What is Labia Majora Reduction?

Labia Majora Reduction and Reconstruction (LMR) or labia majoraplasty is the removal of the sagging and/or wrinkled skin from one or both sides of the labia majora (the outer hair-covered lips). Women request labia majora reduction for two primary reasons:

1. To give a more youthful and taut appearance.
2. For comfort, as some women report feeling bulky and self-conscious in a swim suit, yoga pants or underwear. Labia majora sagginess can also cause chaffing and irritation, especially with clothing, exercise and intercourse.

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of choosing a labiaplasty surgeon who is experienced and specializes in labia majora reduction surgery. This surgery is intricate and requires a high degree of expertise to achieve desired results. You do not want to entrust this part of your body to an inexperienced surgeon. Dr. Troy Robbin Hailparn of the Cosmetic Gynecology Center of San Antonio has received specialized training in this area. She has performed over 800 labiaplasties since being trained in 2003.

Labia Majora Reduction Surgery

There are surgical and non-surgical labia majora reduction procedures. Only an in-office physical exam and conversation about the patient’s expectations can determine which would be the appropriate procedure for any specific patient.

For women with a significant amount of excess skin and fat, labia majora reduction surgery may provide a solution. Labia majora reduction surgery is the removal of the sagging skin (and possibly fat) from one or both sides of the labia majora. The excess tissue is surgically reduced and then the area is pulled together with several layers of sutures to give a more youthful and taut appearance. The sutures are hidden in the creases between the labia minora and the new labia majora.

For women desiring a plumper appearance, removal of any excess or saggy skin and restoration of the fat sac will obtain that look. For those wanting a flatter look, both skin and fat can be removed. In both cases, a more youthful appearance can be achieved.

Recovery from Labia Majora Reduction Surgery

Labia majora reduction surgery is about an hour-and-a-half to two hours long in an accredited out-patient surgery center. Blood loss is a teaspoon or two. The patient leaves the surgery center on the same day and returns to our office the next day for their first post-op visit. The patient can return to work between days 4-6. Dr. Hailparn likes to have a follow-up exam at two weeks for suture removal and about eight weeks after surgery to review the surgical site, to make sure it is healed and to answer any lingering questions or concerns the patient may have.

Cost of Labia Majora Reduction Surgery

After your consult, which includes a physical exam by Dr. Hailparn, you will receive the exact cost of labia majora reduction sugery. Most times, labia majora reduction surgery is not covered or fully covered by insurance. You can read more about payment options here.

Labia Majora Reduction Without Surgery

For some patients, labia majora reduction can be achieved without surgery. Non-surgical options to improve the comfort and appearance of the labia majora include:

• radio frequency (ThermiVa)
• lasers
• platelet-rich plasma (O-Shot)
• fillers including fat

In Dr. Hailparn’s clinical experience, most woman she has treated with radio-frequency (RF) have experienced improvement in the appearance of their labia majora. This high-tech, in-office procedure causes shrinking of collagen and stimulation of new collagen over time and does not destroy cells in the process. There is no discomfort or downtime.

Lasers destroy cells to rejuvenate the skin. It’s a different process to the same end.

PRP can help by adding concentrated growth factors under the skin to stimulate healing which includes new collagen production.

Fillers are less frequently recommended as they are inconsistent in outcome. Some absorb quickly, and lumpiness under the skin can occur as well as reactions to the fillers themselves. With autologous fat as a filler, it can be absorbed back into the body over weeks to months and the labia majora returns to it’s original state before the procedure.

Some women combine labia majora reduction with labiaplasty (aka labia minora reduction). If you are interested in labia majora reduction, schedule a consultation online or call us at 210-615-6646. Dr. Hailparn is happy to address your concerns and answer all your questions in a thorough consultation.

More Labia Majora Reduction Information

• Before And After