Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty: Restoring Comfort & Confidence

At the Intimate Wellness Institute of Virginia, we understand that making the decision to explore aesthetic vaginal procedures is deeply personal. Conversations about the labia can feel sensitive, and our foremost commitment is to provide a safe, respectful, and confidential environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Led by the renowned expertise of Dr. Nathan Guerette, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve results that enhance your comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life.

Understanding Your Body: The Vulva, Labia, and Labial Hypertrophy

We believe patient empowerment begins with clear information. The vulva is the term for the external female genital area. It includes several structures, each with a specific purpose:

• The Labia Majora (Outer Lips): These are the outer folds of skin and fatty tissue that extend from the mons pubis (the fatty cushion over the pubic bone) down toward the perineum. They provide cushioning and protection for the inner vulvar structures.
• The Labia Minora (Inner Lips): These are the inner folds of skin located just inside the labia majora. They join together at the top to form the clitoral hood.
• The Clitoral Hood: This is the fold of skin that covers and protects the highly sensitive clitoris.

It is crucial to know that the size, shape, and color of these structures can vary widely among women, and a significant degree of variation and asymmetry is completely normal.

Labial hypertrophy is the medical term for when these structures—the labia minora, majora, clitoral hood, or any combination—are significantly enlarged, elongated, or loose. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy, childbirth, trauma, or chronic irritation.

While this condition is purely anatomical, it can lead to very real concerns for some women, including physical discomfort during exercise or intercourse, challenges with hygiene, or emotional distress and self-consciousness. At IWI, we validate these concerns and believe that what is bothersome to you is a personal choice and a valid reason to seek expert care.

What is Labiaplasty? A Holistic Approach to Form and Function

Labiaplasty is not a single procedure, but rather a sophisticated category of aesthetic procedures designed to improve both the APPEARANCE and the FUNCTION of the external vaginal and vulvar structures. For many women, these procedures offer a solution to concerns they were born with or changes that have occurred due to childbirth, aging, or trauma. A thoughtfully performed labiaplasty can resolve symptoms of discomfort and irritation, improve sexual confidence, and create an aesthetic result that feels normal and natural.

Our holistic approach at IWI recognizes that achieving the best cosmetic results often requires a combination of treatments tailored to your unique anatomy. This may involve addressing the labia minora, labia majora, clitoral hood, mons pubis, or perineal area to create a balanced and beautiful outcome.

Why Trust Dr. Guerette and IWI for Your Labiaplasty? The Specialist Advantage

Your safety and results are paramount. Decisions regarding aesthetic vaginal surgery should be made carefully and only after a thorough discussion with a true expert.

• A Highly Specialized Field: Due to the intricate network of nerves and blood vessels, aesthetic vaginal surgeries are among the most precise and delicate cosmetic procedures performed. They demand an exceptional level of specialized skill and experience to achieve your desired results without compromising sensation or function.
• The Critical Importance of Experience: Most general plastic surgeons and even many gynecologic surgeons have little practical experience with this type of cosmetic surgery. To consistently achieve superior aesthetic and functional results, a surgeon needs dedicated, specialized training.
• The IWI Difference: The Intimate Wellness Institute, led by Dr. Guerette, is the most specialized, expert center for Aesthetic Gynecology and Intimate Wellness in the Mid-Atlantic. Dr. Guerette is a double board-certified Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He is the most experienced surgeon in this field in the region, and his advanced techniques are taught to hundreds of physicians nationally and internationally. This deep, functional knowledge sets us apart.
• Comprehensive, Unbiased Options: Dr. Guerette and IWI are uniquely positioned to offer ALL available surgical and non-surgical options. This means our recommendation is based solely on what is best for your anatomy and your goals, not limited by a narrow set of skills.
• A Caring, Understanding Environment: Our entire team is expertly trained to guide you through this process with compassion and discretion. We understand these issues and are here to make you feel comfortable and confident in your decision.

Your Labiaplasty Options at IWI

We will partner with you to determine the ideal approach for your body and your goals.

Surgical Labiaplasty

For the most significant and permanent results, surgical correction offers transformative outcomes. All surgical procedures are performed comfortably in our accredited in-office surgical center or, if in combination with other procedures, at the surgery center.

Labia Minora Reduction (Labia Minoraplasty)

This procedure addresses the inner lips when they are enlarged or elongated. Dr. Guerette skillfully reduces and reshapes the labia minora to achieve your desired appearance.

• Dr. Guerette’s Advanced Technique: He employs proprietary techniques using advanced incision technology, like a laser or plasma blade, to minimize bleeding and scarring. A precise, sculpted V-shaped incision allows the tissue edges to fall together naturally and without tension. The tissue is then meticulously reapproximated using advanced, absorbable knotless sutures. This technique maximizes post-operative comfort (as no sutures need removal) and results in a virtually undetectable scar.
• Your Desired Result: Dr. Guerette consults with you extensively to ensure your expectations are met.

Labia Majora Contouring (Labia Majoraplasty)

This procedure addresses the outer lips, which can appear prominent due to excess fat or sagging due to volume loss and skin laxity from aging or childbirth.

• Tailored Surgical Approach: Dr. Guerette uses several techniques depending on your specific needs. He may make an incision in the natural crease between the inner and outer lips to remove excess skin and fat, leaving a virtually undetectable scar. In other cases, incisions can be hidden in the inner thigh creases or near the perineum. Importantly, liposuction alone is not an effective solution and can worsen sagging skin; a surgical lift is required.
• Restoring Volume: If there is volume loss, Dr. Guerette can restore a fuller, more youthful appearance by skillfully injecting a small amount of fat from another area of your body, PRP, or a hyaluronic acid filler.

Non-Surgical Labia Rejuvenation

For women who prefer a non-surgical approach or who have more minor changes they wish to improve, IWI proudly offers the full spectrum of advanced, non-invasive therapies. These treatments can also be used to further enhance the results of surgical procedures.

• Laser Labia Rejuvenation: A gentle fractional resurfacing laser tightens existing collagen and stimulates the growth of new collagen and blood vessels, improving the texture, tone, and appearance of the labia.
• Radiofrequency (RF) Treatment: Gentle radio waves heat the deeper layers of tissue, causing collagen fibers to contract and stimulating a natural healing process that produces new, healthy collagen for tighter, more sensitive skin.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): This cutting-edge technology uses light energy to gently heat the tissue below the skin’s surface. A sapphire quartz handpiece keeps the surface cool and comfortable while the energy stimulates the growth of new collagen, elastin, blood vessels, and nerves, resulting in firmer, smoother tissue.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Augmentation: A powerful regenerative treatment that uses the concentrated growth factors from your own blood to stimulate cellular repair and rejuvenation. While PRP does not change the size of the labia minora on its own, it is exceptional for improving skin quality and maximizing healing after other procedures. It can also be used to add volume to the labia majora and offers numerous other benefits, including improving sensation, resolving pain during sex, and even helping with overactive bladder symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions about Non-Surgical Treatments

• Is there downtime? In most cases, no. For more aggressive treatments, a couple of days of taking it easy may be required.
• Am I a good candidate? Most healthy women frustrated with skin laxity or similar concerns may benefit. A consultation with our team will help determine the perfect treatment plan for your specific goals.
• Are the treatments painful? No. With the application of a topical numbing cream, most treatments are painless. You may feel a mild sensation of heat, which is very tolerable.
• When will I see results? Many women notice an immediate improvement, with maximum results appearing within 6-8 weeks as new collagen forms.
• How many treatments will I need? A typical series is 3-5 sessions, scheduled every 2-4 weeks. The exact number depends on your individual needs.
• How long do results last? Results typically last 12-18 months, after which a simple touch-up treatment is recommended to maintain your improvement.
• Is non-surgical rejuvenation a substitute for surgery? No. While highly effective for rejuvenation and tightening, the degree of change and the permanence of the results are more significant with surgical correction. The best choice depends on your anatomy and the degree of change you desire.

Your Journey Begins with a Conversation

Navigating these options can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Our role at the Intimate Wellness Institute is to serve as your expert guide. We are here to help you understand your choices and partner with you to create a plan that aligns with your vision for yourself.

If you are ready to address your concerns and explore how to enhance your comfort and self-assurance, the Intimate Wellness Institute of Virginia is here for you.

Contact us today to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Guerette. Let us help you restore your confidence and achieve your personal wellness goals