Table of contents:

Problems caused by the appearance of the labia
What is a labioplasty?
Do I need a labioplasty?

Anxiety about the appearance of the vulva affects many women, especially in an age of social media and easy access to idealised photos of the human body. Many of them question whether their vulva looks like other women's, or whether it is the opposite and indicates health problems. The appearance of the labia minora in particular causes concern. Interestingly, the range of so-called 'normality' is extremely wide, as the vulva, and therefore the labia minora, come in countless colours, shapes and sizes.

According to Dr Alex Eskander (consultant gynaecologist at The Gynae Centre), no two women have the same vulva. Some labia are short, others long; and they are often asymmetrical, just like other parts of the body.

Appearance of the labia: what is the norm?, photo: panthermedia

As an example of the diversity of this feminine, intimate part of the body , let us take the project of the British artist Jamie McCartney, 'The Great Wall of Vagina', who created a monumental wall sculpture consisting of 400 casts of female vaginas. As the artwork shows - each one is completely different and each one correct.

Problems caused by the appearance of the labia

The appearance of the labia minora does not usually cause problems. However, some women are disturbed by the excess tissue present , which causes pain and chafing, as well as inflammation. This makes daily life difficult and reduces quality of life. Long lips can cause pain during sexual intercourse due to the 'suction' into the vagina.

Dr A. Eskander explains that the labia are considered excessively long when they measure more than 5-6 cm. They can become enlarged after childbirth, during pregnancy, as a result of hormonal changes or by practising certain sports.

For some patients, the appearance of the vulva, although physically uncomfortable, is a source of stress and embarrassment, which affects their confidence and sex life.

The solution to the above situations is labioplasty.

What is labioplasty?

Labioplasty is the surgical treatment of hypertrophy of the labia minora. It involves the removal of a piece of excessively enlarged tissue from one or both lips. The procedure involves reducing the circumference of the lips while maintaining the normal innervation and blood supply to the area.

What is labioplasty?, photo: panthermedia

Labia reduction can be carried out either surgically or using laser techniques. The choice of the correct treatment method depends primarily on the degree of labia minora hypertrophy and the individual needs of the patient.

Do I need a labioplasty?

If your labia are interfering with your daily life or if their hygiene is difficult because of their structure - it is worth discussing this with your gynaecologist in the first instance. In some cases, it may be advisable to consult a dermatologist or venereologist, especially if the lesions are cutaneous, warts, ulcers, or suggest a sexually transmitted infection (e.g. HPV, herpes).

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The appearance of the vulva - is there something wrong with me?

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