Vaginal labiaplasty: defense of the simple "clip and snip" and a new classification system.

Vaginal labiaplasty has become a more frequently performed procedure as a result of the publicity and education possible with the Internet. Some of our patients have suffered in silence for years with large, protruding labia minora and the tissue above the clitoris that is disfiguring and uncomfortable and makes intercourse very difficult and painful. We propose four classes of labia protrusion based on size and location: Class 1 is normal, where the labia majora and minora are about equal. Class 2 is the protrusion of the minora beyond the majora. Class 3 includes a clitoral hood. Class 4 is where the large labia minora extends to the perineum. There are two principal means of reconstructing this area. Simple amputation may be possible for Class 2 and Class 4. Class 2 and Class 3 may be treated with a wedge resection and flap advancement that preserves the delicate free edge of the labia minora (Alter, Ann Plast Surg 40:287, 1988). Class 4 may require a combination of both amputation of the clitoral hood and/or perineal extensions and rotation flap advancement over the labia minora.