A surgical procedure to remove excess tissue from the labia minora, or inner labia to aid with discomfort experienced during exercise, intercourse and/or other physical activities. A labiaplasty also addresses the aesthetic and overall appearance of the labia.
Recovery
4 weeks until resuming physical exercise
1 week off from work/household duties
Anesthesia
Local or general
Alternative Names
Labiaplasty, Vaginal Rejuvenation (Often combined with Clitoral Hood Reduction and Vaginoplasty)
Excessive or uneven development of the labia can be a great source of embarrassment and even discomfort for some women. A woman with overly large labia may experience pain during intercourse, pain when sitting or riding, difficulty using tampons, and even discomfort when walking or running.
If you have lived with this problem for years, you may be surprised to learn that this problem is easily corrected with a relatively minor procedure performed in the plastic surgery clinic.
Experience and a Patient-Centered Approach
We perform between 150 and 200 labia reductions per year, making Dr. Lista one of the most experienced labia reduction surgeons in Canada. Most importantly, Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin are dedicated to treating their labia reduction patients with dignity to ensure they feel safe and comfortable with the delicate nature of this surgery.
Contributions to International Research on the Safety of Labia Reduction
The high level of experience that Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin have achieved in labiaplasty have set them apart in the field. Not only are they recognized across Canada as skilled surgeons in this procedure, but they have also contributed to the growing international body of knowledge surrounding labia reduction surgery.
Over the years, as this procedure has developed and increased in popularity, questions have been raised about its effectiveness. A lack of published studies on the effects of this surgery has left some women and health organizations uncertain of its efficacy and wary of potential complications. As a result, Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin performed a study of 113 aesthetic labiaplasty patients over the past 7 years to examine demographic, procedural, and outcome data.
Their independent research on aesthetic labiaplasty was then published in the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Plastic surgeons around the world can now benefit from their extensive experience. Their recent study conlcuded that the technique used at The Plastic Surgery Clinic has an exceptionally low complication rate and tends to provide patients with a satisfying aesthetic outcome. Their continued dedication to this procedure promises to help women make well-informed decisions about their bodies and their health.
If you are considering this important surgery please explore the links on the left to learn more. If you have more questions about whether a labia reduction in Toronto/Mississauga is for you, please contact us [email protected] to set up a complimentary, and confidential, consultation with Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad or Dr. Austin.
What is a Labia Reduction?
Surgical correction of excessive vaginal lips is performed by Dr. Frank Lista or one of his highly trained plastic surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Clinic. Dr. Lista performs between 150–200 labia minora vaginal lip reductions per year. This makes Dr. Lista one of the most experienced labia reduction surgeons in Toronto.
How Labia Reduction Is Performed
Labia reduction, also called a labioplasty or labialplasty, is a relatively minor operation that is performed in the clinic. Minor cases can be performed under local anesthetic or freezing.
Some of our labia reduction patients prefer to have the operation performed under general anesthesia, where they are put completely asleep. If you are going to be under general anesthetic, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer your anaesthetic, stay with you during the entire operation, and will be there as you wake up.
During the operation, a small amount of labia tissue is carefully removed in order to correct the patient’s problem. Plastic surgery techniques are then used to complete the procedure including the use of small dissolving stitches.
Following your cosmetic surgery procedure, you will stay in our recovery room until you are wide awake and ready to go home. If your operation was performed under local freezing only, then you can drive yourself home. However if you’ve had a general anesthetic, then someone needs to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours.
The Best Candidates for Labia Reduction
The normal female external genitalia have two sets of labia: the labia majora and labia minora. The labia majora are the larger outer lips that are normally formed by hair-bearing skin. The labia minora are the smaller inner lips. They are more delicate and are hairless. Normally the labia minora protrude slightly beyond the level of the labia majora.
Some women have labia minora that protrude far beyond the level of the labia majora and consider this appearance unattractive or unsightly. Other women find that they have one side larger than the other. In some women, the labia minora protrudes so far that they experience discomfort and even pain. This pain can occur when sitting on bikes or stools. Some women experience pain with intercourse. In severe cases some women may experience pain when running or even walking. Fortunately, this condition can be improved by undergoing labiaplasty.
Preparing for Labia Reduction
At The Plastic Surgery Clinic, we understand that discussing the issue of elongated labia can be delicate and awkward. Toronto plastic surgeons Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin will take your concerns seriously, and will treat you with kindness, consideration and dignity, as we do with all of our labiaplasty. If you feel more comfortable with a female nurse, we will gladly ensure that one is present during your consultation.
The following images are presented for educational purposes only and should be interpreted subjectively. They do not represent the opinion or view of any patient regarding their result, and they are not intended to suggest the result that may be achieved by any other patient. The images are presented as factual guidelines and merely represent results that have been achieved by others. No two patients are alike and no two results are necessarily alike. Only a personal consultation with your surgeon can provide you with a reasonable expectation of the results you may achieve from any specific procedure.
Recovery Following Labia Reduction
Following your labiaplasty procedure you will need to wash the area with soap and water regularly and to wear a light pad or sanitary napkin for a week. Although we give all of our labia reduction patients a prescription for pain relief medications, there is actually very little pain associated with this operation.
There will be slight swelling and bruising for a few days but this subsides quickly. You should not have sex or use a tampon for 3-4 weeks following surgery. The sutures are dissolving sutures and will come out on their own. Most patients tell us that the operation hurt less and was much easier than they thought it would be.
Labia Reductions Risks & Complications
Every operation has risks and potential complications. Fortunately the vast majority of patients who undergo labia reduction have no problems with their surgery and are extremely happy with their results. Risks are rare but when they do occur additional medications or even surgery may be required. Such risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, pain with intercourse, unevenness and deformity. Most of our labiaplasty patients, however, never experience these risks as they are quite rare.
Labia Reduction Photo Gallery
Labia reduction surgery can enhance your appearance, make you feel more comfortable and improve your self-confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your labiaplasty surgeon, Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad or Dr. Austin. The results of the procedure are significant and permanent. If your expectations are realistic, chances are good that you’ll be very satisfied with your new look.
To see a selection of patient photos, browse our labia reduction photo gallery. During your complimentary consultation at The Plastic Surgery Clinic, you’ll be able to look through an extensive collection of patient photos.
Cost of a Labia Reduction
After seeing hundreds of labia reduction patients, our plastic surgeons understand how important this procedure is to so many women. Large labia can cause discomfort and embarrassment, but we would like to help. Many of our patients in the past have remarked that they thought this procedure would be out of their price range, but the financing options at The Plastic Surgery Clinic made it achievable and affordable. This is especially important because (although labiaplasty may seem necessary to an individual) OHIP and other provincial and corporate health plans rarely cover the procedure.
Consultations are always free. This is our opportunity to get to know you and your vision. And then share with you our expertise and recommendations based on 30+ years of experience, and thousands of satisfied patients.
One patient's experience...
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
You’ll arrive on the day of surgery fully prepared and confident in your outcome, because your surgeon is internationally recognized as a leader in their field. You will wake up slightly groggy and a bit uncomfortable, and head home soon after.
One patient's experience...
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
We see every patient the day after surgery. Most find their discomfort extremely manageable, thanks to the pain relief pump. Our post-op nurse will walk you through every step of your recovery and answer all your questions.
One patient's experience...
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
You and your surgeon will customize a plan to meet your needs and desired outcome.
2The PSC Procedure
All surgeries are day surgeries, done under general anesthetic at our private hospital.
3The PSC Follow Up
We see you the very next day, ensuring optimal recovery and happiness with your result.
Step 1: The PSC Consult
Consultations are always free. This is our opportunity to get to know you and your vision. And then share with you our expertise and recommendations based on 30+ years of experience, and thousands of satisfied patients.
One patient's experience...
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
You and your surgeon will customize a plan to meet your needs and desired outcome.
Step 2: The PSC Procedure
You’ll arrive on the day of surgery fully prepared and confident in your outcome, because your surgeon is internationally recognized as a leader in their field. You will wake up slightly groggy and a bit uncomfortable, and head home soon after.
One patient's experience...
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
All surgeries are day surgeries, done under general anesthetic at our private hospital.
Step 3: The PSC Follow Up
We see every patient the day after surgery. Most find their discomfort extremely manageable, thanks to the pain relief pump. Our post-op nurse will walk you through every step of your recovery and answer all your questions.
One patient's experience...
My overall experience has been nothing less than beyond exceptional! [The PSC] made me feel confident and comfortable from start to finish…
We see you the very next day, ensuring optimal recovery and happiness with your result.
Before You Go…
Did we answer all your questions? Our goal is to ensure you have the best information possible to make your decision. If you still have questions, we’re here to help.