The Butterfly Technique: A Retrospective Study for Labia Minora Reduction Using an Integrated Approach

Area of Science:

• Genital plastic surgery
• Female genital cosmetic surgery

Background:

• Increasing demand for genital plastic procedures, particularly labia minora reduction.
• Existing techniques for labia minora reduction have associated advantages and disadvantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel surgical approach for labia minora reduction.
• To evaluate the efficacy and patient satisfaction of the new technique.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of patients with hypertrophic labia minora (Franco type II-IV).
• Surgical technique involved an integrated approach of de-epithelialization and wedge excision (the "butterfly technique").
• Evaluation of early and late postoperative complications and patient satisfaction.

Main Results:

• 17 labioplasties performed on 10 patients (mean age 29 ± 12 years).
• High overall patient satisfaction (8.6 ± 1.1) after a median follow-up of 39 months.
• No reported dyspareunia, hypertrophic scarring, or micturition problems; 3 patients had wound-healing issues requiring revision.

Conclusions:

• The "butterfly technique" effectively reduces labia minora volume while preserving neurovascular supply and resulting in a concealed scar.
• The technique shows high patient satisfaction rates.
• Further investigation into suture techniques and materials is recommended to reduce wound dehiscence.