Wedge labiaplasty is a special technique to perform labiaplasty cosmetic surgery. The surgeon will carefully determine the patient’s candidacy for this
procedure, and explain its benefits and limitations to her at the time of initial consultation.
Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides wedge labiaplasty surgery to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.
How does it Work?
The central wedge resection aims to eliminate a V-shaped tissue portion with the tip pointing towards the labial edge, from the most protuberant part of the labium which is being removed. This procedure is performed on both the sides.
This cosmetic surgery technique has evolved over time and now allows for a more aesthetic closure or wound contracture. Furthermore, it offers an enhanced shape to the clitoral hood with a shorter healing period and fewer risks of complications. The technique involves excising a wedge of tissue with partial thickness from the most abundant part of the labia.
Risks and Benefits
The central wedge procedure uses a resection pattern which helps preserve the natural “wrinkled” edge (rugosity) of the labia minora. On the other hand, a full-thickness resection has an inherent risk of possible damage to vital labial nerves which can cause painful numbness or neuromas.
The risk of complications reduces with a partial-thickness elimination of mucosa and skin which leaves the submucosa intact.
The advantage of central wedge resection is that an extended wedge can be elevated upwards near the prepuce to address a prominent clitoral hood without the need for another incision. This offers the patient a natural contour and avoids incision placement in the vicinity of the very sensitive clitoris.
However, patients should know that central wedge resection is a relatively more complex surgical technique. The surgeon must appropriately judge the right amount of labial skin to resect. A wrong decision could lead to under-correction or over-correction.
It will also increase the chances of surgical wound separation. Therefore, the key is to choose an experienced surgeon for this procedure.
Surgical Procedure
The patient is typically made to sleep using general anesthesia for this procedure to prevent any physical and psychological afflictions from the surgery. However, the surgeon can also perform this procedure under local anesthesia. The wedge lines are different on the inner and outer labial surfaces.
Following the wedge marking, the surgeon resects it and removes the marked part of the lateral hood using the same vertical external incision. To correct a longer hood, the surgeon may place a horizontal incision across the skin of the clitoris.
This procedure has multiple variants to enable clitoral repositioning if needed. The reasoning behind a combined excision of these two sites is that they are a part of the same unit.
The surgeon removes the marked skin, but they will carefully remove only the correct amount of subcutaneous tissue that will give the labia the desired size after recovery. This area requires an appropriate amount of tissue to promote adequate circulation and enable the scar to seal firmly. The surgeon cannot be too aggressive in excising the labial tissue as it is crucial to preserve the peripheral sensation in the vagina.
Following wedge removal, the incision closure is carried out under magnification in multiple layers. Dedicated plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for wedge 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.