Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes or reduces the labia minora and, in some cases, the labia majora. It is sought by women for both functional and personal reasons — and is one of the highest-satisfaction procedures in cosmetic gynecology when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon.
Women choose labiaplasty for many reasons: chronic irritation or chafing during exercise, pain with intercourse, hygiene difficulties, or changes in appearance following childbirth or aging. Many experience both functional and aesthetic concerns at the same time. At Hackensack CMIGS, all of these reasons are valid. Dr. Adam Shoman approaches every consultation with sensitivity, respect, and a commitment to understanding what matters most to each patient.
| Experience | Recognition | Surgical Approach | Board Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20+ years at Hackensack Meridian Health since 2003 | America's Most Honored Doctors — Top 1% (2021–2024) | Outpatient — go home same day | American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ABOG), FACOG |
Labiaplasty is appropriate for adult women in good overall health with one or more of the concerns below. Insurance coverage may apply when the procedure is performed for documented functional indications.
| Reason Type | Concern |
|---|---|
| Medical / Functional | Chronic irritation, chafing, or discomfort during exercise or daily activity |
| Medical / Functional | Pain or discomfort during intercourse due to labial tissue |
| Medical / Functional | Recurrent hygiene difficulties related to labial size or shape |
| Medical / Functional | Functional limitations in athletic activities — cycling, running, swimming |
| Medical / Functional | Discomfort wearing fitted clothing, activewear, or swimwear |
| Cosmetic / Personal | Asymmetry between the labia minora causing self-consciousness |
| Cosmetic / Personal | Changes in labial appearance following childbirth or aging |
| Cosmetic / Personal | Personal desire to improve aesthetic appearance and confidence in intimacy |
There is no ‘normal’ when it comes to labial anatomy. Labiaplasty is not about conforming to a single standard of appearance — it is about resolving a specific concern, functional or personal, that is affecting your daily life or confidence.
Ideal candidates are women who:
Labiaplasty at Hackensack CMIGS is performed as an outpatient procedure, typically taking one to two hours. Dr. Shoman uses meticulous surgical technique to achieve natural-looking results — preserving the natural edge contour and sensory function of the labia wherever possible.
| Technique | How It Works | Best For | Scar Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim (Edge) Technique | Excess tissue trimmed along the free labial edge; fine dissolving sutures close the edge. | Significant reduction needed; irregular, discolored, or elongated labial edge. | Along the natural free edge — discreet within labial structure. |
| Wedge Technique | V-shaped section removed from the thickest portion; edges brought together to reduce bulk while preserving the natural edge. | Women wanting to preserve natural edge contour and color variation; central labial bulk enlarged. | Hidden within the natural fold — original edge appearance preserved. |
Clitoral hood reduction can be performed concurrently for women with excess prepuce tissue contributing to functional or aesthetic concerns. Labia majora reduction or augmentation (fat transfer or fillers) is also available where appropriate. All concurrent procedures are discussed during your consultation based on individual anatomy and goals.
Labiaplasty is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia, depending on patient preference and procedure extent. All anesthesia options are discussed at your pre-operative appointment.
Swelling after labiaplasty is significant in the first one to two weeks and does not reflect the final result. The final aesthetic outcome cannot be assessed until at least three months post-surgery. Full tissue maturation continues for up to six to twelve months.
| Timeline | What You Do | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Day of Surgery | 1–2 hour procedure. Go home within 2–3 hours. Gauze dressing in place. | Mild to moderate soreness and swelling as anesthesia wears off. Light bleeding or spotting is normal. Oral pain medication prescribed. |
| Days 1–3 | Rest. Ice packs intermittently (wrapped in cloth). Keep area clean and dry. Loose cotton underwear. | Swelling at peak — does not reflect final result. Bruising common. No driving for 24–48 hours. |
| Days 4–7 | Gentle short walks. Sitz baths (plain warm water) as directed. Avoid prolonged sitting on hard surfaces. | Swelling reducing gradually. Dissolving sutures in place. Mild itching normal. Many patients comfortable working from home by day 5–7. |
| Week 2 | Return to sedentary work. First post-op follow-up with Dr. Shoman. | Significant improvement in comfort. Swelling continues to subside. Sutures dissolving. |
| Weeks 3–4 | Light exercise (walking, gentle yoga). Most daily activities resume. Sexual activity still restricted. | Appearance improving. Final result not yet visible — avoid pressure or friction on the area. |
| Weeks 6–8 | Sexual activity and full exercise resume with Dr. Shoman's clearance. | Most swelling resolved. Final result becoming visible. Tissue maturation continues 6–12 months. |
| 3–6 Months | No restrictions. Fully healed. | Final aesthetic result established. Scars fading and nearly imperceptible. High patient satisfaction. |
Labiaplasty requires not only technical surgical skill but deep knowledge of pelvic anatomy, tissue healing, sensitivity preservation, and aesthetic judgment. Dr. Shoman’s credentials reflect a career dedicated to gynecologic surgery — including aesthetic procedures.
Labiaplasty requires not only technical surgical skill but deep knowledge of pelvic anatomy, tissue healing, sensitivity preservation, and aesthetic judgment. Dr. Shoman’s credentials reflect a career dedicated to gynecologic surgery — including aesthetic procedures.
| Credential | Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Board Certification | American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ABOG) | Highest standard of gynecologic surgical certification in the United States. |
| FACOG | Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists | Recognises demonstrated commitment to excellence in practice and continuing education. |
| Subspecialty Focus | Designated Focus Practice in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic & Pelvic Surgery | Advanced credential confirming subspecialty dedication to surgical gynecology, including aesthetic procedures. |
| Hospital Affiliation | Hackensack Meridian Health, Hackensack University Medical Center | Practicing at one of New Jersey's leading academic health systems since 2003. |
| Patient Recognition | Patient's Choice Award 2022, 2023, 2024 | Awarded by patients — reflecting consistently outstanding care and outcomes. |
| National Recognition | America's Most Honored Doctors — Top 1% (2021–2024) | Four consecutive years in the top 1% of recognised physicians nationally. |
| Experience | 20+ years surgical gynecology at Hackensack Meridian (since 2003) | Depth of experience that translates directly into surgical precision. |
Your consultation at Hackensack CMIGS is a private, one-on-one appointment with Dr. Shoman — not a nurse or coordinator. It is informative, comfortable, and completely pressure-free.
At Hackensack CMIGS, your consultation, procedure, and all related records are treated with absolute confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA. Consultations are conducted in a private examination room. Your reason for visiting is never disclosed to reception staff unnecessarily. Appointment reminders can be customised to your privacy preferences. Patient information and images are never shared without explicit written consent.
| Hoboken Office | Hasbrouck Heights Office |
|---|---|
| Address: 104 Hudson St, Suite 2C, Hoboken, NJ 07030 Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sat: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Serving: Jersey City, Weehawken, Union City, Kearny, Manhattan | Address: 777 Terrace Ave, Suite 302, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 Hours: Mon–Sat: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Serving: Hackensack, Lodi, Wallington, Little Ferry, Ridgefield |
Is labiaplasty painful?
Discomfort during surgery is eliminated by anesthesia. Post-operative pain is managed with prescribed oral medication. The first three days are typically the most uncomfortable; most women find significant relief by day five to seven.
Will labiaplasty affect sensation?
When performed with careful technique, labiaplasty rarely causes permanent reduction in sensation. Any temporary changes typically resolve within three to six months. Some women report improved sensation following surgery due to reduced chronic discomfort and irritation.
How long is recovery?
Most women return to sedentary work within two weeks and normal daily activities by weeks three to four. Sexual activity and exercise resume at weeks six to eight. Final results are visible at three months, with full tissue maturation by six to twelve months.
Are results permanent?
Yes — removed tissue does not grow back. However, the labia can change over time in response to pregnancy, weight fluctuation, hormonal shifts, and aging.
Will I have visible scarring?
Incisions are placed along natural edges and folds where they are well-concealed. Scars fade significantly and become nearly imperceptible within six to twelve months.
Can I have labiaplasty if I plan to have children?
Labiaplasty can be performed on women who have not yet had children, but pregnancy and vaginal delivery can alter labial tissue and potentially affect results. Dr. Shoman will discuss timing considerations honestly during your consultation.
Is labiaplasty covered by insurance?
When performed for a documented functional indication — such as chronic pain or recurrent infections — some plans may provide partial or full coverage. Purely cosmetic labiaplasty is typically not covered, though financing options are available.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Visit hackensackcmigs.com or call our Hoboken or Hasbrouck Heights offices to request a private consultation, available Monday through Saturday. All enquiries and appointments are handled with complete discretion.
Dr. Adam Shoman | Hackensack CMIGS | Hoboken & Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
Adam Shoman, MD, FACOG, MBA, is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with over 15 years of experience in medicine, fibroids, and surgical treatment.