What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce the size and appearance of the inner lips of the vagina. The decision that a woman must make depends on the aesthetic and/or the functional aspect of the labia. While it has become increasingly common in recent years, many misconceptions persist about what outcomes patients should expect. A central truth often overlooked is that there is no such thing as a universally “perfect” labiaplasty result.
Anatomically, the labia minora are the inner lips of the vagina, while the labia majora are the outer lips and are lateral to the labia minora.
Congenital or traumatic hypertrophy of the labia minora has been an increasing concern to some women, and the “defect” can be easily corrected. The labia minora that protrudes beyond the confines of the labia majora can be functionally, aesthetically unsatisfactory, and some women may experience irritation from clothing during athletic exercise, or functional interference with sexual intercourse, and embarrassment and be self-conscious with tight undergarments.
Labiaplasty involves removing or reshaping tissue from the labia minora, and sometimes the labia majora, to address concerns related to comfort, function, or appearance. Patients seek the procedure for a variety of reasons:
- Physical discomfort during activities such as cycling, intercourse, or exercise
- Irritation caused by elongated or asymmetrical labia
- Desire for a different cosmetic appearance of the vulva
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), labiaplasty procedures have risen steadily over the past decade, reflecting both increasing awareness and normalization of intimate health concerns (ASPS, 2023).
However, what is a normal labiaplasty result?
When considering labiaplasty, the most common question patients have is what kind of cosmetic goal they should have. Well, this depends on personal preferences based on what they believe to be normal and what should be surgically addressed.
This brings us to the most subjective basis of what is normal to begin with. Do not look at these photo examples of labia, until you decide what you think is normal or abnormal. Once you make your decision, look below for the “answer.”
Essentially, they are ALL normal OR they are ALL abnormal. It all is a very subjective individual perception and depends on each woman’s self-body image.
There are times when a patient will request a labiaplasty to reduce the profile of their labia minor because her husband or her lover suggested same. Obviously, this should be out of the bounds of normality and should be left up to the Individual owner of the labia.
The Myth of the “Perfect” Vulva
Media, pornography, and cultural narratives have contributed to the idea that there is an ideal vulva shape or size. This has fueled unrealistic expectations for labiaplasty, with some patients believing surgery should achieve a “standardized” look.
However, research consistently shows that the appearance of the vulva is highly variable and normal across a wide spectrum. A study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology highlighted the broad range of labial dimensions among women, emphasizing that asymmetry and diversity are entirely normal (Rouzier et al., 2000).
Because of this, surgeons stress that the goal of labiaplasty should not be perfection, but rather improvement in comfort, function, and alignment with the patient’s own preferences.
Why Dr. Lesavoy Says a “Perfect” Result Does Not Exist
- Anatomical Diversity – Just as no two faces are identical, no two vulvas are the same. Perceptions of attractiveness vary widely between cultures and individuals.
- Healing Variability – Healing responses differ due to genetics, age, and skin quality. Scarring, pigmentation changes, and swelling can all affect the final appearance.
- Subjective Satisfaction – What feels or looks ideal to one patient may not match another’s expectations. Perfection is a moving target defined by personal perspective.
- Functional Considerations – A “perfect” aesthetic outcome should never come at the expense of comfort, sensation, or sexual function.
Realistic Expectations
Ethical guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) stress the importance of informed consent and realistic expectations when discussing elective female genital cosmetic surgery (ACOG, 2020). Patients should understand that:
- Results vary depending on anatomy and healing
- Absolute symmetry is rarely achievable
- The best outcomes prioritize comfort and confidence overachieving an “ideal look”
Surgeons can support patients by providing before-and-after photos that reflect a range of natural results rather than a single standardized appearance.
“Labiaplasty can be a safe and effective procedure for women seeking relief from discomfort or desiring a change in appearance, but it is critical to remember that there is no such thing as a perfect result,” says Dr. Lesavoy. The diversity of vulvar anatomy is natural, and surgical success should be measured in terms of patient comfort, function, and personal satisfaction—not conformity to a narrow or unrealistic ideal.
By reframing the conversation, both patients and surgeons can approach labiaplasty with healthier expectations and outcomes.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). (2023). 2022 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org
- Rouzier, R., Louis-Sylvestre, C., Paniel, B. J., & Haddad, B. (2000). Hypertrophy of labia minora: Experience with 163 reductions. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 107(5), 594–596.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2020). Committee Opinion No. 795: Elective Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 135(5), e36–e42.
Pamela Howard
Author
Pamela is a plastic surgery industry leader with over two decades of plastic surgery content development, blogging and patient education experience.