Is labia-reduction surgery safe? 

Mar 14, 2006

I'm thinking of having labia-reduction surgery.  Can you tell me about the risks involved? 

Labioplasty is a surgical procedure to shorten or restructure the labia minora (the inner lips of the vagina).  It's typically performed on women with large or abnormal labia who experience discomfort, particularly during sex or athletic activities.  However, there are women who get the procedure because they feel self-conscious about their appearance.  In fact, the number of women who receive labioplasty for purely cosmetic reasons is growing, though it's still relatively uncommon. 

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As with any surgery, there are certain risks, such as infection, bleeding, and bruising, as well as post-op tenderness and recovery time.  But labioplasty can also cause nerve damage to the area, which would result in diminished sensation during sex.  If there's substantial scar tissue, it's possible to lose sensation completely.  Another potential complication: chronic below-the-belt pain. 

If you're thinking of having the surgery just because you want to look "sexier," realize that every woman's vulva is unique.  There's no "ideal" of what your genitals should look like.  But, if your sex life is suffering due to pain or serious body image issues, talk to your ob/gyn for more specific details about the procedure, to find out if you're an appropriate candidate and, if necessary, to get a recommendation for a reputable board-certified plastic surgeon.  Just make sure you weigh all the pros and cons before making any decision.