also be trickier to clean between the folds of skin, particularly during your period. This may lead to chronic infections.

• Irritation

  Long labia can rub on your underwear. Prolonged friction can lead to rough, irritated skin that’s very sensitive.

• Pain and discomfort

  Enlarged labia can hurt during physical activities, especially those that put pressure on the genital area. A few examples are horseback riding and bike riding. Pain and discomfort can also occur during sexual foreplay or intercourse.

What causes labial hypertrophy?

Exactly why the labia to grow bigger isn’t always clear. Causes may include the following:

• Due to genetics, your labia may have been that way since birth.

• As estrogen and other female hormones increase during puberty, many changes take place, including growth of the labia minora.

• During pregnancy, increased blood flow to the genital area can increase pressure and lead to a feeling of heaviness.

• In some cases, labial hypertrophy may occur due to infection or trauma to the area.

What happens during a Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure done in out office under anesthesia. During the procedure, the excess part of labia minora (inner tissues of the female genitalia) is removed and sutured so that it is symmetrical with the labia majora (outer part of the female genitalia.