What Is the Difference Between Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty?

Labiaplasty is a common procedure that addressed the appearance of the external labia. This can include reducing the size of the inner lips (labia minora), the outer lips (labia majora), and the clitoral hood (skin above and around the clitoris). Some patients also request excess skin to be removed from the perineal area (between the vagina and rectum) as well as loose skin around the rectum from prior hemorrhoids. Labiaplasty is easily done under local anesthesia (meaning no sedation), which means many patients can drive themselves to and from the procedure. In my office, we use a powerful numbing cream so patients barely feel the injections, and we even have TVs in the room so patients can catch up on a current TV series or rewatch a favorite movie for distraction. Most patients are back to work within a week and back to full activity within about 2 weeks, excluding sex, which is usually ok 4-6 weeks after the procedure.

Vaginoplasty is a more involved procedure performed under general anesthesia with the goal of tightening the vagina to improve sensation during sex and sometimes also address bladder leakage. Recovery is similar except there’s no heavy lifting or sex for 6 weeks after. Our OR uses Propofol sedation, so patients are breathing on their own during surgery but not awake or aware of anything going on.

Both procedures use dissolvable stitches, so no suture removal is necessary. Patient satisfaction is high with rare need for revisions, and the incisions usually heal without visible scarring. Patients report improved confidence and comfort as well as improved sexual satisfaction.