Labiaplasty

While not a new procedure, more and more women in Sacramento are hearing about labiaplasty, a surgical procedure for the vagina that helps to correct large labia or misshapen labial skin that covers the vaginal opening.

Not only can larger labia cause women to feel self-conscious about their bodies, but they can also cause discomfort when doing physical activities or wearing certain clothing. Childbirth, aging and genetics are some of the common reasons why women become unhappy with the size and shape of their labia.

Though choosing to have labia surgery is ultimately an intimate, personal decision, many women come to The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry for advice and guidance on their labial reconstruction options. We’ve helped many women restore their confidence and feel more comfortable with intimate areas.

Why Choose Us

Our surgeons understand that the choice to move forward with labiaplasty is a very personal one, and we’re committed to helping you make the decision that’s best for you.
Experience matters in all aspects of plastic surgery, from surgical skill to support staff. Our plastic surgeons have been working with a committed team of office professionals and anesthesiologists for several years.
The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry has helped thousands of women in the Sacramento area to feel more confident about their appearance, and we perform a high volume of labiaplasty procedures every year.

Benefits of Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a highly personalized procedure designed to improve both comfort and confidence by addressing concerns related to the size, shape and symmetry of the labia. For many women, it’s not just about appearance; it’s about feeling more comfortable in everyday life.

Labiaplasty can help address concerns such as:

Excess or elongated labial tissue that may protrude or feel uncomfortable
Chafing, irritation, or pinching during exercise, intercourse, or daily activities
Discomfort in tight clothing, such as leggings, swimsuits, or underwear
Asymmetry or uneven labia, creating a more balanced appearance
Hygiene concerns, when excess tissue makes cleansing more difficult
Changes after childbirth, aging, or weight fluctuations that affect the labial area
Self-consciousness or lack of confidence, particularly in intimate settings

By reshaping and refining the labia, this procedure can create a smoother, more proportional appearance while also improving physical comfort. Many women find that labiaplasty allows them to move more freely, wear what they want with confidence and feel more at ease in their own body.

Best Candidates for Labiaplasty

The best candidates for labiaplasty include women born with enlarged or protruding labia and those whose labia changed in appearance due to childbirth, age, or sexual activity. Extended labia can be physically uncomfortable as well as cause anxiety in intimate settings.

Women request labiaplasty surgery for many different reasons. Some feel discomfort because of their enlarged labia from the constant rubbing during exercise and other daily activities, including sexual intercourse, while others have labiaplasty simply to change their appearance.

Generally speaking, you could be a good candidate for labiaplasty if:

You are in good overall physical health
You are at or near a stable, healthy weight
You do not have any active infections or untreated medical conditions
You are a non-smoker, or willing to stop before and after surgery
You are not currently pregnant or planning pregnancy in the immediate future
You have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure

Request Your Consult

Labiaplasty Techniques

Labiaplasty can be tailored to address concerns involving either the labia minora (inner labia), the labia majora (outer labia), or both, depending on your anatomy and goals. Each approach is highly individualized, taking into account factors such as tissue volume, symmetry and overall proportions to achieve a balanced, natural result.

Labia Minora Reduction: Focuses on reducing excess or elongated inner labial tissue to improve comfort and create a more balanced, streamlined appearance.
Labia Majora Contouring: Addresses volume or laxity of the outer labia, which may involve reducing excess tissue or restoring fullness for a smoother contour.

Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your concerns, ensuring results that look natural, feel comfortable and align with your personal goals.

Your Consult

During your consultation, you will be able to get a better sense of how labiaplasty can improve your appearance and comfort level. The goal is to give you a more proportionate, discreet look that helps you feel more comfortable physically and emotionally. Use this time to ask any questions you may have as well as view labiaplasty before and after photos of previous patients. This can give you a good idea of what kind of results you can expect.

Your plastic surgeon will work closely with you to make sure that labiaplasty is the most appropriate procedure to meet your needs. Some women schedule labiaplasty as a stand-alone surgery, while others include labia reduction as part of a mommy makeover.

Preparing for Labiaplasty Surgery

Preparing for labiaplasty helps ensure a smooth procedure, minimizes risks and supports optimal healing. Your surgeon will give you personalized instructions, but most patients can expect the following:

Stop smoking several weeks before and after surgery, as it can interfere with healing.
Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and fish oil, as directed.
Fill any prescribed medications ahead of time so they’re ready when you get home.
Arrange time off work and plan to limit physical activity during the initial recovery period.
Prepare a comfortable recovery space with essentials within easy reach.
Have loose-fitting clothing, underwear and recommended post-care supplies available.
Avoid shaving or applying lotions, creams or products to the area just before surgery unless instructed otherwise.
Arrange for someone to drive you home and help you during the first 24 hours.

What to Expect

Labiaplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll return home the same day. To keep you comfortable, the surgical area is numbed with a local anesthetic, and you will also receive intravenous sedation or general anesthesia depending on your treatment plan and preferences.

Once you are fully comfortable, your surgeon will carefully remove excess tissue and reshape the labia to create a more balanced, natural-looking contour. The approach is tailored to your anatomy and goals, with a focus on preserving both function and aesthetics.

The procedure generally takes about 1 to 2 hours, though timing can vary slightly based on the extent of correction. After surgery, the area is carefully dressed, and you will spend a short time in recovery while the anesthesia wears off.

Before going home, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to help manage swelling, support healing, and ensure the best possible outcome. You will need someone to drive you home and assist you during the first day of recovery.

Labiaplasty Recovery

Once your labia have fully healed, your final labiaplasty results should reveal smaller and more proportionate labia. While your individual results will depend on your needs and goals for surgical outcome, many of our patients experience less discomfort during physical and everyday activities and less anxiety during intimacy after their procedure. They’ve also reported feeling more comfortable wearing tighter-fitting clothing.

Any scarring should blend well with the surrounding area as your incisions are typically made along natural folds of the skin.

Women can enjoy the benefits of labiaplasty for many years. However, aging and childbirth after your procedure can affect your results. That is why we recommend waiting to have labiaplasty surgery until you are finished having children, if possible.

For many women, labiaplasty can be a life-changing procedure. If you’ve been considering having a labiaplasty, schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons.

Labiaplasty Results

After your labiaplasty, you will most likely feel swollen and sore. Your surgeon may prescribe anti-inflammatories to help reduce any discomfort while you rest and recover, though, many patients find the over the counter pain medication work well. Cold compresses can also be used to help reduce any pain and swelling. Wearing loose fitting-clothing will help to avoid rubbing on clothing and irritating the incisions.

Although your individual experience may vary, within 3 to 5 days after your labiaplasty, you should be able to return to your normal routine. You will need to avoid strenuous physical activity, including sexual activity, for several weeks.

It’s usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you get to recuperate at home. But that doesn’t mean the procedure isn’t a big one. Your surgeon will give you before and after instruction to help you better prepare for your labiaplasty procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does labiaplasty cost?

The cost of labiaplasty involves not only the surgical fees but also the use of operating room facilities, anesthesia and other associated costs. This amount can vary by location, the experience of your plastic surgeon and other factors. When searching for the cost of labiaplasty surgery, many of the national averages tend to be much lower than what you’ll be quoted from an actual plastic surgeon. This is because most figures do not include many of the additional services that ensure your safety during surgery. Discuss your payment and financing options at your consultation if the cost of your labiaplasty is an obstacle.
Does insurance cover labiaplasty surgery?

Unless your labiaplasty is considered to be medically necessary, your health insurance provider is unlikely to cover the procedure. However, when there is a medical need for labiaplasty surgery — such as enlarged labia interfering with daily life or causing skin rashes or infections — a labiaplasty could be fully or partially covered by insurance. If you think your procedure could be covered, call the number on the back of your insurance card to inquire about the health coverage for your specific situation.
How do I choose the best labiaplasty plastic surgeon near me?

Asking friends and family is a great place to start your search for a labiaplasty plastic surgeon near you, but not everyone is comfortable taking this route. You can narrow your search by looking for credentials such as extensive medical training, schooling and affiliations with accredited medical organizations. Finally, read client reviews and schedule a consultation with your top one or two surgeons.
Is labiaplasty surgery the best procedure for me?

If you are bothered by the appearance and/or function of your enlarged inner or outer labia, a labiaplasty could be an appropriate solution for you. While there are nonsurgical feminine rejuvenation treatments that address concerns such as vaginal dryness and laxity, there are no nonsurgical alternatives to a labiaplasty. Our experienced and knowledgeable plastic surgeons will help you determine if a labiaplasty could be the best procedure for your needs and goals.
Is labiaplasty surgery painful?

Your labiaplasty procedure itself should not be painful or uncomfortable, as the surgery is performed under general anesthesia. After your labiaplasty, you will likely experience some tenderness, swelling and bruising as you begin to recover. These symptoms are usually easy to manage with the use of over-the-counter or prescription pain medication and cold compresses.
How long will I need to take off work to recover from labiaplasty surgery?

Most women are able to return to work and other daily activities within 3 to 5 days after their labiaplasty. However, your recovery period can vary and you should listen to the advice of your plastic surgeon before getting back to your normal routine. Note that you will need to avoid strenuous physical activities, including sexual intercourse, for several weeks after your labiaplasty procedure.
Will I lose sensation after a labiaplasty?

When performed by an experienced and highly-skilled plastic surgeon, a labiaplasty should not cause you to lose long-term sensation in the treated area. However, some women report temporary feelings of numbness, tingling or loss of sensation as they recover from the procedure. Over time, you should begin to return to your normal self again.