A labia lift is a surgical procedure focused on altering the size or shape of the labia, the skin folds surrounding the vaginal opening. Comprising the labia minora (inner lips) and labia majora (outer lips), these structures can be modified for various reasons, including addressing physical discomfort, enhancing appearance, or as part of gender-affirming surgery. A particular type of labia lift is a monsplasty. The monsplasty labia lift reduces the mons pubis – the tissue above the pubic bone – and lifts the labia majora; it is often performed in conjunction with a mini tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.
People who are bothered by loose skin in the suprapubic region, extra fat in the suprapubic region, or who have creasing between the start of the labia majora and suprapubic region may be candidates for a labia lift / monsplasty.
In brief, it can be one or several factors.
First, some people may have a natural propensity to store fat in the suprapubic region, which can create appearance of a bulge. Alternatively, some people may naturally have a crease between the start of the labia majora.
Second, with the natural process of maturation, there’s a decline of collagen and elastin and a decrease in glycosaminoglycan and fat volume. This leads to changes in skin elasticity that may cause skin in this area to sag. These skin changes may be exacerbated by pregnancy or weight gain and loss. Also, prior cuts through the muscle and facia – e.g., c-section – may cause creasing in this area.
One type of labial lift involves removing fat and/or skin in the mons pubis region. For labia lifts where both skin and fat are removed, an incision is made below the bikini like. If the patient has had a prior c-section, Dr. Desrosiers will often go through this same incision (or cut it out and revise it). Once the incision is made, fat can be directly excised. After the excess fat is addressed, an ellipse of tissue is removed below the primary incision. This lower incision line then is brought up to the upper incision line. Then the two sides are sutured together in layers: muscle, fascia, dermis, skin. This technique functions to lift the labia and reduce the mons pubis. For patients that are only bothered by excess fat on the mons pubis, liposuction can often be used to selectively remove the fat through a small cannula.
For many patients, a labia lift that removes skin and directly excises fat can be done in the office.
Patients can usually go back to work a day or two after the procedure. However, if there are sutures, it’s commonly about 2-4 weeks before most usual activities can be resumed. Note, for many patients, there will be restrictions on abdominal exercises and heavy lifting for about 6 weeks.
Dr. Desrosiers understands that each patient is unique and requires individualized care. With his expertise and dedication to achieving exceptional results, Dr. Desrosiers is committed to guiding you through your labia lift journey with confidence and support.
To learn more about a labia lift or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Desrosiers, please contact us at 305-403-2922 or concierge@ArthurMD.com. Let Dr. Desrosiers help you achieve the body of your dreams with advanced body contouring techniques and personalized care.
Providing Cosmetic, Reconstructive, & Craniofacial Plastic Surgery in Miami and West Palm Beach.