New classification of hypertrophy of the labia minora and correlation with indicated surgical techniques

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Nymphoplasty or labioplasty is the most common genital plastic surgery. The objective of labioplasty is to correct hypertrophy of the labia minora and clitoral prepuce, removing excess tissue without affecting their function of protecting the vagina and aiding in genital lubrication. Several types of classifications have been proposed to facilitate the understanding of the degree of hypertrophy of the labia minora and assist in selecting the most suitable procedure in labioplasty. After analyzing several classifications, the author proposes a new classification to facilitate the understanding of hypertrophy of the labia minora, clitoral hood, and vaginal prepuce and help select the best labioplasty procedure.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline using the following terms: hipertrofia lábios vaginais, labioplastia, labiaplasty, labioplasty, labia minora hypertrophy, and labial protrusion. All the classifications described in the identified studies were analyzed.

Results:

A new classification has been proposed. Hypertrophy of the labia minora was classified in four grades: grade 0 (≤ 1 cm), grade 1 (> 1 cm and ≤ 3 cm), grade 2 (> 3 cm and ≤ 5 cm), and grade 3 (> 5 cm).

Conclusions:

The new classification improves the understanding of the size and extent of hypertrophy of the labia minora and helps select the best procedure in labioplasty.

Keywords:
Hypertrophy; Vulva; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Female genitalia; Minor surgical procedures.