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Labiaplasty is Liberating

Just like there is no "normal penis," there's a wide range of normal-appearing vaginas. Some labia are long and narrow. Some labia have one side enlarged and one side short. Some labia are rough and dark, while some are thin and smooth. Like a fingerprint or a snowflake, no two labia are alike, even on the same person.

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Do I Need a Labiaplasty?

I want to take a moment here to pause and state the following: Plastic surgery is only ONE way to achieve empowerment. It is not THE way and certainly not the ONLY way. Whenever we are bothered by our appearance, we have a choice: to accept how we are or to change it with plastic surgery. Each option is empowered, and each option is equally valid.

Most women seek labiaplasty in Orlando for appearance reasons, specifically because of the labia minora "show," where the inner labia (the labia minora) protrudes beyond the outer labia (the labia majora). The labia minora are reduced – not removed – so that there is a more "tucked in" look to the vagina, especially when standing.

Large labia minora can also be symptomatic in that they can get in the way of activities, clothing, and intercourse. A labiaplasty reduces the labia minora to alleviate these symptoms.

Labiaplasty Is Liberating

We wear nice clothes, exercise, and present our best selves to the world. When intimate, in our own private world, we endeavor to feel that same degree of confidence. A labiaplasty is a freeing and empowering procedure for many women, providing confidence, alleviating self-consciousness, and aiding in body positivity.

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A Labiaplasty Reduces the Labia Minora

​In simplest terms, a labiaplasty in Orlando is a procedure for reducing the inner labia, the labia minora. Of course, expert plastic surgery is never simple. There are an amazing number of nuances involved in reducing the labia minora in the most aesthetic—and safest—way possible. Much like upper eyelid surgery, it isn't just removing eyelid skin; nerves, vessels, lymphatics, and many other critical structures are involved in expert labiaplasty surgery.

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Before and after labiaplasty with hood reduction.

The PostOPP Podcast

The Clitoral Hood or Prepuce Should Also Be Reduced at the Same Time

The clitoral hood, or prepuce, should always be addressed at the time of a labiaplasty. In fact, a labiaplasty is incomplete in most cases unless a clitoral hood reduction (aka hoodectomy) is also performed. Naturally, the sensation is completely preserved with hood reduction because only the most superficial skin is removed, about the thickness of a skin graft. 

If the clitoral hood is not reduced, the upper part of the vagina can stick out or be more prominent. Some women have described this to me as a "small penis." Needless to say, that is not the goal. A labiaplasty should have a balanced look of the top, middle, and bottom portions of the vulva (the outward-appearing vagina). In the ideal, no single area of the vagina protrudes more than the other. 

In some cases, a perineoplasty is also performed during a labiaplasty and hood reduction. The perineum is the space between the anus and vagina. In some women, this tissue can also be prominent and protrude. To get a balanced look, tissue may need to be removed from this area.

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Is My Vagina Normal? Why Do I Have Long Labia?

​We’ve all wondered if our bodies are normal at some point in our lives. For most of us, these questions begin at puberty, when we rapidly experience changes in our bodies.
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For men, breast development (gynecomastia) can be a source of stress: breasts are feminine traits and can be quite distressing. Similarly, enlargement of the genitalia in women, specifically the labia minora, can be perceived as a masculine trait. As such, large inner labia can be distressing to young women and is homologous to breast development in men (gynecomastia).

That said, all of these changes are actually normal. And by “normal,” I mean that an estimated 20% of young adults of both sexes experience these types of changes with puberty. But the question isn’t really a question of “normal.” We know that we are all different! The question is really this: do my labia minora bother me? Do they physically bother me? Do they emotionally bother me? Or is it a combination of both?

Why Women Seek Labiaplasty

Women seek labiaplasty — reduction of the inner labia, the labia minora — for two main reasons:

  1. They don't like the way the labia look
  2. They don't like the way the labia feel

In reality, women seek labiaplasty because of both self-consciousness AND discomfort. Click below for an in-depth discussion on changes in labia appearance over time. 

Is My Vagina Normal?

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Let’s Look More Closely at These Two Reasons for Pursuing a Labiaplasty

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Reason 1: To Change the Appearance of the Inner “Lips”

Labiaplasty Can Reduce Long-Hanging Labia

While large inner "lips" or inner labia can be attractive to some, most women want a "tucked in" look to the labia minora, which is mostly or completely hidden by the outer labia, the labia majora. A labiaplasty reduces the inner labia so that the outer labia covers them when standing.

Large labia can cause a large number of functional issues. For example:

  • Long inner labia get in the way of clothing, exercise, and intercourse. Yoga pants, tight jeans, bikini bottoms, and thong underwear can be a problem for women with large labia. Not only do the labia pinch and pull in certain clothes, but they can become visible in certain clothing. This leads women with large labia to avoid certain clothing.
  • Large labia can interfere with exercise. Women often will tell me that they have to adjust themselves while running or doing yoga, which is a source of distress and discomfort.
  • Long labia can get physically in the way of sex. Sometimes the inner labia will get pulled into the vagina during intercourse, leading to injury, tearing, and pain. 
  • Large labia can actually cause yeast infections. Because of the labia's infolding, fungal infections can become more common, resulting in chronic yeast infections.
  • Long inner lips can cause challenges with hygiene. Urination can be a problem because the urine stream can be affected by labia. In addition, toilet paper can get caught in larger labia, making cleanliness challenging.

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Standing view with labia minora "show" beyond the outer labia.

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Large labia before and after showing toilet paper getting caught in the folds before treatment.

Labiaplasty Can Smooth Out the Rough Labia Edge That Doesn’t Look “Neat” to Some Women

Folds on the labia minora edge cannot only look rough, but they can also cause hygiene issues. Beyond that, many women want a smooth look to the outer labia. The best way to achieve this is with an edge labiaplasty to remove the rough edge and replace it with a more smooth contour.

Right: Before and after labiaplasty with prominent rough edges or rugae in the before picture. While normal, they can be a source of distress. The after picture shows the results after labiaplasty with a smoother edge to the labia minora.

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Labiaplasty Can Remove Dark Pigment on the Edge of the Labia Minora

A dark edge of the inner labia is the result of hormones, particularly estrogen. The more time that estrogen circulates in the body, the darker the labia minora can get. This is why the inner labia can become darker and darker over time. There is no safe way to lighten the inner labia. The best treatment is to remove the dark edge if this is bothersome to you. A wedge labiaplasty discussed further below does not remove the dark pigment or rough edge, as well as my modified edge technique. (Of note, the outer labia anal area can be lightened with bleaching cream and pads, which can be found in our store.)

Right: Labiaplasty can remove the dark edge of the inner labia.

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Labiaplasty Can Make the Inner Labia More Symmetrical

Asymmetry, where one labia is larger than the other, is very common. Like one testis hanging lower than the other in men, one labia is often longer than the other in women. While this is normal, the long labia can fold, pinch, and pull, becoming irritated. Moreover, we all would love to think that we are a mirror image, and if surgery can bring us closer to that goal, then it can be a welcome solution.

Labiaplasty Can Repair Trauma and Injury to the Labia From Childbirth

While less common, women can experience tearing of the inner labia during childbirth. Much like a perineal tear occurs very characteristically at the bottom of the vagina, a labia minora tear during childbirth occurs right where the clitoris and labia meet. This is called the clitoral frenulum.

Reason 2: Large Labia Can Make Women Self-Conscious

Large labia can make some women feel self-conscious. ​The reasons for this are complex and deeply embedded in our biology. For example, why are large male genitalia sought after and seen as masculine in most cultures? The answers lie deep within our anthropology. Regardless, large genitalia is universally seen as a masculine trait. On the opposite side of masculinity is femininity. This is a simple truth: the yin-and-yang of our species. 

Because of these internalized, deep-seated sentiments, large hanging genitalia in women can be seen as undesirable and masculine. This is not a hard and fast rule, and it is certainly not my rule; it is just my experience as a physician and labiaplasty specialist.

Feelings of self-consciousness are a major reason why women pursue labiaplasty. Not only do some women feel that the appearance of the labia is not feminine, but they also are concerned about what their partners may think about their large labia. There are many misconceptions about the causes of large labia, and one of my missions is to dispel these myths about large labia minora. That said, if you are ever made to feel bad about the way your labia look, FIND A DIFFERENT PARTNER. No one should ever make someone else feel bad about their appearance, not the appearance of their vagina or any other part of their body.

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The Labia Minora Grow During Puberty and Pregnancy in Response to Estrogen

The labia minora grow during puberty and pregnancy in response to estrogen. Since that's one of the most important sentences on this page, I will bold it.

This answers women's most common question about labiaplasty: What causes large inner labia? Why does this happen to some women? Why did it happen to me? 

Since labia minora grow during puberty and pregnancy, it is worth noting what does NOT cause large labia:

  • Large inner labia are NOT caused by intercourse
  • Large inner labia are NOT caused by masturbation
  • Large inner labia are NOT caused by promiscuity

These are unfortunate misconceptions about the labia minora that have no basis in reality. My goal is to dispel these notions and to provide a safe place for women to discuss the issues they are having with their genital anatomy.

Labiaplasty Before & After

View Our Labiaplasty Gallery

The Difference Between Wedge and Edge Labiaplasty

When I first started my practice, I performed the wedge labiaplasty. I no longer do so. There are three main reasons why the edge labiaplasty, or as I call it, the modified edge labiaplasty, is superior to the wedge.

  1. The wedge labiaplasty can split, causing a gap in the labia minora
  2. The wedge labiaplasty does not remove the dark pigment or rough edge of the labia minora
  3. The wedge labiaplasty does not remove enough tissue in many cases

Unfortunately, labiaplasty can result in a poor outcome when unreliable methods are used or an inexperienced surgeon performs the procedure.

Read how to avoid a bad labiaplasty outcome here.

For these reasons, the best technique, in my experience, is the modified edge labiaplasty. Compared to the wedge, the modified edge labiaplasty:

  • Allows removal of the rough edge and dark pigmentation
  • Allows a more even removal of the labia minora
  • Reduces the clitoral hood for balance
  • Heals beautifully!

Learn More About Wedge vs. Edge Labiaplasty

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How the Consultation Works

Let's face it: Vaginal examinations are awkward. That's the facts. Doctors visits aren't really fun, and GYN visits – as I am told – are not exactly a picnic. Here are the ways I make a labiaplasty exam NOT AS AWKWARD AS YOU THINK:

  • I perform 2-4 labiaplasty exams every day, and I'm a professional. Always.
  • There is NO SPECULUM
  • There is NO PAP SMEAR
  • It is a LOOKING-ONLY exam, guided by you with a mirror
  • In fact, the only touching is with a Q-Tip
  • The exam takes 5-10 seconds. Yes, seconds.

Your Period and Labiaplasty

There's no good time to have your period, as I am told. This is true in labiaplasty as in life. Many women are embarrassed by the idea of having their period at the time of medical examinations and procedures such as labiaplasty. From a medical perspective, it really doesn't matter. If you review my before and after labiaplasty photos, you will notice more than one woman wearing a tampon in the before OR after photo. It may be uncomfortable to you, but to me, it's a regular day and a regular part of examining my female patients. Since you're going to have your period at some point during your care with us, it is best to schedule your consult, procedure, and follow-ups based on your life. This process can be stressful, and there's no need to add to that by working around your period. But of course, whatever makes you feel the most comfortable is the right answer!

Shaving and Labiaplasty

Similarly, some women feel uncomfortable with the idea of not shaving after their labiaplasty or of being examined in follow-up without having shaved. Again, whether or not you have shaved is highly irrelevant to me and my nurse. We don't notice. Promise. That said, in terms of the aftercare, we recommend against shaving for six weeks after labiaplasty. Trimming the pubic area, however, is recommended before surgery.

Out-of-Town Patients

Out-of-town patients are about 1/3 of all of our labiaplasty patients. That means you're in good company, and we know exactly how to guide you through every step of the way. If you'd like to start things, click HERE to set up a virtual consultation. Here, you will get a chance to speak with me by phone and go over your concerns and goals for labiaplasty surgery. I will still meet you the day before your surgery or the morning of, depending on your preference, where we can discuss things in more detail. We often request that our patients stay in town just one night after surgery to ensure everything is OK before you travel. For general information on the out-of-town process, where to stay, and the location of our clinic, click HERE.

The PreOPP Visit

The pre-operative visit is a chance to go over your aftercare instructions and to have any questions about labiaplasty answered. My clinical nurse will also take photographs for our records. Please know that your privacy is hugely important to me and my staff. We don't save your name with your photographs EVER, and we NEVER post or share photos without your direct written and verbal approval. That includes on this very website and, of course, on social media. 

How Much Does a Labiaplasty Cost?

The cost for a Labiaplasty in Orlando with Dr. Oppenheimer starts at $6,495. Contact us to find out more information and to schedule a consultation.

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Type of Anesthesia: It’s Up to You

There are three options for anesthesia with a labiaplasty, and I offer them all:

  1. Local anesthesia: You are awake with a tiny needle poke on each side
  2. Local anesthesia with valium: You are a little sleepy, and the needle doesn’t hurt as much
  3. Local with IV sedation ("twilight anesthesia"): You are asleep, and you won’t feel a thing

This part is entirely up to you. Some women feel that they want to be awake for the entire process, perhaps because they are nervous about anesthesia. Other women want to be asleep for the entire process, perhaps because they are nervous about surgery! It's up to you, but either way, I will make sure you are comfortable. Many of the videos on my website were performed wide awake under option 1. I am very gentle with the needle and thread!

The Day of Your Labiaplasty

Depending on your choice of anesthesia, you will either drive yourself or take an Uber (option 1), or you will have a family member, friend, or spouse accompany you (options 2 and 3). You'll arrive at our private surgery center, the same place where you had your consult, and we will put you in a gown. You'll have a urine pregnancy test. From there, we'll give you some oral medications or an IV if you're having twilight anesthesia for your labiaplasty. We will handle the rest! The surgery takes about 1.5 hours, and adding another half an hour of recovery, you'll be on your way! 

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A Step-by-Step Guide to the Labiaplasty Procedure

The most critical aspect of the labiaplasty is being gentle. That's it – gentleness to the tissues. Because I have a very delicate touch, you'll see minimal swelling and bruising during the procedure. Check out the photos to see how little bleeding there is during my labiaplasty procedure.

Step-by-Step in Photos

To get a sense of how little bleeding there is during my labiaplasty procedure...

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One side complete, including labia and hood reduction. Notice how little bleeding there is in the surgical field, and how delicate the internal suture work is for this labiaplasty.

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Before and after labiaplasty, healed at 3 weeks #postOPP

How much tissue should be removed during a labiaplasty? The right amount!

The Labiaplasty Recovery

While it seems hard to believe, there's really only one tough day in the labiaplasty recovery: the first night. We often hear from patients that once the numbing medicine wears off, approximately 3-6 hours after the surgery, there is a stinging, throbbing, or burning pain. Much like a burn on the roof of your mouth or a bite on the inside of your cheek, this can be a miserable feeling. ICE IS THE KEY. Icing the area with our ice packs is the best way to provide both analgesia (pain relief) as well as swelling reduction (which in turn will also decrease pain). 

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Ice, ice, ice. Each of my patients gets these ice packs after their labiaplasty procedure.

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More transparency from me: the labiaplasty recovery in photos from 2 days to 2 weeks to 2 months #postOPP.

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Our PostOPP Promise Labiaplasty Guaranteed: Free revisions. Complications covered.

That’s how confident I am with the work we are doing here. If you’re not happy with your results and I can fix them, there’s no charge for any revision work for an entire year #postOPP. As long as you don’t get pregnant or gain weight, I will get you the results you deserve. The same goes for complications. They are so rare that if you have any problems that require urgent plastic surgery in my facility, you won’t be charged a penny. I stand by what I do.

​And I’m rewarding your trust with my guarantee.

Our On-Site Pharmacy

As a fully licensed in-office pharmacy, we provide effortless access to all the medications essential for your post-labiaplasty recovery. Fill your prescriptions conveniently on-site, take advantage of our package pricing, and explore a comprehensive list of available medications tailored to enhance your comfort and ease during the healing process.

We Are on Call 24/7 for You

In over 500 labiaplasty surgeries, I've had only one emergency, which was a hematoma that was bleeding into the incision. While stressful for the patient, it was a very quick fix: we went right back into surgery and stopped the bleeding. The patient did great and had no adverse problems whatsoever. I'm along for the journey, not just the surgery. Every one of my patients gets a special "medic-alert" bracelet with our on-call hotline number. My nurses will pick up the phone to answer. We are here for you!

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Labiaplasty Videos

Click to watch our labiaplasty videos.

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Scars Are Invisible After Labiaplasty

I use a 5-0 buried monocryl suture for my labiaplasty procedures. This is totally absorbable suture, and there is no "baseball" stitching. This means that the scars are imperceptible. Like the inside of the mouth, the vagina doesn't scar in the same way as skin. The area you will see most from your labiaplasty scar is shiny, and your partner will never be able to tell you had a labiaplasty performed.

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Before and after labiaplasty with no visible scarring at 3 months #postOPP

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Another close-up view of the labiaplasty scar. Invisible.

Liberation Awaits.

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Why Choose Me?

At Oppenheimer Plastic Surgery in Orlando, FL, you're in the hands of a top-notch surgeon who cares about your well-being. Before your labiaplasty, I carefully review every detail and visualize the procedure for the best results. I believe in a gentle approach, not just because it feels right but because it plays a big role in your healing.

Think of me as a caring pediatrician dedicated to your medical care and how you look and feel. I'm passionate about helping women reclaim their bodies, which keeps me going daily. With a wealth of experience, I've assisted hundreds of women in feeling more confident after labiaplasty surgery. 

Recognizing limitations in available instruments for labiaplasties, I developed and designed a patented instrument that has been shared with a national surgical instrument distributor, benefiting surgeons and patients on an international scale. I'm here to give my best so you can be your best – nothing more, nothing less.

Labiaplasty FAQs

Are there any changes in sensation after labiaplasty? Will labiaplasty affect my sensation?

What causes large labia?

Do I need to have anesthesia for a labiaplasty?

How long is the labiaplasty recovery?

Does a labiaplasty hurt?

Which technique is better—edge or wedge labiaplasty?

Are there visible scars after labiaplasty?

What is the cost of labiaplasty?

Are there any changes in sensation after labiaplasty? Will labiaplasty affect my sensation?

There are no changes in sensation after labiaplasty. In over 500 labiaplasty surgeries, I don't have a single patient who has numbness or trouble with orgasm after labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction.

What causes large labia?

Hormones are responsible for large labia, particularly estrogen, at the time of puberty. Pregnancy and childbirth can also cause enlargement and elongation of the labia minora.

Do I need to have anesthesia for a labiaplasty?

The vast majority of my patients have labiaplasty under local anesthesia only. That means they can drive themselves to and from the labiaplasty surgery. For patients who are nervous about being awake for the surgery, IV sedation with my anesthesiologist can be arranged, and a driver/chaperone is required.

How long is the labiaplasty recovery?

The labiaplasty recovery takes about three days, but there is swelling for a week after labiaplasty. At three weeks, exercise can resume, and intercourse is allowed six weeks after labiaplasty surgery.

Does a labiaplasty hurt?

A labiaplasty hurts only when the local anesthesia is injected at the very beginning, almost like the feeling of a tattoo, but just for an instant. Once the first droplet of local anesthesia is infiltrated, the rest of the injections don't hurt at all.

Which technique is better—edge or wedge labiaplasty?

The edge labiaplasty is superior in every way to the wedge. The edge labiaplasty heals faster, has a smooth edge, and removes the darker pigments of the labia minora. For a deeper discussion of wedge labiaplasty, click HERE.

Are there visible scars after labiaplasty?

There are no visible scars after a labiaplasty. The mucosa of the labia minora heals much like the inside of the mouth: a smooth and slightly shiny surface will be barely visible, and there will be no scar, so no one will know you had a labiaplasty.

What is the cost of labiaplasty?

A labiaplasty in our Orlando office begins at $6,495. To learn more about our procedure pricing, our surgery prices are published HERE for your convenience.

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