Dr. Karen Horton has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Board Certified San Francisco Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr. Karen Horton understands how important it is for a woman to feel comfortable and confident in her body, as another woman who happens to be a Surgeon would only know. In some cases, women have insecurities about the appearance of their vaginas, or the shape of their vagina may cause discomfort when walking, working out, or engaging in other daily activities. Excess labia tissue may also make a woman more likely to get yeast infections, or it can create friction or soft tissue tears.
A labiaplasty is a genital surgical procedure where long, enlarged, or redundant labia minora tissue is removed, and may be performed for cosmetic or functional reasons, or a combination of the two.1
Benefits of labiaplasty include:
After several years of feeling self-conscious, I finally got the courage to see Dr. Horton in January about a labiaplasty. Dr. Horton is one of the warmest and kindest people I've ever met, and from the moment I met her she put me at ease with what is of course a very personal surgery. She has a disarming bedside manner, and I felt like no question was too embarrassing or silly. The surgery itself went perfectly. I felt very safe with Dr. Horton on day of the actual surgery, and again very safe in every follow-up appointment since. The results have been exactly what I wanted: even a few weeks after the surgery I was able to run again, and I finally feel like I look "normal." I'm able to run, soul cycle, and go to the gym without feeling self-conscious, and I also feel a million times better about my body, generally.
„There are a number of cosmetic procedures that are considered labiaplasty:
The most common type of labiaplasty is a labia minora reduction, which involves trimming the inner lips of the labia.
During this Plastic Surgery procedure, the labia majora (outer lips of the vulva) are reduced. This is a less common labiaplasty procedure, and may result in scarring and additional post-surgical swelling.3
Some women have redundant clitoral hood tissue. In these cases, the excess tissue is carefully trimmed away and overlying skin is rearranged. This procedure is done with extreme care, so as not to risk nerve injury to the clitoris or affect sexual stimulation or sensation.4 The best analogy to a clitoral hood reduction is transforming pleated-front pants to flat-front pants.
Some women have a variety of issues that dictate a combination of labia minora trim, clitoral hood reduction and labia majora reduction. The most common combination is labia minora and clitoral hood reduction. Every woman’s body is different, and each labiaplasty procedure is tailored to her unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Vaginal Rejuvenation Overview
Karen Horton MD
All About Labiaplasty Surgery
Karen Horton MD
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your labia, or if excess labial tissue causes you discomfort, you may be a good candidate for labiaplasty plastic surgery. Women of all ages, backgrounds, shapes, and sizes seek labiaplasty, and we believe that women should feel no embarrassment in seeking this procedure.
I am 30 years old and had thought about having this procedure for about 5 years before finally deciding to go ahead with it. My labia were very uncomfortable, and beyond the physical discomfort I was experiencing, was extremely self conscious about how I looked. After meeting with Dr. Horton, I immediately knew that I wanted to have the labiaplasty procedure done.I had the surgery 2 weeks later and really only felt any bad pain that very first night. I rested in bed for 2 days just to make sure I did not push myself, but after having had the surgery on a Friday afternoon, I was back at work on Monday and felt fine.After researching all the good and the bad about the surgery, I was really surprised that I did not have very much swelling and had absolutely no bruising. I felt general discomfort for about two to three weeks but did not have any actual pain, and the discomfort seemed mainly to be because of the stitching that was dissolving. The first few days I did have to take the Ativan and Vicodin I was prescribed, however I was able to taper off of the medication throughout the following week.It is about 2 1/2 months since surgery and I feel absolutely amazing. Dr. Horton and her team were wonderful throughout the entire process - they took the time to thoroughly educate me, get to know me, and made sure I was doing this for the right reasons. I was given excellent, genuine care from the very start.For anyone seriously considering this procedure, I highly recommend it - I finally feel comfortable, confident, and am so thankful for the wonderful care that I received from my doctor and her staff.Thank you for being a wonderful doctor :) xo
„The first step in preparing for labiaplasty is a private consultation with Dr. Karen Horton. During this 45 minute long meeting, Dr. Horton will help you feel at ease so that you can candidly discuss your cosmetic concerns and goals. Together, you will review labiaplasty surgical technique options and decide whether this is the right procedure for you.
A full history and getting to know you as a patient, physical examination (no photos will be taken at the consultation) and evaluation of your anatomy will take place in a warm and friendly, professional setting.
Typical location of a labiaplasty scar, hidden in a natural fold.
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, and is usually performed under inhaled laughing gas, an oral anti-anxiety medication and local anesthesia. General anesthesia can be used for patients who request it, but this is rarely needed.
The most common labiaplasty procedure is the “trim technique”, during which Dr. Horton removes excess tissue from the back to the front of the labia, including excess clitoral skin,, taking a small “pinch” of tissue from each side of the clitoral hood region.
This procedure removes the darkly pigmented and cobblestone-like textured labia minora tissue that is unwanted by most women seeking a labiaplasty. The more smooth, shiny and pink tissue that is up higher on the labia minora is preserved to maintain a normal and natural appearance and normal labia function – lubrication and prevention of friction.
Following labiaplasty, it is normal to experience some discomfort and swelling. Dr. Horton will make sure you are prepared with pain medication, and will give you detailed post-surgical instructions and monitor your healing during follow-up appointments. It is best for patients to avoid strenuous physical activity for the first two weeks following labiaplasty surgery. You should also refrain from using tampons and engaging in sexual intercourse for six weeks after labiaplasty.
I had the best experience having my surgery with Dr. Horton; I felt very listened to and very secure in her hands. She was extremely personable and understood me and what I wanted. She put me in touch with women who had had similar operations and made herself available to answer any questions or concerns I had. Moreover, I am extremely happy with all the results of my surgery, it is exactly what I have dreamed of and am so grateful she has given me this huge gift. Dr. Horton is skilled, personable, and accommodating, and is definitely someone I would recommend to any of my closest relatives. She has my 100% recommendation and if I need any surgery in the future, I would make the trip back to see her.
„Is liposuction done with labiaplasty?
In some cases, liposuction is performed with labiaplasty to improve contours of the pubic region, inner thighs, and/or buttocks. Liposuction can also be done on other areas of the body, like the abdomen, at the same time as labiaplasty for a more complete body contouring transformation.
What are the risks of labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is considered to be a safe procedure, but any surgical procedure does carry some risk of complications. Working with an experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Horton is the best way to feel confident in the outcome of your labiaplasty. Risks of labiaplasty may include:
Can I have labiaplasty before pregnancy?
Labiaplasty has no effect on childbirth, and surgical results will not be affected by pregnancy, so it is reasonable to have this procedure before having children. Even after multiple vaginal deliveries, the labia will not get all stretched out again. Labiaplasty is a “one-time procedure” with lasting results, and is a “quality of life surgery” that can improve the ability to be physically active without discomfort in women as young as older teens to women in their 60’s and 70’s. Most women notice their labia minora grow darker and longer starting at puberty. With age and time, women lose supportive collagen and stretchy elastin in all areas of our body, including the labia minora and majora - thus, many women notice more redundancy and hanging of their external genitalia as they get older. The best time to plan a labiaplasty is personal, and should take into consideration lifestyle issues, ability to take time off work and physical activities for recovery, and level of readiness for surgery, both mental and emotional.
Is labiaplasty part of a Mommy Makeover?
Absolutely. In many instances, Moms choose to have a labiaplasty to address changes to their external genitalia that may have become accentuated by pregnancy and childbirth. It is not uncommon for women to combine this with other surgical procedures or treatments in their personalized Mommy Makeover.
Will I have scars after labiaplasty?
The labia minora is composed of mucosa, similar to the inner lining of your mouth and gums. Consequently, there is very little scarring after a labiaplasty - the tissue heals similar to when you bite the inside of your cheek accidentally. For labia majora reduction, we plan the procedure to carefully hide any scars in the natural folds of the labia where the labia minora and majora meet. In many cases, labiaplasty scars often heal so well that even a gynecologist can’t see them.6
Where can I see actual before and after images of labiaplasty?
Visit our labiaplasty website gallery here!
Please note that pricing will vary and all information provided represents an average of typical costs and time and does not guarantee pricing or availability. Your individual treatment plan will be personalized to meet your needs and we recommend scheduling a consultation to receive a more accurate breakdown of pricing and recovery expectations.
Dr. Karen Horton and her team understand that the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is deeply personal, and we make sure that each of our patients feels comfortable and confident during their experiences with us. To learn more about vaginoplasty and vaginal rejuvenation, please contact us to schedule a private and confidential consultation with Dr. Horton in San Francisco.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is labiaplasty? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/labiaplasty. Accessed April 6, 2022.
2 Veale, D., Naismith, I., Eshkevari, E. et al. Psychosexual outcome after labiaplasty: a prospective case-comparison study. Int Urogynecol J 25, 831–839 (2014). Available: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2297-2. Accessed April 6, 2022.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is a labia majoraplasty? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/labia-majoraplasty. Accessed April 6, 2022.
4 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is a clitoral hood reduction? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/clitoral-hood-reduction. Accessed April 6, 2022.
5 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is labiaplasty? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/labiaplasty. Accessed April 6, 2022.
6 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Four common questions women have about recovery after labiaplasty. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/four-common-questions-women-have-about-recovery-after-labiaplasty. Accessed April 6, 2022.
Dr. Karen Horton has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Give us a call or fill out form below to schedule online.
Dr. Karen M. Horton
2100 Webster St UNIT 520
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: 415.923.3067
We are located in the Pacific Heights District in the Pacific Professional Building.
Monday-Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Monday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Tuesday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Wednesday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Friday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
Dr. Karen M. Horton
2100 Webster St UNIT 520
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: 415.923.3067
We are located in the
Pacific Heights District
in the Pacific Professional Building.
SHOP SKIN CARE*Please note: Our office is no longer a Participating Provider for insurance. We can provide a financial quote for what anticipated surgical fees will be after your consultation.
