Utilization of Needles in the Surgical Reduction of Labia Minora: A Simple and Cost-Effective Way to Reduce Operating Time

Abstract

Aesthetic surgery of the external genitalia is growing in popularity among women, with reduction of the labia minora (labiaplasty) being the procedure most commonly requested and performed. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, labiaplasty procedures in the United States increased by 44% from 2012 to 2013, and by 16.1% from 2014 to 2015.1 Increasing interest in the aesthetic appearance of female genitalia also has been observed in the field of cosmetic medicine. Hyaluronic acid can be injected during a simple outpatient procedure to augment labia majora, providing youthful and natural results.2 In a recent comprehensive literature review by Oranges et al,3 8 labiaplasty techniques were identified, all of which had similar clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and morbidity. Wound dehiscence was the most common postoperative complication of all 8 techniques.3 Patients typically desire labiaplasty to improve aesthetics and functional impairment. Labiaplasty procedures can improve pain and discomfort. The primary goals of this surgery are reduction of labia minora hypertrophy with maintenance of …