Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure that reduces the amount of tissue that extends from the lips covering the vagina. Most cosmetic surgeons consider labiaplasty to be a relatively minor surgery with few complications. However, there are many other experts who feel labiaplasty is medically unnecessary and puts the patient at undue risk.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there is a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of vaginal cosmetic procedures and few studies documenting the long-term risks (like infection, altered sensitivity, pain and scarring).1 A recent review published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology also reached the same conclusion. After reviewing all of the existing published literature on labiaplasty, the authors concluded that “medically nonessential surgery to the labia minora is being promoted as an effective treatment for women’s complaints, but no data on clinical effectiveness exist.” 2

In an interview with BBC News, Dr. Creighton, one of the study’s lead researchers, also suggested that women who undergo labiaplasty could potentially experience similar problems in childbirth as women who had gone through types I and II female genital mutilation. These risks include a higher risk of tearing and bleeding.3

Because the practice of medicine, cosmetic or otherwise, is based on clinical evidence, the lack of data from prospective, randomized, controlled trials is a serious mark against labiaplasty in the eyes of many doctors. However, from Dr. Rajagopal’s clinical experience and own (as of yet unpublished) outcome study, the results of the procedure outweigh the potential risks. In her study, conducted from 2006 to 2007, Dr. Rajagopal surveyed 77 patients about their labiaplasty experience and found that about 95% of them were overwhelmingly satisfied with the results.

Dr. Rajagopal’s results compliment many other published outcome studies. One of these studies was conducted in a Chilean clinic and surveyed 55 labiaplasty patients. Two months following surgery, 91% of the patients said they were “very satisfied” with the results and none said they were dissatisfied.4 Another study of 163 patients in France found that 89% were satisfied with the aesthetic results of the procedure and 93% were happy with the functional outcomes.5

Although more studies of this sort need to be completed, Dr. Rajagopal is convinced that excellent outcomes are possible with labiaplasty when you have an experienced plastic surgeon using good surgical techniques in a safe manner.

References:

1. Committee on Gynecologic Practice, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 378: Vaginal “rejuvenation” and cosmetic vaginal procedures. Obstet Gynecol. 2007;110(3):737-738.
2. Liao LM, Michala L, Creighton SM. Labial surgery for well women: a review of the literature. BJOG. 2010;117(1):20-25.
3. New warning on ‘perfect vaginas’. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8352711.stm. Updated Nov 11, 2009.
4. Pardo J, Sola V, Ricci P, Guilloff E. Laser labioplasty of labia minora. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2006;93(1):38-43.
5. Rouzier R, Louis-Sylvestre C, Paniel BJ, Haddad B. Hypertrophy of labia minora: experience with 163 reductions. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2000;182(1 pt 1):35-40.