Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Labiaplasty is the surgical reshaping of the pudenda, the external female genitalia. This may seem an unthinkable procedure to some, but for many women, there are very good reasons to pursue the surgical correction of labia that cause many different forms of discomfort, leading to a significantly decreased quality of life.

First, many women with large labia, especially the labia minora, the thinner, interior lips, experience physical discomfort during many forms of physical activities. Because the lips are thin and sensitive, when they are so large that they escape the protection of the labia majora, they become vulnerable to many painful pressures and frictions. Pinching and chafing can occur during any number of the hundreds of things active women do every day. Sitting down at work, walking to the El, or aerobics at the gym can all become very painful activities. In addition, many types of clothing can be very uncomfortable for women with this condition.

Second, women with large labia can experience a great deal of psychological discomfort. These women have most likely experienced ridicule at the hands of men or other women, or, at the very least, have noticed the not-so-subtle stares of people noticing their "camel toes." Large labia majora and labia minora can be very difficult to conceal in certain types of clothing, greatly limiting wardrobe choices, and, in some seasons, giving women the poor choice between experiencing discomfort and missing out on favorite activities.

And the thought of disrobing in front of a new boyfriend or even husband can be stressful for these women. It is unfortunate that a woman's wedding, supposed to be one of the happiest days of her life, can be filled with worry about how her new husband might respond to the appearance of her labia. A woman with this shame might only undress in the dark or away from the eyes of her intimate partner, a concealment that can create tension in the relationship.

Women who do not suffer from enlarged labia might think the procedure crude, even obscene, but many women know all too well the daily discomfort and humiliation that the procedure can remedy.

If you are interested in learning more about labiaplasty, this website has a great deal of information, or you can contact Dr. Otto Placik today for a completely confidential consultation.