Labiaplasty surgery usually involves a reduction in the size of the labia minora or inner vaginal lips. But sometimes it may involve the labia majora or outer vaginal lips as well.
Patients often try to understand the difference between the trim and wedge labiaplasty techniques. These are the most commonly used techniques for reducing the size of the labia.
Both of these techniques have certain differences and are used depending on the specific needs of the patient. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides labiaplasty to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.
Trim Labiaplasty
Trim labiaplasty, as the term suggests, involves “trimming” the excess labia minora, which is excised along its entire length. This technique can effectively remove hyperpigmented tissue on the leading edge of the labia minora.
After this darkened tissue is removed, it usually restores normal pink tissue at the new edge of the labia. The trim technique is the most commonly used method for labiaplasty surgery, and can effectively modify the shape and size of the labia minora.
The trim technique of labiaplasty can effectively address asymmetry, excessive length, and hyperpigmentation. The main limitation of this technique in comparison to the wedge technique is that in the former, an incision is made along the length of the labia minora.
The plastic surgeon makes this incision away from the vaginal introitus and clitoris, which minimizes the risk of loss of sensation after the surgical procedure. As the scar matures, it is typically indiscernible. The surgeon can make one uninterrupted incision during this procedure in case the patient seeks a clitoral hood reduction along with the trim labiaplasty.
Wedge Labiaplasty
The wedge labiaplasty technique involves the removal of a central wedge of the labia minora in a V-shape. Subsequently, the surgeon will attach the front and back parts of the labia minora together. This technique may be more appropriate for patients with asymmetry or excessive length on the central third portion of the labia minora.
However, it is not as effective in the removal of excess tissue in other regions. In addition, wedge labiaplasty cannot eliminate hyperpigmented tissue at the leading edge of the labia minora.
In both trim and wedge labiaplasty techniques, resorbable (dissolvable) sutures are used to prevent discomfort to the patient at the time of the removal of stitches.
Sometimes, one or two stitches may give away ahead of time. If this happens after a trim labiaplasty, any small wound openings will usually close by themselves without the requirement of a surgical procedure. A key limitation of the wedge technique of labiaplasty is that a full-thickness or notch wound gap may develop if the sutures fall out before time.
The patient may require another procedure to address the notching or associated wound healing problems. The results with a wedge labiaplasty may appear more natural as the hyperpigmented labial edge remains undisturbed. However, this tissue is the very reason that certain women seek a labial reduction in the first place.
Most Appropriate Option for You
The choice of technique is a key decision that is best left to the patient and her doctor. Patients trust Dr. McCluskey to educate them on the benefits and limitations of each technique so that they can make a well-considered choice that will create an outcome that they are satisfied with for years to come.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for labiaplasty.
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.