Labioplasty and Vaginal Reconstructive Surgery

Labioplasty refers to plastic surgery of the labia minora, and is usually done for women who perceive their labia to be too long. What's too long? The average labia measures less than three centimeters from base to tip, but obviously there's a huge range of what is considered normal. 

Some women do have abnormal, excessive length to their labia; a condition referred to as labial hypertrophy. Labial hypertrophy is defined as labia that are longer than four centimeters and extend well beyond the labia majora. When measuring labia,  you should spread the labia outward (like a butterfly) and measure from the base to the tip of the triangle. Common complaints in women with long labia include vaginal irritation, discomfort during walking, sitting, or other activities. Women who requested labioplasty in one study gave the following reasons for desiring surgery:

• 87% Aesthetic dissatisfaction
• 64% Discomfort in clothing
• 26% Discomfort in playing sports
• 43% uncomfortable sex

Most women who undergo labioplasty are very satisfied with the results and are glad they went through with it even if it means a few weeks of no sex, bike riding or tight clothes.

The other vaginal plastic procedure that is frequently requested is a "vaginal tightening", or perineoplasty. Women who have had many children, large children, or vaginal tears at the time of delivery often are left with a relaxed or scarred introitus. 

Labioplasty can be performed as an outpatient or in conjunction with other procedures.

(From The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy, by Lauren Streicher.)