Labiaplasty Majora
The labia majora are the outer lips of the vaginal opening, comprising of fatty and supportive tissue covered by hair bearing skin. The labia majora do not have increased nerve endings or specialized blood engorgement tissue as that in the labia minora or vagina, and therefore do not have a direct effect contributing to sexual function. However, the labia majora are visually prominent – being too large, saggy or wrinkly obviously affects the aesthetics of the vaginal area. There are specific techniques to enhance the look of the labia majora, depending on the specific concerns.
Dr. Michael Lau has been performing labiaplasty majora for over twenty-five years in Seattle, combining his training and expertise in both vaginal and cosmetic surgery. He lectures internationally on labiaplasty majora and has a patient base worldwide while maintaining emphasis in serving women in the Pacific Northwest – Washington, British Columbia, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho, particularly along the Portland OR, Seattle, WA and Vancouver BC corridor.
Dr. Lau performs labiaplasty majora using only local anesthesia (numbing medicine) and has established a well-coordinated process that allows one-day-trip surgery not only for patients from Seattle and the Washington State area, but also those from Vancouver BC, Oregon and beyond as well.
Labia majora being too large, saggy and wrinkly
This usually happens with age and after childbirth. However, one can be born with such problem or notice such concern after weight loss. The solution is reduction labiaplasty (labioplasty) of the labia majora.
Labioplasty Majora and Minora || Warning: Medical Content ||
Labia majora being too thin or wrinkly
This usually happens after childbirth, menopause or significant weight loss. Enhancement labiaplasty (labioplasty) of the labia majora can be performed to correct this specific concern. The skin wrinkles or defects can be addressed simply by injecting dermal fillers. For a more permanent solution, small volume free fat graft transfer can be performed using the micro-cannula technique along with PRP (platelet rich plasma) to enhance the graft take, to enhance the volume of the labia majora and to reduce the wrinkled appearance. This is done under local anesthesia.
Please view the following presentation by Dr. Lau regarding labioplasty minora, majora, and clitoral hood reduction:
Frequent Q&As
Q: Does labiaplasty (labioplasty) of labia majora leave a big scar?
A: Using plastic surgery principles and placing the incision in a strategic position, the visibility of the incision line can be minimized. Proper plastic surgery closure of the incision gives the optimal topographic aesthetic result.
Q: Does labiaplasty (labioplasty) of the labia majora affect sexual function?
A: The labia majora do not have increased nerve endings like the labia minora or specialized vascular elements like the clitoris and vaginal wall. Properly performed, labiaplasty (labioplasty) of the labia majora should not affect sexual function, but would improve the aesthetics of the vagina and therefore confidence during intimacy.
Q: How painful is labiaplasty (labioplasty) of the labia majora?
A: There should be no pain during the procedure with local anesthesia. The pain after surgery is usually well tolerated with oral pain medication and icing of the surgical area.
Q: What is the post-operative period like and are there limitations?
A: Most likely the patient would need prescription oral medication for a few days and then switch to over-the-counter pain medication. The patient should be able to return to usual activities in one to two weeks. The limitations are no sexual activities for six weeks, no direct impact to the vaginal area – bike riding, jumping, horseback riding, splits etc. – for six weeks. The patient can walk, do treadmill and the like a couple days after the labiaplasty (labioplasty).
American College of Surgeons
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists