Intimate surgery, done privately.
Labiaplasty is the surgical reshaping of the labia minora (the inner labia) or, less commonly, the labia majora (the outer labia). It is performed for a range of reasons: discomfort in fitted clothing or during exercise, discomfort during intimacy, self-consciousness in intimate settings, and preference for a specific aesthetic. All of these reasons are legitimate, and the consultation is where the right approach is defined.
At NCSS, this procedure is performed by our three female affiliated surgeons: Dr. Karen Leong (whose feminine rejuvenation focus makes this a substantial part of her practice), Dr. Marguerite Bernett, and Dr. Andrea Castaldo. This is by intention, not accident. Intimate aesthetic surgery is one of the categories where patient comfort with the surgeon matters as much as technical skill, and many patients specifically want a female surgeon for this work.
Our facility is designed for the discretion this category deserves: private consultation suites rather than shared waiting rooms, one nurse who stays with you from arrival through discharge, and a scheduling model (Monday–Thursday, Friday by appointment only) that lets us give each patient the unhurried appointment block this consultation requires.
Seven reasons patients seek this procedure.
Physical discomfort in clothing
Chafing, pinching, or visibility in fitted clothing (swimwear, athletic wear, form-fitting pants).
Discomfort during exercise
Interference with cycling, running, or other athletic activity due to labial prominence or asymmetry.
Discomfort during intimacy
Physical pain during intercourse or tampon use related to labial anatomy.
Post-partum change
Stretching or asymmetry that has developed after childbirth.
Aesthetic concerns
Preference for a specific appearance — often described as wanting a 'less prominent' or 'more symmetric' configuration.
Revision of prior labiaplasty or intimate surgery performed elsewhere
Restoring both function and aesthetic. Female affiliated surgeons at NCSS have particular experience with revision cases, including cases where prior technique produced asymmetry, over-resection, chronic discomfort, or aesthetic disappointment. Revision requires a nuanced consultation to assess what can be improved and what is technically fixed by the anatomy of the prior work.
Realistic understanding of scope
Labiaplasty is a smaller procedure than most cosmetic surgeries, but recovery still involves 1–2 weeks of significant discomfort and 4–6 weeks of activity restriction.
Three stages, one procedure.
Labiaplasty is performed with two primary techniques, each producing a slightly different result. The choice is made based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals during consultation:
Trim (edge) technique
The excess labial tissue is removed along the outer edge. Straightforward, well-established, produces a clean edge. Sacrifices the natural darker edge of the labia.
Wedge technique
A wedge-shaped section of tissue is removed from the middle of the labia and the edges reapproximated. Preserves the natural labial edge and coloring. More technically demanding.
Preservation of function
Both techniques preserve labial sensation and function. This is a core principle: reshaping should not come at the cost of sensation.
Symmetry as a goal, not always an achievable absolute
Perfect symmetry is rarely achieved by nature and rarely fully achievable by surgery. The realistic goal is meaningful improvement, not perfection.
Concurrent clitoral hood reduction
Often combined for balanced aesthetic and functional outcome. The clitoral hood is not touched unless specifically indicated.
The procedure is typically performed under sedation with local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on patient preference and combined-procedure considerations. Every case at NCSS is under physician anesthesia — no CRNAs — in our AAAHC-accredited operating rooms.
Two sites. One recovery.
Discharged the day of surgery. Ice packs and elevation for the first days. Multimodal pain protocol keeps discomfort manageable without heavy opioid use.
Significant swelling — do not be alarmed. Loose clothing only. Restricted movement. Sitz baths for hygiene. Most patients need 3–5 days off work depending on job demands.
Swelling continues to resolve. Return to desk work at 5–10 days. Progressive return to normal activities. Continue avoiding pressure on the surgical site.
Return to full exercise — including cycling, running, and other activities that put pressure on the area — once your surgeon confirms complete healing.
Return to sexual activity, once cleared by your surgeon.
Final swelling resolves and the tissue settles into its long-term appearance. Sensation returns to baseline.
Results are permanent. Sensation and function are preserved. The tissue continues to age normally over time.
Three female surgeons. By intention.
All intimate aesthetic surgery at NCSS is performed by our female affiliated surgeons.
Dr. Bernett
Female Surgeon · Years of ExperienceUC Irvine trained; decades of aesthetic and reconstructive practice; intimate procedures as part of a full continuum; fluent Spanish and Italian.
View ProfileDr. Castaldo
Female Surgeon · New GenerationUMASS trained; award-winning research background; youthful female perspective on intimate work.
View ProfileDr. Leong
Feminine Rejuvenation · Specialty FocusBrown-trained; fellowship under Daniel Mills; substantial focus on feminine rejuvenation and labiaplasty.
View ProfileOften considered together.
Clitoral Hood Reduction
Commonly combined with labiaplasty for balanced aesthetic and functional outcome.
Learn MoreFeminine Rejuvenation
Dr. Leong's specialty — the full continuum including vaginoplasty, energy-device treatments, and coordinated care.
Learn MorePubic Lift
Reduction of the mons pubis tissue — sometimes part of a combined intimate rejuvenation plan.
Learn More