Labiaplasty (Reduction of the Labia Minora)

What is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty refers to surgeries that aim to reduce, modify, reconstruct, or remove the labia. The most common form of labiaplasty in Germany is the reduction of the labia minora. Labiaplasty on the labia majora is possible but is rarely carried out.

Although the labia can naturally vary significantly from woman to woman, many people pursue the following ideal: Short labia minora are entirely covered by firm, well-formed labia majora so that they do not "project."

What Are the Reasons for Labia Reduction?

Many women are not satisfied with the anatomical shape of their labia and suffer a psychological strain. The form that deviates from the ideal is led back to hormonal influences, tissue weakness, genetic factors, or age-related changes. For example, labia majora are perceived as unattractive and can represent feelings of shame when recognized by sexual partners. But functional reasons can also motivate women to have a labiaplasty, such as pain when wearing tight trousers and cycling, but also pain during sexual intercourse.

Labiaplasty Methods

Usually, the surgery is carried out under local anesthesia, but on request, surgery in half-sleep or general anesthesia is possible and subject to an additional charge. A radio-surgical device (a type of laser scalpel) is used for the necessary incisions. The edges of the incisions are closed with fine, self-dissolving stitches to achieve an optimal cosmetic result.

The incisions to remove the tissue, as well as the stitches of the incision areas, can be done with different methods:

• Excision (contouring): In this method, an incision is made along the length of the labia minora. This incision removes the outer edge of the labia, which is often darker so that in addition to a reduction, the brightening of the tissue can be achieved. This method is used when the goal is the complete removal of the labia minora or removal of large parts.
• De-epithelializing reduction: In this procedure, a piece of the labia is removed from the middle area, leaving the outer edge untouched.
• W(edge) incision: In this procedure, a triangular piece of tissue is removed, with the final stitching of the edges. This method is easier and faster than excision.
• 3D Reduction labiaplasty: This method is a further development of the known techniques. It allows the correction of the labia minora and the adaptation of the clitoral hood simultaneously.

If the procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, no special preparation is necessary. If it is carried out under general anesthesia or in half-sleep, patients must have an infirming consultation with the anesthesiologist at least one day before the procedure. Patients should also remain fasting for six hours before the surgery. To minimize the risk of bleeding, drugs that alter the body's blood clotting system (e.g., aspirin) must be discontinued two weeks before the surgery. Furthermore, patients should be completely shaved in the genital area.

How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost?

The expenses of labia surgery depend on the type and duration of the procedure and range between 2000 and 4000 Euros. The costs include pre- and post-operative care, stay, anesthesia, and annual follow-up.

Surgeries that only have an aesthetic purpose, and no medical indication are not covered by the statutory health insurance companies. Therefore, all costs are paid for by the patient. Even the possible aftercare if problems result from such an aesthetic intervention must be covered by the patient.

In Which Cases Does the Health Insurance Cover the Costs?

The statutory health insurance companies only cover the costs after examination by the medical service. For this, medical indication that is manifested by severe functional limitations must be diagnosed. Private health insurance companies are less strict and are more often willing to cover the costs for medical indications.

Medical indications include:

• Sexual Dysfunction
• Severe pain when wearing tight trousers, sitting, or cycling
• Extreme feelings of shame that causes harm to mental health

Which Doctors Are Specialists for Labiaplasty in Germany and Switzerland?

Very high requirements are demanded on preoperative informing when it comes to aesthetically motivated procedures. Doctors should advise patients who wish to have labiaplasty about the normality of their anatomy before the surgery. A detailed medical consultation should be carried out before the surgery to decide whether a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychosomatic specialist has to be consulted.

Patients can seek advice from their gynecologists regarding their wishes for surgery. The surgery is the responsibility of the specialists for plastic and aesthetic surgery. In Switzerland, there is a specialist area of plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. The term "cosmetic surgery" is not defined in the law on further training for doctors and is therefore not protected.

We will help you to find an expert for your illness. All listed doctors and clinics have been checked by us for their outstanding specialization in the field of labia reduction and are awaiting your inquiry or treatment request.

Sources:

• Benninghoff, Drenckhahn: Taschenbuch Anatomie. Urban & Fischer 2007, ISBN 978-3-437-41194-6.
• Weyerstahl: Duale Reihe Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe. Thieme, 2013, ISBN 978-3-131-52604-5.