Labiaplasty in Delafield
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Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes or reduces the labia minora (inner vaginal lips) to address functional discomfort, irritation, or aesthetic concerns. The procedure can relieve symptoms such as pain during exercise, irritation from clothing, and hygiene difficulties. Techniques include the trim method and wedge method, each offering different advantages for tissue removal and edge preservation.
At a Glance
- Research indicates that approximately 32% of patients seek labiaplasty for functional impairment, 37% for aesthetic reasons, and 31% for combined concerns[4]
- Labiaplasty is associated with high patient satisfaction rates, reported at over 90% in multiple studies[1]
- ASPS data show more than 10,000 labiaplasty procedures reported by its member surgeons in the U.S. annually in recent years[5]
Overview
Labiaplasty is one of the most common aesthetic genital procedures. It reduces or reshapes the labia minora, the inner folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening. The operation may address discomfort during physical activity, pain during intercourse, chronic irritation, hygiene difficulties, asymmetry, or an aesthetic preference.
The two primary techniques are trim and wedge. The trim method, which is performed more commonly, removes tissue along the outer edge of the labia minora. The wedge method removes a V-shaped or pie-shaped section from the most prominent area while preserving the natural labial border.
Labiaplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. It generally takes less than two hours. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures, so suture removal is not needed.
What to expect
- Initial consultation including discussion of goals, expectations, and review of medical history
- Psychological evaluation to ensure appropriate candidacy and realistic expectations
- Pre-operative assessment including physical examination and any required lab work
- Administration of local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia on the day of surgery
- Surgical markings to guide precise tissue removal based on the selected technique
- Tissue excision using the trim method (edge removal) or wedge method (V-shaped removal)
- Closure of incisions with absorbable sutures
- Application of gentle dressings and post-operative care instructions
- Follow-up appointment to assess healing and address any concerns
How a labiaplasty works
- With the trim technique, excess tissue is removed along the free edge of the labia minora using a scalpel, scissors, or laser. The incision is then closed with absorbable sutures.
- With the wedge technique, a V-shaped section is removed from the most prominent part of the labium. The anterior and posterior edges are reapproximated, reducing projection while preserving the natural contour, border, and color transition along the edge.
- The goal is to reduce the labia minora so they do not extend significantly beyond the labia majora while retaining adequate tissue for comfort and function. If excess tissue is also present around the clitoral hood, a clitoral hood reduction may be performed at the same time using a similar excision and closure approach.
- The appropriate technique is determined at examination, not selected in advance. Trim and wedge remove tissue from different areas and preserve different features. The decision depends on where the excess tissue sits and what the existing edge looks like. At Consona, Dr. Boehm personally conducts the examination, performs the operation, and sees you at every follow-up visit.
When it's recommended
- Functional discomfort during exercise, cycling, or other physical activities
- Pain or irritation during sexual intercourse related to excess labial tissue
- Chronic irritation or chafing from clothing
- Hygiene difficulties related to labial size or shape
- Labial asymmetry causing discomfort or self-consciousness
- Discomfort from twisting or tugging of excess tissue
- Congenital labial hypertrophy causing functional concerns
Is a labiaplasty right for you?
Reach out to learn more from Dr. Lucas Boehm.
Recovery & aftercare
- Initial swelling and mild discomfort typically decrease over the first two weeks
- Most swelling resolves by six weeks, with final results visible at four to six months
- Light daily activities may be resumed within a few days
- Strenuous exercise, cycling, running, and swimming are typically avoided for four to six weeks
- Sexual activity and tampon use are generally deferred for four to six weeks
- Minor bleeding may occur for up to one week after surgery
- Over-the-counter pain medication is typically sufficient for post-operative discomfort
Alternatives
- Non-surgical observation and monitoring
- Topical emollients or barrier creams for irritation management
- Clothing modifications to reduce friction and discomfort
- Pelvic floor physical therapy for related symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
- Labiaplasty is an operation that reduces or reshapes the labia minora, the inner folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening. It may address discomfort during exercise or intercourse, chronic irritation, hygiene difficulties, or an aesthetic preference.
- The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so you typically do not feel pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is generally described as mild and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Swelling and tenderness gradually decrease over the first few weeks.
- Labiaplasty is generally considered a safe outpatient procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon. It still carries the potential risks listed in the risks section on this page. Patient satisfaction has been reported at over 90% in published studies.
- Most patients return to light daily activities within a few days. Initial swelling typically decreases over the first two weeks, and most swelling resolves by six weeks. Strenuous exercise and sexual activity are generally deferred for four to six weeks. Final results are typically visible at four to six months.
- Labiaplasty is performed on an outpatient basis and generally takes one to two hours. After anesthesia is administered, excess tissue is removed with either the trim or wedge technique. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures, and most patients go home the same day.
- Active genital infection, an uncontrolled bleeding disorder, or unrealistic expectations may make someone an inappropriate candidate. ACOG guidance notes that labiaplasty for patients under 18 is generally reserved for significant functional impairment. A thorough consultation and psychological evaluation help determine candidacy; the full list of exclusions appears in the candidate section on this page.
- That answer comes from Dr. Boehm's examination. Determining it beforehand would mean guessing at your anatomy. The trim method removes tissue along the free edge and is the more commonly performed technique. The wedge method removes a V-shaped section from the most prominent area and reapproximates the edges, preserving the natural border and its color transition. The choice depends on where the excess tissue sits and what the edge looks like now.
- Labiaplasty at Consona is private-pay, and no health plan is billed. The procedure is quoted and paid for directly. No single price is published because the operation may involve trim or wedge, one side or both, and a clitoral hood reduction or no hood reduction. Trim and wedge also differ in operating-room time and in what they preserve. The quote follows the examination, and asking for it during the consultation is normal and expected.
Labiaplasty risks & candidacy
Who should avoid this
- Active genital infection or inflammation
- Uncontrolled bleeding disorders or coagulopathy
- Unrealistic expectations (thorough counseling is essential)
- Patients under 18 years of age without documented functional impairment
- Active vulvar dermatologic conditions (e.g., lichen sclerosus)
- Pregnancy or recent childbirth (healing may be incomplete)
- Body dysmorphic disorder without appropriate psychological evaluation
Possible risks
- Bleeding or hematoma formation
- Infection at the surgical site
- Wound dehiscence (separation of wound edges), particularly with the wedge technique
- Over-resection of tissue, which may cause chronic dryness or discomfort
- Under-resection requiring revision surgery
- Scarring, though typically minimal with proper technique
- Temporary changes in sensation in the treated area
- Pain during intercourse during the healing period
- Asymmetry requiring additional correction
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia or suture material
Your surgeon
Care that respects what makes you, you.
Dr. Lucas Boehm is a Wisconsin native, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and the founder of Consona Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, with particular expertise in deep plane facelifts, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed his plastic surgery residency there as well. He then pursued an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship in aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Bradley Calobrace in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for meticulous attention to detail, he approaches each case with precision and intention. His philosophy emphasizes harmony and balance – enhancing what is already beautiful while ensuring every change feels natural, thoughtful, and uniquely you.
- Board-certified
- Am. Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellowship-trained
- Aesthetic surgery
- 12+ years
- In practice
Sources & references
This article draws on 5 sources, including peer-reviewed research, leading medical institutions.
Government & research
Medical institutions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-09-12