Vaginal Labiaplasty: Defense of the Simple “Clip and Snip” and a New Classification System

Abstract

Vaginal labiaplasty has become a more frequently performed procedure as a result of the publicity and education possible with the Internet. Some of our patients have suffered in silence for years with large, protruding labia minora and the tissue above the clitoris that is disfiguring and uncomfortable and makes intercourse very difficult and painful. We propose four classes of labia protrusion based on size and location: Class 1 is normal, where the labia majora and minora are about equal. Class 2 is the protrusion of the minora beyond the majora. Class 3 includes a clitoral hood. Class 4 is where the large labia minora extends to the perineum. There are two principal means of reconstructing this area. Simple amputation may be possible for Class 2 and Class 4. Class 2 and Class 3 may be treated with a wedge resection and flap advancement that preserves the delicate free edge of the labia minora (Alter, Ann Plast Surg 40:287, 1988). Class 4 may require a combination of both amputation of the clitoral hood and/or perineal extensions and rotation flap advancement over the labia minora.

Labioplasty in a Freeman–Sheldon syndrome patient

“…www.irog.net cm [6]. Surgical treatment is suggested for the sake of patients' psychological and physical comfort.…”

Editorial: Conflict of Interest and FAI

“…12 The labia minora may be classified according to the maximum length of each labium, as reported by Felicio (Table 1), 13 or by the amount of tissue protruding beyond the posterior fourchette or the labia majora, as described by Chang et al (Table 2). 14 The clitoral hood may be classified by the extent and thickness of its tissue, as proposed by Ostrzenski 15 (Table 3). Accurate classification of the patient's concern enables the surgeon to select the most appropriate surgical procedures.…”

Labia Minora Reduction – Patients Symptoms and Satisfaction in Short and Long Term

“…Clearly, evidence based guidelines would help to facilitate that surgery is reserved for women truly helped with surgery with a minimal risk of harm in this delicate area. In this process, it is important to define what is the range of normal of the labia majora and minora, and different endpoint or classifications has been proposed [2,5,[10][11][12]. Further, it is important to know the complications and success rates following such operations.…”