Labiaplasty is surgery that reduces or reshapes the labia minora (inner lips) and, when needed, the labia majora (outer lips). It relieves physical discomfort such as rubbing, irritation or pain with clothing, exercise or intercourse, and can also be chosen for aesthetic reasons. Dr. María del Carmen Martínez (Peruvian Medical College license CMP 42467) performs it in Lima after an evaluation consultation.
| Setting | Usually outpatient (per evaluation) |
|---|---|
| Anesthesia | Decided at the evaluation |
| Back to daily routine | 1 to 2 weeks (ASPS) |
| Intercourse | Wait at least 6 weeks (ASPS) |
| Price | Confirmed after evaluation |
What labiaplasty corrects
- Labia minora reduction: the most requested correction; removes tissue that protrudes or causes discomfort.
- Labia majora reduction: removes loose skin of the outer lips, for example after pregnancy, weight changes or with age.
- Both, in a single operation, when the evaluation supports it.
Every vulva is different and asymmetry is common. The goal is not a single “ideal” look but relief from a real concern and comfort with your own body.
Who is a good candidate?
Healthy adult women whose labial size or shape affects their comfort or confidence. Common reasons include:
- Rubbing, irritation or pain with tight clothing, underwear or sportswear.
- Discomfort when cycling, running or exercising.
- Discomfort or pulling during intercourse.
- Difficulty with intimate hygiene or repeated irritation.
- Loose outer-lip skin after pregnancy, weight loss or with age.
- Self-consciousness that affects intimacy or confidence.
In a study of 131 patients (Miklos and Moore, Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2008), 32% sought surgery for functional reasons, 37% for aesthetic reasons and 31% for both. For adolescents, ACOG advises reserving it for cases with significant physical symptoms.
How the procedure is done
Labiaplasty is outpatient surgery. The technique is chosen according to your anatomy and goals. Techniques described in the medical literature include:
- Trim (edge resection): removes excess tissue along the edge of the inner lip.
- Wedge resection: removes a V-shaped section at the widest point and joins the edges, preserving the natural border.
- De-epithelialization: reduces volume without cutting the edge; useful for small excess.
- Labia majora reduction: removes excess skin with an incision placed so the scar sits in a natural fold.
At the evaluation consultation Dr. Martínez decides the technique, the anesthesia and whether to combine it with a clitoral hood reduction. If what you want is more volume in the outer lips rather than reduction, non-surgical options such as labia majora augmentation with hyaluronic acid can be discussed at the same visit.
Recovery timeline
- First days: swelling and soreness, managed with pain relief and cold packs as instructed. Rest, and plan for help with childcare if needed.
- Weeks 1 to 2: swelling gradually settles; desk work and daily routine resume (ASPS).
- Up to 6 weeks: avoid intercourse (ASPS: at least 6 weeks), tampons, strenuous exercise and pressure or friction on the area until Dr. Martínez clears you.
- Following months: the scar matures and the final result becomes visible as residual swelling fades.
Risks and honest expectations
Labiaplasty is generally safe, but like any surgery it carries risks: wound separation (dehiscence), hematoma, superficial infection, irregular scarring and asymmetry. Recent meta-analyses put wound separation with the wedge technique between 3% (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2022) and 8% (Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2024). A review of long-term outcomes in Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2025; 9 studies, 748 patients) reported asymmetry in about 6% and revision surgery in about 5.6%; 621 of 748 patients had no complications.
ACOG also notes that high-quality data on genital cosmetic surgery are still limited and recommends careful discussion of expectations. Pregnancy, active infection, smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions or expectations surgery cannot meet may rule it out or delay it.
Why Dr. Martínez
- 20+ years of experience in plastic surgery and 10,000+ successful cases.
- Plastic surgeon, Peruvian Medical College license CMP 42467, specialist registry RNE 20164.
- Private, confidential care in Santiago de Surco, Lima.
Traveling to Lima for your procedure
Dr. Martínez practices in Santiago de Surco, Lima, a residential district of the city. International patients usually arrive through Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM). Because the procedure is outpatient, you normally go back to your hotel the same day. Plan your stay so you can attend your post-operative check-ups in person; the team will confirm how many days to stay in Lima, and when it is reasonable to fly home, after your evaluation.
- Start with a WhatsApp message to share your goals; the team will tell you what medical information to send and how.
- The in-person evaluation consultation in Lima confirms the technique, anesthesia and plan.
- Bring a list of your medications and tell the team if you smoke, since smoking slows healing.
Book your evaluation consultation
Message the team on WhatsApp at +51 912 052 479 to start your labiaplasty evaluation with Dr. María del Carmen Martínez. Pricing is confirmed after the evaluation and may vary depending on the medical assessment.