Labiaplasty
(Labia Minora Reduction)

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces and reshapes the inner labia (labia minora) to relieve discomfort such as friction, irritation or pain, and to improve appearance. Every woman’s anatomy is unique, so the procedure is always planned individually, with a focus on comfort and a natural look. All consultations are conducted with care for your privacy.

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In short: Labiaplasty reduces and reshapes enlarged or asymmetric inner labia. It takes about 1–1.5 hours under sedation or local anesthesia and usually does not require a hospital stay. Dissolvable stitches are used. Most people return to desk work within a week; sexual activity and sports can be resumed after the 6th week. The final result settles in 2–3 months.

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Who Is Labiaplasty For?

Labiaplasty is performed for people with enlarged inner labia (labia minora hypertrophy) who experience aesthetic or functional problems because of their size.

The most common concerns

The most common complaints we hear from patients who come to our clinic with problems of the labia minora are:

Friction, irritation and pain in daily life
Hygiene problems and recurrent irritation
Asymmetry (one side being larger or longer)
Discomfort or a pulling sensation during intercourse (other causes should be ruled out)
Discomfort in the genital area during sports
Changes in shape after childbirth, weight changes or aging
Self-confidence and aesthetic concerns

Why are realistic expectations important?

You may be bothered by the appearance of your genital area. The important point is that the decision is your own and that your expectations are realistic. Not only your discomfort or the appearance, but also your view of the surgery plays a role in the decision. People who:

can clearly describe their discomfort,
have realistic expectations,
have no general health problems that pose a risk,
and can follow the recovery process
may be suitable for labiaplasty.

What does a “normal” genital area look like?

Every woman’s vulva anatomy is unique. For this reason, there are no clear limits for a “normal” appearance of the genital area. What usually bothers people is the inner labia extending beyond the outer labia and being visible, differences in length, or asymmetry. These are not conditions that must be operated on. Surgery may be considered if you are bothered by the appearance, have functional problems related to the size of the inner labia, or have hygiene problems that reduce your quality of life.

There is no mathematical measure for whether the size of the inner labia requires surgery; your level of discomfort and certain anatomical features are the factors that guide the decision.

→ Details (in Turkish): Enlarged inner labia | Asymmetry of the inner labia | What a normal genital area looks like

Who may not be suitable for labiaplasty?

In some cases, labiaplasty may not be suitable or may need to be postponed. If the problem preventing surgery is treatable, it is treated first and surgery is planned afterwards. A detailed gynecological check-up before surgery can make the process safer and healthier.

Conditions that need attention:

Active infection or a suspected skin condition
Bleeding or clotting problems, or use of blood thinners
Uncontrolled diabetes
Smoking: it harms healing.
Unrealistic expectations: goals that do not match your anatomy, related to body image
Pregnancy: surgery can be performed about a year after childbirth.

Labiaplasti (Genital İç Dudak Küçültme) Nedir? Kimlere Uygulanır?

Is there an age limit for labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty can be performed after the age of 18, usually from the 20s onwards, once genital development is complete. It is important that you make the decision yourself, are psychologically ready for surgery and are mature enough to take responsibility for a change in your genital area. I prefer not to perform this surgery on anyone under the legal age of adulthood. Genital surgery performed before development is complete can lead to aesthetic problems, disappointment and the need for a second corrective operation. That is why we also evaluate together whether you are psychologically ready before deciding on surgery.

What Is Evaluated at the First Consultation?

At the first appointment, we usually:

Clarify your main concern: friction, aesthetic concerns or asymmetry?
Examine the length and thickness of the inner labia, the tissue structure and any asymmetry
Check for excess skin over the clitoris (clitoral hood)
Check for volume loss and laxity of the outer labia
Assess whether additional procedures are needed
Discuss your recovery plan: work or school schedule, sports, returning to sexual activity
Review risk factors: smoking, diabetes, bleeding tendency, medications

We discuss whether your expectations are realistic and create a personalized plan.

Labiaplasty Techniques

1) Trim (edge) technique
Excess tissue is removed from the edge of the inner labia to reshape them. It may be preferred to reduce color and texture differences along the edge or to refine the contour. The incisions can also be planned in a “W” shape (W-plasty) so that the edge looks closer to its natural folds.

2) Wedge technique
A wedge-shaped piece of tissue is removed to shorten the labia. This technique can help preserve a more natural edge. Various modifications can be used.

3) Superior flap technique
The upper part of the labium is prepared as a flap, excess tissue is removed from the lower part, and the flap is attached to the lower edge of the labium. It can be considered a modified version of the wedge technique. Excess skin in the fold between the inner and outer labia and around the clitoris is also removed.

4) De-epithelialization technique
The skin of the labium is de-epithelialized on both the inner and outer surfaces, leaving a thin strip of skin at the very edge, and the remaining tissue is folded and stitched onto itself.

5) Combined plans (asymmetry, clitoral hood)
In some patients, reducing the inner labia alone is not enough; additional corrections may be needed, such as correcting asymmetry or removing excess folds of the clitoral hood. If the outer labia lack volume, fat or filler injections can be used.

In my own practice, the techniques I use most often are the superior flap and wedge resection, which I modify for each person. The goal is to increase comfort while preserving a natural look; removing too much tissue can reduce comfort in the long term, and removing the inner labia completely can cause other problems.

How Is Labiaplasty Performed?

Labiaplasty can be performed under local anesthesia; however, for patient comfort, I prefer to perform it under sedation. General anesthesia can also be used if preferred. The type of anesthesia is chosen based on the surgical plan and your comfort needs.

Takes about 1–1.5 hours on average
Usually does not require a hospital stay
Dissolvable stitches are used
Can be combined with other aesthetic procedures

Genital Aesthetic Procedures That Can Be Combined with Labiaplasty

Clitoral hood reduction: Excess skin around the clitoris can be removed in the same operation.
Labia majora augmentation: If the outer labia are small or have lost volume, they may not cover the inner labia well. Their volume can be increased with filler or your own fat.
Removal of fat in the pubic area: Fat build-up above the genital area can be removed with liposuction.

Recovery After Labiaplasty

Recovery after labiaplasty can vary considerably from person to person. Planning surgery right after your period is a good time, as it allows healing before your next period. Because the genital area is exposed to many different secretions, healing can sometimes be delayed. Expectations for the post-operative period should be planned individually.

First 2-3 days

Swelling, tenderness and mild aches may occur.
Tenderness may increase when sitting or walking.
Mild spotting may occur.
Cold compresses can help.

First week

Swelling may continue but decreases day by day.
Following the hygiene and care instructions is important.
Avoid tight clothing and friction.
You can shower carefully.

2nd week

Swelling decreases.
Comfort increases and daily routines become easier.
The stitches begin to dissolve.
You can return to work and social life.

3-6 weeks

The tissue gradually softens.
You can gradually return to sports.
Sexual activity can be resumed after the 6th week.
The tissues take about 2–3 months on average to fully settle and reach their final appearance.

Aftercare tips

Mild bleeding may occur in the first days; you can use sanitary pads.
Place clean gauze on the pad so that the pad surface does not touch the wound directly.
Avoid intimate hygiene products with an unsuitable pH.
In the first week, wear comfortable underwear and clothing that reduce friction.
After using the toilet, clean the area gently with the antiseptic solution we recommend.
Take the medicines prescribed regularly.
Avoid anything that may irritate the area.
Postpone activities that increase friction, such as strenuous sports, cycling and long walks, until you have healed.
Do not miss your check-ups.

Sexual activity after labiaplasty

The aim of labiaplasty is to improve quality of life while preserving function. You need to avoid sexual activity for about 6 weeks after surgery. There may be temporary changes in sensation in the genital area. You may feel tenderness or tightness during the first few times you have intercourse after surgery.

Stitches and scars

In labiaplasty, the incisions are usually planned along the natural folds. The type of scar depends on factors such as your individual healing, how well you follow the aftercare instructions and your tissue structure.

We mostly use dissolvable stitches in labiaplasty. We expect the stitches to dissolve and fall out completely within 6–8 weeks at the latest. The incision line is evaluated at your check-ups, and you are guided if needed.

→ Details: Does labiaplasty leave a scar? (in Turkish)

What Are the Risks of Labiaplasty?

Bleeding, hematoma
Infection
Delayed wound healing
Opening of the incision
Asymmetry: existing asymmetry may sometimes not be fully corrected.
Temporary changes in sensation, increased or decreased sensitivity
Scar tissue: scars are usually placed in natural folds and become less noticeable over time; rarely, a scar may remain in people with wound healing problems.
If the right technique is not used and too much of the labia minora is removed, tightness and a tendency to genital infections may develop.
The level of risk can vary depending on smoking, diabetes, skin type and how well you follow the aftercare instructions.

Labiaplasty FAQ

Is labiaplasty purely cosmetic?

Labiaplasty is not performed only for aesthetic reasons. Functional complaints such as friction, irritation, and discomfort during sports or intercourse are also common reasons.

How long does labiaplasty take to heal?

After labiaplasty, most people feel noticeably better within 1–2 weeks; full healing and settling of the tissue can take several weeks. The time varies from person to person.

Will asymmetry be completely corrected?

The aim of labiaplasty is to reduce noticeable asymmetry. Slight asymmetry is normal in human anatomy; perfect symmetry is not always possible.

Is there a loss of sensation after labiaplasty?

Temporary changes in sensation may occur. Permanent and significant loss of sensation is rare.

Will I need another procedure?

Most patients do not. However, depending on healing, asymmetry or expectations, a correction may rarely be needed.

When can I return to work after labiaplasty?

Resting for the first 2–3 days is helpful. You can usually return to desk work from the 1st week and to physically demanding work from the 2nd week.

Does labiaplasty affect the hymen?

No. In labiaplasty, only the inner labia are operated on; the hymen is outside this area.

Is the same technique used for everyone?

No. The technique is chosen according to your anatomy, concerns and goals; if the asymmetry is noticeable, different techniques can be used on each side.

Checklist Before Your Appointment

Note the medications and supplements you take (including those with blood-thinning effects).
Write down your concerns: friction, sports, intercourse, hygiene, asymmetry.
Define your expectations, such as “more comfort” or “correcting asymmetry”, and plan to express yourself openly.
Note the date of your last period and your cycle pattern.
Write down your questions about the surgery.

What Affects the Cost of Labiaplasty in Türkiye?

To give an exact price for labiaplasty, your suitability for surgery and your risk factors need to be evaluated, and the technique needs to be chosen. For this, an examination is needed first. The factors that affect the cost of labiaplasty are:

The scope of the procedure (one or both sides, degree of asymmetry)
The need for additional corrections such as clitoral hood reduction
The type of anesthesia
Hospital and clinic conditions (for patient safety, we prefer to perform it in a hospital)
The surgeon’s experience
The follow-up and aftercare plan

Information and Booking

Talking about a concern in the genital area is not easy. That is why we do not rush the first consultation; we take the time to listen to you and answer your questions.

During the examination, we evaluate your concerns and the structure of your inner labia, and talk openly about whether surgery is needed. If labiaplasty is suitable for you, the technique, your recovery timeline and your return to daily life are planned together. The decision is always yours.

All consultations are conducted with care for your privacy. You do not need to send photos; simply writing your questions is enough. If you live abroad, we can also help you plan your trip and your stay in Türkiye.