Labiaplasty surgery typically involves reducing the size of the labia minora (inner vaginal lips). However, at times it may also involve addressing the labia majora (outer vaginal lips).
Patients usually seek to understand the difference between the trim and wedge labiaplasty techniques which are the most commonly used techniques for the reduction of the labia.
It is essential to understand the distinctiveness of each technique and what would be the most suitable technique for a patient. Dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides labiaplasty to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and other towns and suburbs in this magnificent area of The Peach State.
Trim Labiaplasty
As the name suggests, a trim labiaplasty involves “trimming” the excess labia minora. The surplus labia minora is eliminated along its entire length. This technique can successfully remove hyperpigmented tissue on the labia minora’s leading edge.
Once this darkened tissue is eliminated, it commonly restores normal pink tissue at the new edge of the labia. The trim technique is the most used method for labiaplasty surgery. It is an effective surgery to alter the size and shape of the labia minora.
The trim technique of labiaplasty can successfully treat excessive length, asymmetry, and hyperpigmentation. The primary limitation of the trim technique against the wedge technique is that in the former, a scar is placed along the labia minora’s length. The cosmetic surgeon places this scar away from the vaginal introitus and clitoris.
This minimizes the risk of loss of sensation after the procedure. After the scar matures, it is usually discreet. The surgeon can place one uninterrupted incision during this surgery if the patient chooses to undergo a clitoral hood reduction along with the trim labiaplasty.
Wedge Labiaplasty
In the wedge labiaplasty technique, the surgeon will remove a central wedge of the labia minora in a V-shape. Then they will join the front and back portions of the labia minora together. This technique may be suitable for patients who have asymmetry or surplus length on the labia minora’s central third portion.
It is not as effective in the elimination of excess tissue in other areas. Furthermore, wedge labiaplasty cannot eliminate the darkened tissue at the labia’s leading edge. Both trim and wedge labiaplasty techniques involve the use of dissolvable (resorbable) sutures to prevent discomfort to the patient during the removal of stitches.
At times, one or two sutures may give away before time. In case this occurs after a trim labiaplasty, any tiny wound openings will commonly close by themselves without the need for a surgical procedure. A primary limitation of the wedge technique of labiaplasty is that a full thickness or notch wound gap may form if the sutures fall out prematurely.
The patient may need another procedure to address the notching or related wound healing issues. The outcomes with a wedge labiaplasty may seem more natural as the darkened labial edge remains intact. But this tissue is the very reason that some women want a labial reduction in the first place.
Judicious plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for labiaplasty surgery.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:
Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.