When most people hear the term labiaplasty, they often think of it as a cosmetic procedure. While it's true that women often choose labiaplasty for appearance-related reasons, a good number also cite physical issues.
At Desert Hills Care Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, we want you to know that labiaplasty can help with real, everyday problems that affect your comfort, confidence, and health. In this blog, we'll explain what labiaplasty is, the reasons women choose it, and how it can improve your quality of life.
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure used to change the size or shape of the inner folds of skin around the vaginal opening (labia minora). Some women naturally have larger or asymmetrical labia, while others experience stretching or alteration due to childbirth, aging, or hormonal changes.
During the procedure, our board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Helard Ballon-Hennings, carefully removes and reshapes excess tissue to achieve a balanced appearance and improved comfort.
While you can undergo labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons, the procedure is often about function as much as form. Here are some of the most common reasons for considering labiaplasty:
Large or uneven labia can cause irritation or discomfort during everyday activities, such as walking, running, or riding a bike. Some women experience chafing, irritation, or even pain when wearing specific clothing or engaging in exercise. Labiaplasty eliminates these issues by reducing excess tissue.
Excess labial tissue can pull or become folded during sexual activity, causing discomfort or even sharp pain. For some women, this can make intimacy stressful or unpleasant. Labiaplasty helps by reducing the tissue that causes this interference.
Larger labia can sometimes trap moisture or bacteria, leading to more frequent yeast infections or irritation. After labiaplasty, many women report better hygiene and fewer issues with odor or infection.
Pregnancy and vaginal delivery can stretch or tear the labia. Some women find that the area doesn’t return to its previous shape, making them feel self-conscious or uncomfortable. Labiaplasty can restore the appearance and function of the labia after childbirth.
While this is technically a cosmetic reason, feeling confident in your own body remains an important aspect of emotional well-being. If the appearance of your labia causes embarrassment or affects your sex life, labiaplasty may help you feel more at ease.
Labiaplasty is most often an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. You might have a local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your surgery’s complexity. Most procedures take one to two hours.
Dr. Ballon-Hennings trims and reshapes the labial tissue using a precise technique to reduce excess skin and improve symmetry. He uses methods that minimize scarring and help preserve sensation in the area.
Most women take about a week off work or daily activities to recover from labiaplasty. Swelling, bruising, and mild pain are common during the first few days, but these symptoms usually improve quickly. We recommend avoiding exercise, sexual activity, and tight clothing for at least four to six weeks to allow proper healing.
We give you detailed aftercare instructions to help you recover smoothly and comfortably. Most women return to normal activities within a few weeks and are very pleased with their results. Studies analyzing outcomes from labiaplasty report satisfaction rates regularly exceed 90%.
If your labia are causing discomfort, getting in the way of your activities, or affecting your confidence, you may be a good candidate for labiaplasty. This is a highly personal decision, and there’s no right or wrong reason to want to feel more comfortable in your body.
At Desert Hills Care Center, we provide compassionate, respectful support for women exploring this option. We take the time to listen to any concerns, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect with no pressure — just support, education, and expert guidance.
Labiaplasty isn’t about looks alone. It’s about feeling comfortable when you move, confident during intimacy, and more at ease in your own skin. Whether you're dealing with pain, irritation, or emotional discomfort, we’re here to help you feel your best.
Curious about whether labiaplasty could help you? Contact Desert Hills Care Center by phone or online to schedule a consultation and explore your options.
