A new method for aesthetic reduction of labia minora (the deepithelialized reduction of labioplasty)

An enlarged labium minus can be bothersome for functional, aesthetic, and social reasons. Labia minora hypertrophy can be congenital or acquired by chronic irritation, exogenous androgenic hormones, or stretching with weights. This can cause inflammation, poor hygiene, interference with sexual intercourse, or intermittent urinary self-catheterization in myelodysplastic women. Aesthetically, an asymmetric or enlarged labium minus causes self-consciousness sexually and when the subject wears tight pants. Previously, labia minora reduction was performed by amputation of the protuberant segment and oversewing the edge, or a wedge of protuberant labial tissue was excised and reapproximated. However, the former technique removes the natural contour and color of the edge of the labium minus, and the latter can result in an incomplete or tight reduction. Therefore, rather than an amputation or a wedge resection, we preserved the natural contour and anatomy of the labium minus by simply reducing its central width through bilateral deepithelialization and reapproximation of the central portion with preservation of the neurovascular supply to the edge. Six patients have undergone this reduction method with excellent results without specific complications.