INTRODUCTION: Although labiaplasty is among the fastest growing plastic surgery procedures in America, techniques for labiaplasty have not evolved significantly in the past decade. The two prevailing methods for labiaplasty are wedge resection of the labia minora (“the wedge technique”) and trim resection of the labia minora (“the edge technique”).
PURPOSE: In this paper, we present a novel combination Edge-Wedge technique that harnesses the favorable aspects of both prevailing methods: a wedge resection of the labia minora, plus an adjacent edge resection of the lateral aspects of the clitoral hood. We offer the Edge-Wedge technique as a method for reducing the protrusion of the labia minora, while also smoothing the contour and projection of the clitoral hood.
METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on a cohort of all labiaplasty patients in a single-surgeon practice who underwent labia minora and clitoral hood reduction using the Edge-Wedge technique. Patients who underwent labiaplasty for the purpose of labia majora reduction, labia majora augmentation, mons pubis reduction, and perineal repair were excluded. Mean follow up time was 6 months.
RESULTS: 34 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in this technique analysis. Of those, 2 were minors and 3 were having secondary procedures. 30 patients had their procedures done with local anesthesia only. All patients had uneventful surgical courses. Postoperatively, 2 patients (5.9%) developed yeast infections requiring oral and topical antifungal agents. 1 patient (2.9%) developed a wound dehiscence requiring surgical revision. All patients reported satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.
CONCLUSION: The Edge-Wedge labiaplasty technique is a safe and effective option for patients with labia minora and clitoral hood hypertrophy.