Central Wedge Resection

Central wedge resection involves cutting a partial-thickness wedge of tissue at the base of the labia adjacent to the vaginal opening by preserving the skin at the lateral margin of the labia and then making a Z- or W-shaped flap suture. The advantage of this technique is the preservation of the intact labial lateral margin, which leaves no scar (also called latent labiaplasty), but the disadvantage is its inability to resect a large amount of labial skin, with the reduction limited, and an inability to correct the darkening of the labial skin. Moreover, over-resection affects the sensitivity peripheral to the vaginal opening, so it is indicated for unmarried women with mild to moderate labial hypertrophy or those with an asymmetric labia.

Surgical conditions

Duration

0hr
  • Type of anesthesia: IV sedation + local anesthesia
  • Surgical incision: Incision at the bottom of the labia minora
  • Recovery: 2–3 days
  • Removal of stitches: No

General instructions

No food and water on the day of surgery

0hr
  • Avoid the surgery during the menstrual period.
  • Try to wear loose underclothes for 1 week postoperatively to avoid friction on wounds.
  • Avoid intercourse or sexual behaviors for 2 weeks postoperatively.
  • Prevent the lower body from being exposed to dirty water for 1 month postoperatively (such as swimming pool and sea water).
  • Try to wear loose clothes in the future to avoid overt friction to the labia, which may darken again.

Ideal candidates

  • Patients with congenital hypertrophy of the labia minora
  • Those who feel uncomfortable due to cloth friction at the hypertrophic labia minora
  • Those whose labia minora presents laxity but the color is normal
  • Those with an asymmetric labia minora
  • Those who have inflammation or abnormal odor at the genitals due to difficulty in cleaning

Potential complications

  • Decreased sensitivity (temporary)
  • Asymmetry
  • Over-resection

Surgical advantages

  1. It is able to correct problems such as filth or abnormal odor because of difficulty in cleaning.

  2. It improves the appearance of the genitals and thus enhances the self-confidence of patients.

Surgical drawbacks

  1. Excess labial reduction may result in vaginal sensitivity or inflammation.

  2. The sensitivity peripheral to the vaginal opening may be undermined.

  3. If future care is ignored, the labia minora may still become dark or thick.

Possible procedures in conjunction