A labioplasty (LAY-bee-oh-plass-tee) is an operation to reshape the labia minora (LAY-bee-uh mih-NORE-uh), which are the inner 'lips' or folds of skin on either side of the vagina. Most often, labioplasty is performed to correct tears (tares), scarring, or stretching caused by childbirth. Damage may also occur due to poor healing of an episiotomy (uh-peez-ee-OT-oh-mee), an incision made to widen the vaginal opening for delivery. Because each case is unique, a doctor may use a variety of different methods to correct the condition. Sometimes, women may seek labioplasty for cosmetic reasons, such as to reduce the size of enlarged labia. However, this type of operation is somewhat controversial among both plastic surgeons and women's advocates. Labioplasty in general isn't a widely-performed operation, so it may take some time to locate a specialist. In addition, you should be aware that some of the doctors offering the procedure are board-certified only in gynecology, not in plastic surgery.
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