Update date: 3 September 2025
Publish date: 26 May 2025
Read in: 10 min
Intimate health is an important aspect of overall well-being that every woman should care about. However, anatomical factors can sometimes make it difficult to maintain the intimate area in optimal condition, and they can also create aesthetic concerns that lead to frustration and emotional discomfort.
One such factor may be the asymmetry of the labia or dissatisfaction with their size or shape.
A permanent and effective solution to correct these concerns is labiaplasty.
What exactly does the procedure involve, and what results can you expect?
The labia minora and labia majora are part of the external female genitalia. Other structures include the mons pubis, clitoris, and the vaginal vestibule.
The primary role of the labia is to protect these delicate areas from injury, friction, and infections. However, in some cases, the size, shape, or asymmetry of the labia can impair their protective function and even contribute to recurrent irritation and infections.
The appearance of the labia minora and majora varies greatly between individuals, and not every case requires surgical intervention. Each situation should be individually evaluated by a medical professional.
The labia minora (Latin: labia minora) are delicate folds of skin that form an integral part of the external female genitalia. They protect sensitive structures such as the clitoral hood, vaginal opening, and urethra, helping prevent the entry of microorganisms and contaminants, which is crucial for infection prevention.
During sexual arousal, the tissues of the labia minora swell and become more sensitive due to increased blood flow, enhancing sexual sensation. They also help maintain moisture in the intimate area, which is important for daily comfort, sexual health, and facilitating intercourse through natural lubrication.
The labia minora also play a role in urination by helping to guide the flow of urine. Additionally, they act as a natural cushion, protecting more sensitive genital structures from physical trauma.
When the labia minora are enlarged, they may extend beyond the labia majora, causing discomfort, increased friction, and a higher risk of intimate infections.
The labia majora (Latin: labia majora) are prominent folds of skin that surround and protect the labia minora and other genital structures, including the vaginal entrance.
As with the labia minora, the appearance of the labia majora varies widely between individuals and can change over time, especially after childbirth or with aging.
Thanks to their structure and location, the labia majora provide a natural protective barrier for the more delicate internal structures. They contain fatty tissue that contributes to their volume and shape, offering cushioning and protection during everyday activities such as walking, running, or sexual intercourse.
This layer of fat, along with pubic hair that often covers the labia majora, also helps regulate the temperature of the intimate area, which is important for maintaining overall genital health.
The shape and size of the labia majora are primarily determined by genetic factors. Larger labia majora do not always warrant surgical correction. However, labiaplasty may be recommended if the labia cause physical discomfort during daily activities or lead to significant aesthetic concerns.
As previously mentioned, both enlarged labia minora and structural irregularities of the labia majora can cause noticeable discomfort or health issues for some patients.
But what factors contribute to labial hypertrophy or asymmetry in certain women?
While the size and shape of the labia are often genetically determined, several factors throughout a woman’s life can lead to changes in the anatomy of the labia. These include:
Labial hypertrophy and asymmetry can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life—from recurring infections and irritation to limitations in physical activity, sexual discomfort, and aesthetic concerns.
As a result, many women seek professional help to achieve the desired shape and size of their labia.
One of the most effective corrective methods is labiaplasty, a surgical procedure designed to reduce labial asymmetry and/or reshape and resize the labia by either enlarging or reducing their volume. It can also restore firmness and elasticity to the tissues.
At the INVICTA Anti-Aging Clinic, labiaplasty is performed using an innovative radiofrequency surgical knife, allowing for extraordinary precision and accuracy—both critical for successful labial surgery.
Before being qualified for the procedure, patients must undergo a medical consultation and provide a Pap smear result dated within six months of the surgery. Additionally, the doctor will order several tests, including a detailed gynecological exam, complete blood count, blood sugar level, HIV test, anti-HCV antibodies, and clotting profile.
Labiaplasty is performed under local anesthesia, and the surgeon may choose from several surgical techniques:
The choice of technique depends on the specific anatomical concerns. However, the overall goal is to achieve the best aesthetic outcome while minimizing nerve damage and visible scarring. An individualized approach ensures optimal results and reduces the risk of complications.
For many women, labiaplasty opens the door to a life free from discomfort, pain, and the embarrassment linked to dissatisfaction with the appearance of their intimate areas.
Like any surgical procedure, labiaplasty has specific indications, which include:
Common contraindications to labiaplasty include:
If you are unsure whether labiaplasty is right for you, it’s important to consult a specialist for personalized advice.
The vast majority of patients report a significant improvement in their quality of life after labiaplasty, confirming the procedure’s effectiveness.
Labiaplasty can reshape the labia to achieve the size and form desired by the patient.
The benefits include improved sexual satisfaction, a return to favorite physical activities, and relief from recurring infections, irritation, and associated pain.
The aesthetic appearance of the intimate area improves significantly, and in many cases, the tissues regain lost volume and firmness.
Typically, only one procedure is needed to achieve these results.
After the labiaplasty, the patient can return home the same day. The procedure does not require hospitalization.
Absorbable sutures are used, eliminating the need for painful suture removal.
Recovery typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. During this period, patients are advised to:
Tight clothing should also be avoided postoperatively to prevent discomfort.
Pain, if present, can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or cold compresses.
The surgeon will provide a schedule for follow-up appointments and specific postoperative instructions.
Following these guidelines is key to a smooth recovery, and within a few months, the effects of labiaplasty will significantly enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Labiaplasty can be supplemented with urogynaecological physiotherapy, which supports the recovery process. It improves the condition of the pelvic floor muscles and increases tissue elasticity, which facilitates scar healing and improves the comfort of everyday life. Regular physiotherapy exercises also reduce the risk of complications such as swelling or intimate infections. You will find specialists in this field at our NAMI Medical Resort and Clinic in Sopot.
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