A labiaplasty is surgery to reduce the size of the labia minora – the flaps of skin either side of the vaginal opening. The procedure involves shortening or reshaping the vaginal lips. The unwanted tissue is cut away with a scalpel or possibly a laser, and the loose edge may be stitched up with fine, dissolvable stitches. • The labia protects the entrance of the vagina. • The labia minora covers and protects the urethra and vagina from infection. • The labia minora enhances sexual pleasure and lubrication during intercourse. Labiaplasty was named the world’s fastest growing type of cosmetic surgery with 45% more procedures carried out in 2016 than in the preceding year. In 2015, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) introduced world-first guidelines to assist GPs and other health professionals navigate women’s concerns about their genital appearance. What is labiaplasty? The functions of the Labia #1 – world’s fastest growing type of cosmetic surgery Health Professional Guidelines introduced in 2015 Top 5 Countries Performing Labiaplasty Surgery: 1. USA – 13,266 2. Spain – 8,945 3. Germany – 8,776 4. Russia 7,744 5. Brazil – 3,155 Snapshot: The Lowdown on Labiaplasty