Intimate surgery corrects the shape and function of the female vulva and vagina, such as labia minora reduction and vaginal tightening, and is performed by a female board-certified plastic surgeon.
The size and shape of the labia minora and the degree of vaginal laxity differ from person to person, and are not in themselves abnormal. However, when the labia minora are long or asymmetric, chafe against clothing and make hygiene difficult, or when the vagina has loosened with childbirth or age and causes discomfort, surgery can correct this.
Intimate surgery refers to surgery that corrects the shape and function of the female vulva and vagina, such as labia minora reduction and vaginal tightening. Preserving sensation and function comes before refining the shape, so the amount removed and the method of closure are decided with care.
At Atelier Plastic Surgery, Dr. Juyoung Go, a female board-certified plastic surgeon, personally handles everything from consultation through surgery and follow-up. She plans surgery drawing on her experience of publishing a paper on vaginoplasty technique in an international journal and taking part in the Korean translation of a textbook in this field.
The excess is removed along the edge of the stretched labia minora and closed. The darkened edge can be addressed at the same time.
A wedge-shaped section is removed from the middle of the labia minora and the upper and lower parts are joined. This makes it easier to preserve the original edge and sensation, and the suture line is not prominent.
Together with labia minora reduction, the excess skin above is trimmed to balance the vulva as a whole. Because nerves are dense in this area, the approach is kept to the minimum extent.
The stretched posterior vaginal wall and the perineal muscles are sutured to narrow the vaginal opening and canal. The extent of suturing is decided by the degree of laxity.
Surgical designs and results are drawings based on photos; results vary by individual.
These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.
Consultation, examination, surgery and follow-up are all handled by a female board-certified plastic surgeon. We set up the consultation so that you can speak comfortably about discomforts that are hard to put into words, and propose only the extent that is needed based on the examination findings.
The labia minora and the area around the clitoris are dense with sensory nerves and blood vessels. Removing too much in pursuit of a visibly smaller size can leave pulling, dryness and changes in sensation, so we excise conservatively, within a range that preserves the mucosa and nerves.
We design the suture line to follow the edge of the labia minora or the border of the mucosa so that scars are not prominent. We match the length and thickness of the two sides, but aim for a natural balance rather than making them completely identical.
Dr. Go has published a paper on vaginoplasty technique in an international journal and took part in the Korean translation of a textbook in the field of intimate surgery. Drawing on this experience, she proposes a method suited to your individual condition.
After surgery you are monitored in the recovery room and discharged the same day. Cold compresses reduce swelling, and you take the prescribed medication.
Swelling and pain are at their greatest. After urinating, rinse gently with lukewarm water and dry well, and wear breathable underwear.
Swelling subsides and you can return to daily life, including desk work. Avoid sitting for long periods and activities that press on the area, such as cycling.
The absorbable sutures are gradually absorbed and the sutured area stabilizes. Light walking is possible.
After your recovery has been checked at a visit, you resume sexual activity, strenuous exercise and swimming. The timing may vary by individual.
All swelling has settled and the shape is established. The suture line continues to fade gradually afterwards.
Bleeding, infection and hematoma may occur, and because of the nature of the area, swelling and pain can be pronounced for several days. The sutured area may separate or take time to heal. Sensation may become dulled or, conversely, more sensitive; this mostly recovers, but may persist in some cases. Left-right asymmetry may remain, and because excessive removal can cause pulling, dryness and discomfort during sexual activity, we excise conservatively. Scars may become prominent or firm. After vaginoplasty there may be temporary discomfort with urination or bowel movements, and a later childbirth can cause laxity to recur, so please tell us about any plans for childbirth at consultation. Results vary by individual and additional corrective surgery may be needed. All of this is explained fully at consultation.
The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.
Postpartum abdominal and breast restoration, with the approach decided by diastasis recti
Learn more Related Dr. Juyoung GoBoard-certified plastic surgeon · Ph.D., trained in plastic surgery at Samsung Medical Center
Learn more Related Safety Care SystemAnesthesia · emergency · infection · recovery, safety standards at every stage
Learn moreConsultations are conducted by the Director herself. Schedule one by phone or KakaoTalk, or leave an online consultation request.
