Nymphoplasty: classification and technical refinements

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophy of the labia minora is a functional and esthetic problem that can have a significant impact on quality of life. Current surgical procedures are based on the excision of excess tissue and reconnection of the edges. However, anatomical alterations associated with labial hypertrophy such as hypertrophy of the foreskin of the clitoris are common, and, if not treated properly, may limit the results of surgery and cause esthetic and functional sequelae. The present report proposes a classification of the different types of hypertrophy and recommended treatments, and describes refinements in the labia minora reduction techniques. METHODS: A total of 20 female genital plastic surgery cases from the Center for Plastic Surgery of Brasilia and at Hospital das Forcas Armadas from June 1999 to March 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into three groups according to the degree and location of labia minora hypertrophy. RESULTS: The patients were satisfied with the esthetic results of surgery. No complications were reported, and all patients underwent surgery of the labia minora in accordance with the protocol proposed by the authors and based on hypertrophy type. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical procedures reviewed in this study were based on the classification of labia minora hypertrophy. Satisfactory esthetic and functional results were obtained, thus providing new methods for the surgical reduction of labia minora and foreskin of the clitoris without surgical stigma or reduction of sensitivity and no effects on sexual function.