Labia minora reduction techniques: a comprehensive literature review

Abstract

Background: Many studies of techniques to reduce the labia minora have been published in recent decades, including case reports and retrospective case series. However, to date, there has been no study of the overall complications or satisfaction rates associated with the broad spectrum of techniques.

Objectives: The authors performed a comprehensive literature review to determine outcomes and complications of labiaplasty techniques, including patient satisfaction.

Methods: A search on PubMed/Medline was performed with the keywords labiaplasty, labioplasty, labial hypertrophy, and techniques plus labia minora reduction. The inclusion criterion was clinical studies in which techniques of labia minora reduction were described. Excluded from the study were publications not dealing with surgical procedures and review articles.

Results: Thirty-eight studies, published from 1971 through 2014, were included; this represented 1981 treated patients. Eight labiaplasty techniques were identified from these studies: edge resection, wedge resection, deepithelialization, W-plasty, laser labiaplasty, custom flask, fenestration, and composite reduction. Satisfactory results, judged from clinical examination, were observed with all 8 techniques. Few postoperative complications occurred. In a small number of cases, complications required surgical revision or secondary resection.

Conclusions: All 8 labiaplasty techniques resulted in good outcomes, including high patient satisfaction and low morbidity.