Labia Majora Reduction: What to Expect Before and After
When most people think about labiaplasty, they picture procedures that involve the inner lips. But for many women, it is the labia majora, the outer lips, that create the most concern. If you have ever felt that your outer vaginal lips are too large, full, sagging, or puffy, labia majora reduction might be the solution you have been looking for.
This article explains what the procedure involves, who it is for, how it helps, and what to expect before and after surgery.
What Is Labia Majora Reduction?
Labia majora reduction is a cosmetic and functional procedure that reshapes or reduces the outer lips of the vulva. This surgery may involve removing excess skin, fat, or both. It is typically chosen by women who feel their labia majora are:
Too full or thick
Bulky in clothing
Sagging or stretched after childbirth or aging
Uneven or asymmetrical
Puffy due to past labia puffing treatments or natural fat distribution
For some, it is a matter of appearance. For others, the extra tissue causes discomfort, friction, or hygiene issues. And for many, it is both.
Common Reasons for Considering Surgery
Here are some of the most common concerns that lead women to seek labia majora contouring:
Visible bulge in yoga pants, leggings, or swimsuits
Irritation or chafing in snug clothing
Loss of volume and sagging with age or weight changes
Self-consciousness in intimate settings
Desire to reverse a prior labia puffing treatment that looks overdone or unnatural
These concerns are valid and treatable. You do not need a medical problem to pursue a procedure that improves your comfort or confidence.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a strong candidate for labia majora surgery if:
You notice excess fullness or skin in the outer lips
You feel discomfort when sitting, walking, or exercising
You feel limited in what clothing you can wear comfortably
You are unhappy with how the area looks when viewed directly or through clothing
You are in good health and able to take a few days for recovery
It is also a suitable option for patients who had labia puffing in the past and now want to reverse the effect.
How the Procedure Works
Labia majora reduction is usually performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, although general anesthesia can be used. The surgeon marks the area and carefully removes or reshapes excess skin, fat, or both. Incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches.
The technique depends on whether the concern is skin laxity, fat volume, or both. In some cases, liposuction of the labia majora is performed to remove localized fat. In others, skin is trimmed and tightened for a smoother contour.
The surgery typically takes less than one hour.
You can learn more about related procedures, including labiaplasty, at Adonis Plastic Surgery.
Before and After: What to Expect
Before
Before surgery, you will have a consultation to review your goals and anatomy. Photos may be taken for planning. You will be given instructions to avoid blood thinners, alcohol, or heavy exercise the week before surgery.
Shaving or grooming is not necessary before the procedure unless instructed by your provider.
After
After the procedure, you can expect:
Swelling and mild bruising for one to two weeks
Light soreness for several days
No visible scars once healing is complete (incisions are hidden in natural creases)
A return to light activity within three to five days
Full results within four to six weeks
Most patients return to work after a long weekend and resume workouts or sex in four to six weeks.
Results
When performed by an experienced surgeon, labia majora reduction creates a softer, smoother contour. Clothing fits better. Visibility and friction are reduced. Confidence improves.
If asymmetry or puffiness made you feel restricted, uncomfortable, or self-conscious, this procedure can offer a clean, proportionate outcome without looking “overdone.”
Cost of Labia Majora Reduction
Cost varies depending on the technique used and whether it is combined with other procedures like labiaplasty or clitoral hood reduction. In most cases, labia majora surgery costs between $3,000 and $6,000.
This includes consultation, anesthesia, facility fees, and follow-up care. At Adonis, we offer payment plans and financing to help make surgery more accessible.
Final Thoughts
If you have ever searched for answers about fat labia, labia majora reduction before and after, or whether your outer vaginal lips can be improved, know that you are not alone — and you do have options.
Labia majora reduction is a safe, effective, and often life-enhancing procedure for women who want more comfort, more confidence, and more control over their bodies.
At Adonis Plastic Surgery, we treat every patient with respect and discretion. Whether your goal is contour, comfort, or both, we’re here to guide you toward the result that fits your life.
For more clinical information about vulvar anatomy and cosmetic concerns, visit this trusted overview of labia majora appearance and care from Verywell Health.
