Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reduce and reshape the labia minora, the inner folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening. It's often pursued for both functional and aesthetic reasons, such as alleviating physical discomfort during activities like cycling or intercourse, or to address concerns about labia size and appearance. The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia, which can be local with sedation or general, depending on the patient's preference and the surgeon's recommendation. Once the area is numbed and the patient is comfortable, the surgeon marks the excess tissue that will be removed. Various techniques can be used; the most common are the trim technique, where the excess tissue is cut away to create a smaller, more evenly contoured labia, and the wedge technique, where a pie-shaped piece of tissue is excised, preserving the natural edge of the labia.

The surgeon then meticulously sutures the incisions with absorbable stitches that will dissolve over time, minimizing the need for suture removal and promoting a smoother healing process. The whole procedure typically takes about one to two hours, after which the patient is moved to a recovery area and monitored as the anesthesia wears off. Postoperative care involves maintaining good hygiene, managing pain with prescribed medications, and avoiding activities that could stress the surgical site, such as heavy lifting or sexual intercourse, for several weeks. Swelling and discomfort are common in the first few days but typically subside within a few weeks. Follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns the patient might have. The result is often a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing appearance, with improved confidence and quality of life for the patient.