There was a time not too long ago when a woman unhappy with the size or shape of her labia simply had to grin and bear it for lack of any cosmetic intervention. Thankfully, those days are behind us. With a growing market dedicated to cosmetic gynecology, women can rest assured that their concerns can be addressed and rectified. But from where exactly did the idea of labiaplasty emerge? Let’s take a walk through the timeline to understand how labiaplasty has evolved to become the popular body contouring procedure it’s become today.
What Is Labiaplasty?
Before we examine the history of labiaplasty, it’s important to understand what it is and what it’s not. Labiaplasty is sometimes confused with vaginoplasty, which is a procedure that restructures the vagina’s interior. Labiaplastyis devoted to trimming and/or reshaping the labia, which are the folds of skin that encircle the vagina.
Why Do Women Get Labiaplasty?
There are a number of reasons why women opt to have a labiaplasty. As they mature past adolescence, they may notice they’ve developed large labia, which can cause pain, discomfort or even embarrassment. Other women are troubled by the appearance of asymmetrical labia. Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth can also affect the labia’s appearance. During labiaplasty, a board-certified plastic surgeon can gently reshape either the labia minora or the labia majora to improve both your comfort and your aesthetic experience.
How Did Labiaplasty Become So Popular?
Labiaplasty first arrived on the scene in 1984, when the Journal of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery cited the procedure. The following decade saw a drastic increase in women taking charge of their own bodies, combined with an emphasis on looking fitter than ever (and wearing tighter-fitting clothing to the gym), added up to shine a spotlight on the labia. Plus, the bikini wax was also picking up steam round the same time.
Suddenly, it seemed, women everywhere were obsessing about their appearance ‘down there.’
Labiaplasty Has Come a Long Way
Your labiaplasty results depend entirely on the skill and knowledge of your surgeon, so be sure look for the best female plastic surgeon in the field.
The labiaplasty methods from days of yore are rather crude when compared with the state-of-the-art approach taken by plastic surgeons today. In the past, labiaplasty was done by removing excess tissue from the labia and merely suturing the ends together, which sounds as unrefined as it was. Today, your board-certified plastic surgeon can trim, sculpt and reshape the labia for a more balanced, nuanced final result.
Your Labiaplasty Options
Each woman has two sets of vaginal lips, or labia, and labiaplasty can be done on either or both.
- Labia Minora Reduction: The inner vaginal lips can change as a result of hormone production, age or pregnancy. This labiaplasty procedure can reduce the size of your labia minora to minimize chafing or irritation when wearing certain types of clothing. Labia minor reduction can resize the labia so that they’re in harmony with your labia majora.
- Labia Majora Reduction: The outer vaginal lips can be oversized or asymmetrical, causing you to feel self-conscious during intimate times or creating physical discomfort. A labia majora reduction can help to remedy these concerns and instill some well-deserved confidence.
- Trim-V Labiaplasty: A proprietary procedure designed by Dr. Jennifer Harrington, this approach ensures a more natural transition from labia to clitoral hood.
To explore your labiaplasty options, be sure to consult with a female board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic gynecology.
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota. Harrington Plastic Surgery is pleased to offer the most advanced cosmetic and reconstructive techniques performed by a highly specialized all-female team of board-certified plastic surgeons and professional staff.
