Nymphoplasty
Labia minora reconstruction
A reduction labiaplasty, also called nymphoplasty, consists in reducing the size of the labia minor, sometimes considered unsightly by some patients because they are too big or protruding. A labia minor hypertrophy may even cause a functional discomfort in daily life (sports, intercourse…).
Though it was in the past relatively unknown, this surgery is now requested more frequently.
The procedure consists in removing excess skin. The scar may be longitudinal or transversal, wedge resection, with skin flaps or simple resection, depending on the morphology of the patient.
An atrophy of the labia majora should always be investigated and treated if necessary. The labia majora aim to protect the labia minor. Atrophy of labia major will uncover the labia minora and make them look too big and very sensitive. A reduction nymphoplasty performed without considering the labia major atrophy would not solve the problem. After the reduction, the labia minora would remain sensitive and visible because of the absence of their protective pad. Labia major atrophy can be corrected with lipofilling.
Preoperative preparation
The most frequent complications are suture failure and bruising, internal bleeding, which may lead to suture failure.
Patients should stop smoking around 3 weeks before and after the treatment in order to favor local vascularization and healing, and to reduce the risk of suture failure.
Aspirin-based and anti-inflammatory medication must be avoided 8 days before the surgery because they can cause bleeding.
Waxing is recommended before the intervention. Shaving should be avoided because of the risk of skin breach.
Menstruation is not a problem, but tampons must not be used.
The procedure
A nymphoplasty is performed as day-care surgery under local or general anesthesia and takes around 45 minutes.
After the procedure
A sanitary pad is left in place. The stitches are dissolvable and disappear in 3 weeks.
The patient has their first shower one day after the surgery, but baths should be avoided for 3 weeks. The only specific precaution to be taken consists in delicately drying the area after showering or urination.
It is strongly advised against using antiseptics to disinfect the area as they would destabilize the local bacterial flora that help healing.
Tight clothes, intercourse and tampons should be avoided for a period of 1 month.
Healing will be over after 1 month.
In the case of excess skin on the clitoral hood, a clitoroplasty can be combined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the nymphoplasty operation painful?
No, contrary to popular belief, nymphoplasty is not a painful surgery.
Some discomfort may of course be felt after the operation but there is no real pain.
Is it covered by health insurance in extreme cases involving significant discomfort?
Nymphoplasty is only covered for extreme cases of hypertrophy involving significant discomfort. In this case, coverage is minimal (€57.44 reimbursed by French national health insurance, while the operation costs between €2 000 and €3 000).
When can I resume exercise and sexual intercourse after nymphoplasty?
After the surgical reduction of the labia minora, exercise, bathing and sexual intercourse (as well as the use of tampons while menstruating) are contraindicated for one month. At the one month follow-up appointment, the surgeon assesses the healing process to determine whether you can resume your normal lifestyle.
At least how old should I be to have a nymphoplasty?
If the reduction of the labia minora is extensive and debilitating, nymphoplasty can be performed as of age 16 or 17. Significant hypertrophy can often cause complexes in young women who are not yet sexually active.
How much does a nymphoplasty cost?
The price ranges between €2 000 and €3 000 depending on the complexity of the case. You should note that lipofilling of the labia majora can be performed at the same time, which increases the total price between (€3 500 and €6 000).
