Causes: The causes of enlarged labia include:

• Increase in age
• Menopause
• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Genetics
• Fluctuations in weight

Symptoms: The symptoms of an enlarged labia include: 

• Pain while sitting or walking
• A small visible bump on the labia
• Burning and itching sensation around the genital area
• Unusual discharge from the vagina
• Foul smelling odor from the vagina

1. Physical examination: The surgeon will evaluate the patient physically and check any symptoms that the patient may be having.
2. Pelvic exam: The surgeon will insert one or two gloved and lubricated fingers into the vagina to examine the labia minora.
3. Blood tests: They help in the detection of any underlying infections.
4. Urine analysis: This test helps in checking if there are any urinary infections present.
5. Pelvic ultrasound: Sound waves are used to create images of the female reproductive organs using a pelvic ultrasound. The doctor helps to check if there are any abnormalities present in the female reproductive organs.
6. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: It is a type of imaging test performed to create clear pictures of the pelvis and to detect any disorders that may be present in the region.
7. Endoscopy: A special tube with a camera on one end, known as an endoscope, is inserted into the vagina to view the internal reproductive organs.

The labiaplasty procedure may be performed under local anesthesia, in which the treatment area is numbed, or general anesthesia, in which the patient is made to fall asleep during the procedure.

The procedure takes approximately one to two hours to complete and most patients are discharged from the hospital on the same day of the surgery.

Labiaplasty may be performed in the following different ways:
1. Trim technique:
The surgeon first makes an incision or cut vertically along the length of the labia minora.
The excess tissue around the labia minora is then removed to make it look more symmetrical with the labia majora.
The incision area is then sutured or stitched using dissolvable stitches.

2. Central wedge resection technique:
This procedure involves the removal of the thickest part of the labia minora in the shape of a wedge to reduce its size.
This procedure gives a natural appearance to the vagina after the surgery.

3. De-epithelialization technique:
The procedure involves cutting the epithelium, which is the outer lining of tissue, using a scalpel.
This procedure ensures the labia minora’s erogenous and sensitive nature is preserved while cutting off the extra tissue.
This ensures the maintenance of the natural corrugation or wrinkled appearance of the skin of the labia minora, giving it a natural appearance.

4. Laser Labiaplasty:
The procedure involves using a laser to cut the labia minora.
This is an uncomplicated and quick procedure having a rapid recovery.

Labiaplasty may be associated with the following complications:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Bruising
• Blood clot formation
• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia used
• Breakdown of the wound
• Scarring
• Persistent pain 
• Pain during sex
• Loss of sensitivity 
• Chronic dryness

• The patient is shifted to the care unit after the procedure, where all her vital signs will be closely monitored.
• The urinary catheter will be removed after the reaction of the anesthesia will wear off.
• The medical team will check for bleeding and explain the possible complications before prescribing any medications.
• The patient will usually be discharged on the same day after the surgery, provided the patient is in good health and has not developed any complications.
• The doctor will explain self-care tips before the patient is discharged to ensure that there is little or no possibility of any complications after the procedure.

Home remedies:

• The patient needs to take the prescribed antibiotic and pain-relieving medications to reduce the chances of infection and pain after the surgery.
• The patient should wear loose clothes post-surgery to avoid any pain or friction in the surgical area.
• The surgical area should be gently washed using soap and water, patted dry, and an antibiotic ointment should then be applied to the suture area.
• Salt baths are recommended to relieve the soreness.
• The patient can wear a mini pad to absorb any minor bleeding that may occur after surgery.
• Tampons should be avoided during the first menstrual period post-surgery.
• The patient should avoid strenuous activities and physical exercises post-surgery.
• The patient should avoid sexual intercourse for approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery.
• The patient can resume her normal, daily activities one month after the surgery.

Cost of Labiaplasty in India

The cost of labiaplasty in Mumbai is between INR 30,000 to INR 35,000.
The cost of labiaplasty in Delhi is between INR 25,000 to INR 30,000.
The cost of labiaplasty in Chennai is between INR 20,000 to INR 25,000.
The cost of labiaplasty in Bangalore is between INR 25,000 to INR 30,000.