Labiaplasty / Labial Reduction
For a variety of reasons, women may seek to have their labia reduced, reshaped, balanced or cosmetically improved. Reasons can include too much tissue on one side, labial skin getting trapped in zippers or pulled inward during intercourse or even excess swelling from within bathing suits. Some seek cosmetic labiaplasty simply because they do not like the appearance of their inner labia or feel self-conscious about this area of the body. Dr. Bowers has many years of experience and scores of patients who have benefitted from her expertise in the aesthetic improvements that are possible for the labia. See examples.
Clitoroplasty/Clitoral Reduction
Clitoroplasty/clitoral reduction is performed for clitoral hypertrophy–an enlarged and lengthened clitoris due to exposure to androgens (male hormones). Although all women have testosterone (and men, estrogen), the levels of testosterone are much lower in women (as estrogen is in males). There are congenital conditions (21-hydroxylase deficiency, 3-Beta Dehydrogenase, etc) or exogenous testosterone administration that can cause the clitoris enlarge. This change is permanent unless surgically reduced. For those who find this enlargement problematic, clitoroplasty is indicated. Pediatric surgeons are often presented with these cases, many unfamiliar with modern techniques of genital reassignment. Dr. Bowers applies principles of gender surgery to allow a cosmetic and functional reduction for such patients.