Edge Resection

This surgery directly excises the redundant thick and darkened skin at the lateral margin of the labia minora (rim) and trims and adjusts the shape of the labia based on the patient’s requirements. The advantages of edge resection include a substantial removal of the loose labial skin to tighten the labial appearance and effectively improve labial laxity or rugosity and mostly excise the hyper-pigmented or darkened skin to make the pink-like labial tissues visible or indirectly lighten the labial, which concurrently improves the labial size and color. It is indicated for patients with congenital labial hypertrophy or labia minora laxity, aging hypertrophy, and darkening due to pregnancy or labor. The disadvantage of this technique is that a light scar may be left at the lateral margin of the labia. Besides, an adequate labial skin at the base should be maintained during the surgery to prevent excess reduction and thus eliminate its original protective functions. In addition, the shape and size of the bilateral labia should be carefully trimmed to avoid asymmetry.

Surgical conditions

Duration

0min
  • Type of anesthesia: IV sedation + local anesthesia
  • Surgical incision: Incision at the lateral margin of the labial 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, wrinkles, or a deep color
  • Those with an asymmetric labia minora
  • Those who have inflammation or abnormal odor at the genitals due to difficulty in cleaning

Potential complications

  • Scar
  • Decreased sensitivity (temporary)
  • Asymmetry
  • Excess resection

Surgical advantages

  1. The surgical scope is limited and free of risks.

  2. It has effects of labial reduction and color lightening.

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

  4. 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 chronic inflammation.

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

Possible procedures in conjunction