Many women experience discomfort in their daily lives due to enlarged or elongated labia minora. This issue can lead to constant rubbing, pinching, or irritation, especially when wearing fitted clothing, during physical activity, or during intimate moments.
Labiaplasty is a safe outpatient procedure that addresses this discomfort by reshaping and reducing the labia minora. It can provide both physical relief and greater confidence. Dr. Mussat has extensive experience performing labiaplasty to bring comfort and relief to women of all ages and backgrounds.
When Labia Cause More Than Aesthetic Concerns
For some women, the inner labia naturally extend beyond the outer labia. This can be a normal anatomical variation, but it often creates real physical challenges. Common concerns include:
- Rubbing or chafing from leggings, swimwear, or underwear
- Pinching or discomfort during exercise, especially cycling or running
- Pain or pulling during intercourse
- Difficulty maintaining personal hygiene
- Feeling self-conscious about the appearance of the area
These issues may be present from puberty, or may develop over time due to aging, childbirth, or hormonal changes. When discomfort interferes with quality of life, labiaplasty offers a practical and effective solution.
What Labiaplasty Does
Labiaplasty reduces the size or alters the shape of the labia minora to create a more balanced and comfortable contour. The goal is to relieve discomfort while preserving natural appearance and sensation. There are two main surgical techniques:
- Trim Technique: Removes the outer edges of the labia, creating a smooth, even border. This is often chosen when the edge is darkened or irregular.
- Wedge Technique: Removes a small wedge-shaped section of tissue from the center of the labia, allowing the natural outer edge to remain intact.
Dr. Mussat will determine which technique is most appropriate based on your anatomy and preferences. The procedure is usually completed in under 90 minutes, with most patients returning home the same day.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery from labiaplasty is relatively quick and uncomplicated for most patients. Mild swelling, bruising, and sensitivity are expected during the first few days. Here is a general overview of what you can expect:
- Days 1 to 3: Swelling and tenderness are most noticeable. Cold compresses, rest, and prescribed medication help manage symptoms.
- Week 1: Swelling begins to reduce. You can walk and do light activities. Avoid sitting for long periods.
- Weeks 2 to 3: Most patients return to desk jobs or remote work. Stitches dissolve on their own. Some light itching may occur during the healing process.
- Weeks 4 to 6: Light exercise can resume. Intense physical activity or stretching should still be avoided.
- Weeks 6 to 8: Most patients are cleared for full activity, including intercourse and exercise.
- Months 3 to 6: Final results become visible as swelling resolves. Scars soften and fade.
Dr. Mussat will monitor your healing progress and provide detailed aftercare instructions at every stage.
How Labiaplasty Improves Everyday Comfort
Many patients are surprised by how much easier daily life becomes after labiaplasty. The procedure often allows women to return to activities they previously avoided or found uncomfortable.
Clothing Fit
After surgery, wearing form-fitting clothing such as leggings, skinny jeans, or swimsuits typically feels much more comfortable. Patients report that rubbing and shifting are no longer issues.
Exercise and Movement
Running, cycling, yoga, and other physical activities become less irritating when there is no excess tissue to pinch or chafe. Some women find they can return to exercises they had stopped doing altogether.
Sexual Activity
Labiaplasty can reduce discomfort during intercourse, especially if excess tissue was being pulled or pinched. Many patients also feel more confident about their appearance, which can positively impact intimacy.
Optional Enhancements for a Balanced Result
In some cases, additional procedures may be recommended to enhance the overall outcome:
- Clitoral Hood Reduction: When excess tissue around the clitoris is present, a minor adjustment can improve symmetry and reduce moisture buildup. This does not affect sensation.
- Fat Grafting or Filler to the Labia Majora: If the outer labia have lost volume, they can be gently augmented for improved coverage and balance.
- Scar Revision: If previous trauma or childbirth left visible perineal scars, these can often be refined at the same time.
These additions are not required. Dr. Mussat will discuss options only if they are appropriate and aligned with your goals.
Safety, Scarring, and Sensation
Labiaplasty is a safe, low-risk procedure when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Fine, dissolvable sutures are used, and incisions are placed in discreet locations. Scars are typically faint and fade well over time. Sensation is preserved because the surgical approach avoids deep dissection near nerve-dense areas.
Most patients report improved comfort and sensitivity following healing. Any risks, including bleeding, infection, or delayed healing, are rare and will be discussed fully during your consultation.
Is Labiaplasty Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for labiaplasty if:
- You experience discomfort from clothing, workouts, or intimacy.
- You feel self-conscious about the appearance of the labia.
- You are in good general health and able to follow after-care instructions.
- You have realistic expectations for surgery and healing.
During your consultation, Dr. Mussat will perform a physical examination and talk with you about your symptoms and goals. Together, you will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Schedule a Consultation
You do not need to live with daily discomfort or physical limitations caused by enlarged labia.
Labiaplasty is a precise, effective procedure that can relieve symptoms, restore confidence, and help you feel more at ease in your body.
To schedule a private consultation with Dr. Mussat, please call (312) 751-9000 or fill out our online form. We are here to answer your questions and help you explore your options in a safe, supportive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose sensitivity after surgery?
No. Sensation is preserved through careful technique. Many women experience greater comfort and ease after healing.
When can I return to exercise?
Light activity resumes after two to three weeks. Most patients return to full workouts after six weeks with clearance from Dr. Mussat.
Will I need surgery on both sides?
Not always. Labiaplasty can be performed on one or both sides, depending on your anatomy.
Are the results permanent?
Results are long-lasting. Future pregnancy or weight changes can affect tissue over time, but most women do not require repeat treatment.
Can I have children after labiaplasty?
Yes. The procedure does not affect fertility or your ability to deliver vaginally.
Though talking about your most intimate body part can be awkward, labiaplasty has soared in popularity over the past five years. This surgery can improve your confidence when you wear a swimsuit or are in an intimate moment with your partner.
Your labia’s appearance can be a sensitive topic to discuss with a stranger, especially a man. However, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat offers a woman’s perspective, combined with extensive medical expertise. You can feel comfortable talking to her about such a delicate subject.
What Is Labiaplasty Surgery?
The goal of a labiaplasty is to reduce the size of the labia. You may be a good candidate for this surgery if you are self-conscious about one of your vaginal lips being longer than the other or you want to reduce the size of both labia so they no longer pull, chafe, or cause embarrassment.
Whether you’re in the earliest stages of considering a labiaplasty or you’ve already scheduled your consultation, understanding the process can help you feel confident with your choice. Below is a brief overview of what you can look forward to at each step of your labiaplasty journey, from consultation to recovery.
The Labiaplasty Consultation
Dr. Mussat begins every plastic surgery with a private consultation, which is your opportunity to discuss your health, concerns, and overall goals. This in-person meeting helps her determine if you’re a good candidate for labiaplasty and, if so, create your personalized surgical plan. Arrive at your consultation prepared to talk about any medical conditions and if you’re a smoker.
Next, she’ll conduct a physical exam to understand your concerns and evaluate if labiaplasty is an optimal choice. Afterward, she will answer any questions you might have about the surgery, recovery, and downtime.
Preparing for Your Labiaplasty
After your surgery, you’ll need a trustworthy adult to drive you home from surgery. You will want to take at least one week off from work or daily responsibilities. Arrange for help around the house so you can fully focus on resting and allowing your body to heal. Prepare nutritious meals to eat during recovery, and pick up prescriptions or other supplies.
What Is the Labiaplasty Procedure Like?
Dr. Mussat will use one of two labiaplasty methods – wedge or trim.
With the wedge technique, Dr. Mussat will remove a V-shaped section of tissue from the labia, preserving the outside edges. Then, she sutures the edges together to create a natural youthful shape.
In performing the trim method, Dr. Mussat excises excess labia tissue from the outer edge before closing with sutures. This approach ensures the labia will appear pinker, which some patients prefer.
Dr. Mussat performs labiaplasty as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. You will return home on the day of surgery.
Labiaplasty Recovery
After the operation, expect to rest and recover for about one week. During this time, you can use pain medications and ice packs for optimal comfort. Expect mild discomfort and swelling and follow Dr. Mussat’s specific post-surgery instructions. You’ll notice an improvement once swelling diminishes after a few weeks.
While healing, you’ll need to avoid exercise and other strenuous activities for about four weeks and refrain from sexual activity for four to six weeks.
Request a Chicago Labiaplasty Consultation
To schedule your labiaplasty consultation, call our office at (312) 751-9000 or contact us online.
The term “labiaplasty” isn’t well known, and this is because it involves a woman’s most intimate area. And yet, for several very practical reasons, more and more women are choosing to seek advice regarding labiaplasty and undergo the procedure to reduce the size and improve the symmetry of their labial tissue.
Labia size and shape are as individual as eye color, and there is considerable variety to what is considered normal. However, when a woman’s labia are significantly elongated, the excess tissue can cause discomfort, get in the way of everyday functions such as physical activities or the wearing of tight clothing, or be subject to recurring hygiene issues as well as infections.
What Is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty surgery reduces the size of the labia minora (inner tissues of the female genitalia), making it flush with the labia majora (outer part of the female genitalia). During the labiaplasty procedure, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat trims off the excess tissue and allows the lips of the labia minora to sit tucked neatly within the labia majora. Depending on the patient’s surgical needs, the procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Why Have Labiaplasty Surgery in Chicago?
Women often choose to have labiaplasty surgery when they find that their labia minora are too large and protrude beyond the labia majora, putting the labia minora at risk of becoming irritated, infected, or even damaged.
For moms, the vaginal birthing process might have caused the labia to stretch considerably to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Alternatively, a congenital deformity, something with which a woman may be born, or even an injury, could have caused this enlarged size.
What Labiaplasty Surgery Procedures Are There?
Labiaplasty surgery is performed to reduce the size of labial tissue or create symmetry to labia that are unusually shaped. Dr. Mussat uses two different procedures for accomplishing this: the wedge and trim methods. The wedge method removes a v-shaped wedge from the labia minora, leaving the outer edge intact. The trim method removes surplus labial skin from the outer edges of the labia minora.
While the operation itself is typically completed in less than two hours, certain lifestyle adjustments need to be maintained for at least six weeks afterward for the recovery process to complete successfully. These include avoiding strenuous activities and abstaining from sex.
Am I a Good Candidate for Labiaplasty in Chicago?
Candidates best suited for labiaplasty are generally women who experience discomfort due to:
- Feeling self-conscious about overly-large or unusually shaped labia.
- Discomfort experienced when riding a bike or wearing tight-fitting clothing.
- Have labia that easily become pinched or chafed during everyday activities.
Your Next Steps with Dr. Florence Mussat
As a woman, you should never have to experience physical discomfort or embarrassment due to unusually shaped or enlarged labia. With labiaplasty, female plastic surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat can reshape your labia and provide a resized and symmetrical look to reduce your discomfort and let you get back to normal.
To schedule a private consultation with Dr. Mussat in Chicago and learn more about the aesthetic and physical benefits of labiaplasty, contact her office by calling (312) 751-9000 today.
Labiaplasty is often referred to as being the little operation with the big recovery time. While the operation itself is brief, usually performed under local anesthesia and takes less than two hours, certain lifestyle adjustments need to be maintained for at least six weeks afterward. If you’re planning to book a labiaplasty consultation soon, here’s what you need to know to form a recovery schedule:
5 Things Facts about Labiaplasty Recovery
1. Labiaplasty recovery is not usually very painful, but some soreness is to be expected.
Most women experience some soreness and swelling for three to five days after their operation. In rare cases, this tenderness can last for up to two weeks. To maximize comfort, you’ll be given prescription painkillers after your surgery. Remember: it’s easier to prevent pain than it is to control it once it’s flared up. We suggest taking your first dose of medication before your anesthetic has worn off.
Adjusting your lifestyle will help, too. Try to spend the week after your surgery resting on your back in bed; only get up when necessary and avoid placing pressure on the area by sitting up directly. Instead, prop your body up on pillows if you want to read or watch TV. Note that cool compresses can be a great way to reduce pain and swelling.
2. You should plan to take at least one week off work.
Sitting, walking, and other normal activities will be painful right after you have surgery. You’ll need to take at least one full week off work to rest and recover. If you have a highly active job (one where you’re often required to bend down or lift heavy objects), you will probably need to take two weeks off, or longer. When you come in for a labiaplasty consultation, make sure to discuss the demands of your job with Dr. Mussat.
3. You’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise for at least one full month after your labiaplasty.
The tissues of the labia minora are extremely delicate. They remain prone to tearing for weeks—even after your sutures are gone. You will need to limit all forms of strenuous activity, like vigorous exercise and lifting heavy objects, for one month after having a labiaplasty. If you try exercising after this amount of time has passed and discover that it still causes you pain, you should stop immediately and wait another two weeks.
Note that some forms of exercise, such as cycling, should be avoided for at least six weeks after having this type of operation. Cycling places a great deal of pressure on the treatment area and must be approached with caution.
4. You’ll need to abstain from sex for six weeks after having a labiaplasty.
The amount of friction involved in sexual activity creates a strong risk of tearing. To ensure complete healing and reduce the risk of infection, you’ll need to avoid sex for six weeks after having a labiaplasty.
5. Mild lingering or periodic soreness for weeks or months after labiaplasty is normal.
Scar tissue takes a long time to fully mature (usually between six months to one year). In the meantime, it’s normal for this type of tissue to sometimes become slightly inflamed, causing minor soreness or irritation. If this happens to you, don’t panic; apply a cool compress to the area and rest it. If you have severe soreness, redness, and inflammation, you should see a doctor right away to rule out the possibility of infection.
As a final note, after your operation, you’ll be given special bathing instructions and a disinfecting cleanser. Make sure to use this cleanser to minimize the risk of infection, as the area is particularly prone to developing post-surgical infections.
Booking Your Labiaplasty Consultation
If you have any questions about this procedure, or you’re ready to book a consultation, contact us. Dr. Mussat is a highly experienced female plastic surgeon who has extensive knowledge about this procedure. She’ll be happy to answer your questions and put your mind at ease about having a labiaplasty. While labiaplasty recovery involves some lifestyle adjustments, the rewards of this procedure—increased comfort and confidence —are well worth it.
If you’re like most women, the idea of having your “lady parts” operated on probably induces a cringe. However, it’s important not to discount the many potential benefits of labiaplasty surgery. Today, more and more women are choosing to have this operation to improve both their sex lives and their self-confidence. Here’s what you need to know before booking a consultation:
What is Labiaplasty Surgery?
Labiaplasty is not highly invasive, but due to the delicate nature of the tissues involved, it’s important to find the right surgeon and adhere to proper recovery protocol. During labiaplasty, your surgeon will numb your labial area with local anesthetic, meaning you won’t feel any pain during this procedure. Your surgeon will then make a series of small incisions and remove any loose skin that is present before suturing the tissue closed so that it can heal. The process typically takes under two hours, and you’ll be able to go home soon after. Just expect to be very careful with the area that’s been operated on for the next four to six weeks: You’ll be given special cleaning instructions to prevent infection and you’ll be asked to avoid any vigorous activity, including sex. Remember that the tissue will be prone to tearing while it’s still healing, so proper care is of the utmost importance.
Most labiaplasty patients can return to work after about one week. If you work a highly active job, however, this may not be the case. Make sure to discuss your career with Dr. Mussat when you come in for a consultation; this way, she can help you plan your recovery properly.
Why Do Some Women Need to Have a Labiaplasty?
The labia minora (the fragile, hairless folds of skin that surround the vagina) are usually housed within the tougher, hair-covered labia majora. This arrangement prevents the labia minora from becoming irritated or damaged during normal activities; meanwhile, the labia minora help to seal off the vagina so that dirt and bacteria don’t get inside.
In some women, however, this natural arrangement is out of order. Their labia minora are too large and therefore protrude beyond the labia majora, putting the labia minora at risk of damage and irritation. This condition can either occur due to a congenital defect (that is to say, the woman is born with it or develops it during puberty) or due to the stresses of childbirth. During vaginal birth, the labia must stretch to many times its normal size in order to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Sometimes the labia minora are able to return to their usual size, but more often than not, they remain enlarged. For this reason, labiaplasty surgery is often included as part of a mommy makeover.
What are the Benefits of Labiaplasty?
If you’re suffering from an enlarged labia minora, you stand to gain a lot from labiaplasty surgery:
1. Labiaplasty will dramatically reduce irritation and your risk of infection.
Because the labia minora are so delicate, even normal movements (like walking and sitting down) can cause the labia minora to chafe if they’re not protected by the labia majora. Over time, this chafing becomes chronic and damaging, increasing a woman’s risk of infection. By placing the labia minora inside the labia majora, labiaplasty can greatly increase comfort and prevent this risk.
2. Labiaplasty can improve your sex life.
Labiaplasty enhances sexuality in a couple of different ways. One, it’s been shown to improve vaginal sensation, making it easier for women to achieve climax. Two, by making the labia minora smaller, labiaplasty can reduce chafing during sex. This makes sex less painful and more enjoyable for women who were previously impacted by an enlarged labia minora.
3. Labiaplasty can reduce self-consciousness.
Even though having an enlarged labia minora is nothing to be ashamed of, many women with this condition feel extremely self-conscious about the appearance of their vaginal area. This can cause them to avoid intimacy, placing a strain on their relationships and their personal happiness. Labiaplasty is therefore often vital to helping women affected by congenital or pregnancy-related labial abnormalities reclaim a healthy sex life.
Learn More About Labiaplasty
In terms of comfort, confidence, and sexual enjoyment, few procedures can match what the labiaplasty has to offer. If you would like to know more about this procedure, feel free to contact us and schedule a consultation. As a female plastic surgeon, Dr. Mussat can answer any questions you may have with compassion and insight.
