Labiaplasty (Labia Reduction) in Toronto

What Is a Labiaplasty?

A labiaplasty or labia reduction is a surgical procedure used to improve the function and form of the labia minora and/or labia majora. Labia reduction surgery removes excess tissue from the labia majora, labia minora, or both. The surgeon trims and reshapes the tissue to improve the appearance and function of the labia.

Are you insecure about the size or shape of your labia? Does it sag or hang and make it difficult or uncomfortable to exercise? Does your enlarged labia minora or labia majora make it impossible to enjoy sexual activity, and do you experience pain during intercourse? If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, a Toronto labiaplasty may be right for you.

The two main types of labia reduction surgery include:

Wedge Resection

A wedge resection is recommended for patients with a large triangular overgrowth segment close to the clitoral hood. The surgeon removes the V-shaped or wedge segment from both sides of the labia minora. This surgery does not remove excess tissue from the length of the labia minora and does not address pigmentation issues.

Trim Reduction

Most women who undergo labiaplasty surgery at TPS get a trim reduction. This surgery is recommended for those who need to remove excess skin or reduce the size of the entire labia minora, meaning it is a labia minora reduction. It is also used to treat uneven edges and discoloured vaginal lips. The surgeon trims away the excess skin down the entire labia minora, removing discoloured skin during the labia reduction process.

How Much Does a Labiaplasty Cost?

The price of a labiaplasty in Ontario starts at $4,999. OHIP does not cover labiaplasty as it is a cosmetic procedure.

Benefits of Labia Reduction Surgery

Enjoy Activities Without Pain

A sagging or large labia minora or labia majora makes physical activities ranging from walking to vigorous exercise uncomfortable. The excess skin pulls and chafes, making it difficult to move freely. A labiaplasty makes it easy to enjoy physical activities without pain.

Enhanced Sexual Experience

Excessive labia tissue can interfere during sexual intercourse, making sex ungratifying and painful. A labia reduction can enhance your sexual experience and increase gratification for women and their partners. It also provides relief from discomfort during intercourse.

Free to Wear Tight Clothing

An enlarged labia is often visible through tight clothing. Women with this problem often wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid this issue. This surgery gives women the freedom to wear the clothes they want.

Increased Confidence

Women with an enlarged or sagging labia minora or labia majora often lack confidence due to this concern. They feel worried and uncomfortable in their own skin. Countless women report an increase in their self-esteem after the labiaplasty surgery.

Labiaplasty Risks

Risks are possible with any surgical procedure, including a labiaplasty. However, Dr. Bell and the team at Toronto Plastic Surgeons have performed countless labiaplasty procedures and take special care to reduce potential risks.

Infection

While uncommon, patients can experience an infection after undergoing labiaplasty surgery. All surgeries are expertly performed inside TPS’s sterile surgical suites, reducing the risk of infection. Patients are also educated about caring for incisions to mitigate this risk.

Over-Resection

Over-resection can occur during aggressive labiaplasty procedures. If too much tissue is removed, patients can experience visible scarring, chronic dryness, and pain during sexual intercourse.

Bleeding and Hematomas

Excessive bleeding and hematomas are rare but can occur. If patients develop hematomas, Dr. Bell will monitor them and drain them if necessary. Post-operative swelling can be mistaken for a hematoma, so Dr. Bell will explain wound monitoring before surgery.

Healing Problems

Women have a small risk of experiencing healing problems and delayed closure after labiaplasty surgery. However, women who undergo wedge surgery are at a higher risk of this uncommon complication. If the surgical site fails to heal properly, patients should contact TPS for additional care.

Who Is a Labiaplasty Candidate

Ideal candidates for labiaplasty in Toronto are women who:

• Are uncomfortable with the size of their labia.
• Have trouble engaging in vigorous activities due to the size of their labia.
• Find sex painful or uncomfortable due to their labia.
• Are in good physical and mental health.
• Have passed the gynecological exam at TPS.
• Have realistic expectations going into this surgery.

If you are not a good candidate for labiaplasty, you can undergo a variety of non-surgical treatment options offered by Toronto Plastic Surgeons. Review our non-surgical options, and Dr. Bell will provide you with the expected outcome based on the provided pictures.

Why Choose Toronto Plastic Surgeons

TPS has emerged as a leader in the labiaplasty procedure. Patients from around the world travel to TPS in Toronto to benefit from the 25+ years of experience and skills of Dr. Bell, the best labiaplasty surgeon in Toronto. Dr. Bell is Toronto’s go-to plastic surgeon, having performed over 5,000 cosmetic body procedures and previously being the head of the University of Toronto Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Training Program for 15 years.

Dr. Bell and his team’s innovative surgical labiaplasty techniques reduce many complications associated with labiaplasty surgery, including bruising and swelling. This allows patients to resume normal activities much sooner than they would from other providers. Also, because TPS is home to the Female Health and Vulvo-Vaginal Wellness Team, women know their gynecological health is a top priority.

How to Prepare for a Labiaplasty

Dr. Sasha, the director of the TPS Females Health and Wellness Team, assesses patients before they are approved for labiaplasty. The nationally renowned gynecologist conducts a full vulvovaginal and cervical examination before clearing patients for surgery.

Along with undergoing this assessment, patients must:

• Stop smoking 2 weeks prior and afterward.
• Avoid taking blood-thinning medications.
• Eat a diet of healthy foods and stay hydrated to promote healing.
• Arrange to take 2-3 days off work.
• Arrange for a ride home after your surgery.

How Long Does a Labiaplasty Take

This vaginal rejuvenation cosmetic surgery takes approximately 1 hour to perform.

What to Expect After a Labiaplasty

Patients are generally pleased with the functional and aesthetic improvements to their appearance following the labiaplasty procedure. Due to swelling, the results might not be immediately apparent. Most women notice the full results in 2-3 weeks.

Your labiaplasty recovery timeline will go as follows:

Immediately after your surgery: Patients are sent to a recovery room at TPS. Upon waking, patients are evaluated and sent home. Patients should arrange for a ride home.

Day 1: Keeping the surgical site clean is important to avoid infection. Patients can clean the area 24 hours after the surgery. Use mild soap and water to rinse the site thoroughly.

Patients can return to light activities but should take two to three days off work. Walking is very important during the first several days to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Days 2-7: It’s normal to experience mild bruising and swelling following the surgery. While it can take 2-3 weeks for this to go away completely, it should dissipate within 3 days. The discomfort is mild to moderate and is normally managed with anti-inflammatory medications, although some patients require prescription medication. Patients can also apply ice to the surgical site to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Week 1: Some spotting is normal for around a week after the surgery. Patients should wear a sanitary napkin to catch the spotting and any additional surgical discharge.

Week 2: Patients can slowly add activities to their routines for the next several weeks.

Weeks 3-5: While patients need to follow up with Dr. Bell after the surgery, they don’t have to get the surgical sutures removed. Dr. Bell uses dissolvable stitches. The stitches generally dissolve within three weeks.

Week 6: Patients can resume strenuous activities and have sexual intercourse. Failing to wait a full 6 weeks could put too much strain on the surgical site, causing it to reopen. You can enjoy your final labiaplasty results and appearance at this point in your recovery.

Non-Surgical Labiaplasty Alternatives

The New InMode Votiva Avive is a non-excisional option to reduce the labia without scars and the need for cosmetic surgery.

Labiaplasty FAQ

How does Dr. Bell perform a Labiaplasty?

TPS labiaplasty procedures are normally performed under local anesthesia, although some patients receive general anesthesia. Dr. Bell uses a radiofrequency or laser-cutting tool for trim and wedge reductions. Laser and radiofrequency devices minimize swelling, bruising, and bleeding and speed up recovery.

The tool removes the excess tissue, and the surgeon reshapes it for a more pleasing appearance. Finally, the surgeon places an absorbable suture to hold the labia minora in place.

How Painful Is It to Get a Labiaplasty?

Patients can expect mild to moderate pain following the labiaplasty procedure. Anti-inflammatory medication is used to control the pain. However, Dr. Bell might prescribe additional medication if needed.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Labiaplasty?

Recovering from a labiaplasty takes at least 6 weeks, although patients can return to light activities the following day. After 6 weeks, you will see an improved appearance as you will be done with recovery.

Do I Need to Shave Before a Labiaplasty?

Yes, you should shave the entire area before your labiaplasty surgery and clean your labia with water the night before.

What Does Normal Labia Look Like?

While there is no specific look that the labia should have, most agree that the labia minora, or inner labia, should be smaller than the labia majora or outer labia. The outer labia typically do not have excessive, sagging skin.

What Causes the Labia to Enlarge or Sag?

Some women have congenital conditions that cause the labia to sag or become enlarged. Sagging or enlarged labia can also be due to injury, hormonal changes, weight loss, and aging.

What’s the Difference Between a Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty?

Women have external and internal genitalia. A labiaplasty corrects problems with the external genitalia, while a vaginoplasty addresses issues with the internal genitalia. While a labiaplasty reduces and reshapes the labia, a vaginoplasty tightens the vaginal canal.

Can a Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty Be Performed Together?

Many women choose to undergo labiaplasty and vaginoplasty at the same time. Dr. Bell will discuss your options with you during your consultation.

Can I Have a Labiaplasty After Giving Birth?

Many women experience changes to the labia during pregnancy and childbirth. Sometimes, these changes are temporary, but the labia do not always return back to normal. Women can undergo a labiaplasty after childbirth.

Can I Use Tampons After Getting a Labiaplasty?

Yes. Patients can wear tampons 4-6 weeks after the surgery.

Is a Labiaplasty Reversible?

It is very difficult to reverse a labiaplasty. Patients need to discuss the outcome with Dr. Sasha or Dr. Bell before surgery and ensure they want to move forward.