Aesthetic labia minora reduction with inferior wedge resection and superior pedicle flap reconstruction

Abstract

Background: Aesthetic surgery of female genitalia is an uncommon procedure, and of the techniques available, labia minora reduction can achieve excellent results. Recently, more conservative labia minora reduction techniques have been developed, because the simple isolated strategy of straight amputation does not ensure a favorable outcome. This study was designed to review a series of labia minora reductions using inferior wedge resection and superior pedicle flap reconstruction.

Methods: Twenty-one patients underwent inferior wedge resection and superior pedicle flap reconstruction. The mean follow-up was 46 months. Aesthetic results and postoperative outcomes were collected retrospectively and evaluated.

Results: Twenty patients (95.2 percent) underwent bilateral procedures, and 90.4 percent of patients had a congenital labia minora hypertrophy. Five complications occurred in 21 patients (23.8 percent). Wound-healing problems were observed more frequently. The cosmetic result was considered to be good or very good in 85.7 percent of patients, and 95.2 percent were very satisfied with the procedure. All complications except one were observed immediately after the procedure.

Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that inferior wedge resection and superior pedicle flap reconstruction is a simple and consistent technique and deserves a place among the main procedures available. The complications observed were not unexpected and did not extend hospital stay or interfere with the normal postoperative period. The success of the procedure depends on patient selection, careful preoperative planning, and adequate intraoperative management.