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Chafing from underwear that causes pain, concerns about odor or moisture, or concerns about asymmetry—many people consider labia minora reduction or labial skin removal to address these issues.

 

There are many options, especially in Tokyo and Ginza, making it easy to feel unsure about where to go for a consultation.

 

First, I want to make it clear that it’s not simply a matter of “cutting them as small as possible.” The labia minora serve to protect the vagina from drying out, and during menopause, as estrogen levels drop and the vagina becomes more prone to dryness, the labia minora also become thinner.

 

Therefore, removing too much tissue can lead to future dryness or pain during sexual intercourse.

 

While performing prepuce removal and labia minora reduction simultaneously—for those who need it—can provide greater design flexibility and a more harmonious final result, removing tissue from areas where it is not necessary may lead to functional drawbacks.

 

Whether you're considering treatment in Ginza, Tokyo, or elsewhere, let's start by taking a simple look at how the body works and the principles behind the treatment.

 

[Doctor’s Point]

Please be careful—this is an area where you're likely to be persuaded to get unnecessary treatments and end up being up-sold!

 

In this article, we’ll explain—in easy-to-understand language—when combined procedures are appropriate and when they aren’t, as well as pain, downtime, how to consider costs, how to interpret before-and-after photos, and key points for choosing a specialized consultation service in Ginza, Tokyo.

Basics of the Labia Minora and Labia Minora Adjacent Skin: Understanding Not Only Their Shape but Also Their Function

The Role of the Labia Minora and the Risks of Excessive Removal

The labia minora act like a “curtain” that protects the urethral opening and the entrance to the vagina from the external environment and helps prevent dryness and friction.

 

There is a great deal of individual variation in appearance, and differences between the left and right sides, as well as variations in color, are often within the range of natural variation.

 

During menopause, estrogen levels decline, leading to vaginal atrophy and dryness, and the labia minora also become thinner.

 

If too much tissue was removed when you were younger, you may be more prone to issues such as “dryness” and “pain during intercourse” at this stage of life.

 

To preserve function, it is very important to carefully assess the extent of resection and plan the surgical design.

What Is the Secondary Prepuce? How Is It Different from the Clitoral Hood?

The term “epidermis” is often used to refer to the folds of excess skin found around the clitoris and extending upward toward the labia minora.

 

The clitoral hood is a fold of skin that protects the clitoris; it is natural for the clitoris to be covered by this skin.

 

For most people, it is perfectly fine if the foreskin moves naturally due to touch or changes in position, temporarily exposing the clitoris.

 

In fact, very few people actually need a clitoral hoodectomy, and removing too much tissue can affect sexual function, leading to hypersensitivity or decreased sensitivity.

 

Although removal of the prepuce is considered to “smooth out visible unevenness or indentations,” few people actually need to have a significant portion of the clitoral hood removed.

Situations Where the Removal of the Paravaginal Skin and Labia Minora Reduction Should Be Performed Simultaneously—and Situations to Avoid

Situations Where Simultaneous Treatments Are Often Appropriate

• When there is a continuous band of excess skin above the labia minora, and it appears that a labia minora reduction alone would leave uneven creases or ridges

• When reshaping the labia minora, if the protrusion of the accessory skin appears likely to cause "cupping" or tightness

• When you want to prioritize a cohesive look (the line running from top to bottom)

In such cases, performing prepuce removal and labia minora reduction simultaneously allows for greater design flexibility and helps achieve a more natural-looking result. While an increasing number of clinics in Ginza, Tokyo, advertise that they offer “simultaneous procedures,” it is essential to carefully assess the extent of the surgery.

Situations Where Simultaneous Treatments Should Be Handled with Caution

• Women who tend to experience significant vaginal dryness, or those around the time of menopause when atrophy of the vagina and labia minora is likely to progress

• When you’ve been advised to have your clitoral hood removed, but in reality, it’s just that the prepuce is prominent and there’s no actual problem with the hood itself

• When there are significant concerns about postoperative sensory changes (numbness or changes in sensitivity)

• When the size isn't that big to begin with

If you reduce the tissue down to the necessary extent, it can lead to functional drawbacks.

 

Keep in mind that clitoral hood removal is necessary for only a very small number of people, and that it is normal for the clitoris to be covered by skin; as long as the hood is movable and can be retracted, there is no cause for concern.

 

If you're recommended a treatment you don't need, it could be an upsell (an unnecessary additional suggestion).

Key Considerations When Choosing a Counseling Service in Ginza, Tokyo

Reasons to Choose a Board-Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Female Urologist

The labia minora and the paravaginal skin are not only important for appearance but also play a role in urination, sexual function, and vaginal health. We recommend choosing an obstetrician-gynecologist who has a thorough understanding of anatomy and can evaluate the pelvic floor and pelvic floor muscles, or a physician who has specialized training in female urology.

 

While there are many cosmetic surgery options in Tokyo and Ginza, there are also cases where doctors who lack sufficient background in women’s health present themselves as “specialists in women’s health.”

 

You should be wary of people who emphasize their title as an obstetrician-gynecologist—even though they used to work in that field but no longer practice it at all—or those who call themselves “specialists in vaginal medicine” despite having no experience in obstetrics, gynecology, or female urology.

 

In addition, some urologists have limited experience with women’s urological conditions, and in such cases, their training in women’s healthcare may be insufficient.

 

When seeking a consultation in Ginza, Tokyo, be sure to specifically verify whether the OB-GYN has a thorough understanding of the pelvic floor, practical clinical experience in female urology, and the ability to tailor treatment to your specific symptoms.

Points to Confirm (During the Meeting in Ginza, Tokyo)

• Do you have training and surgical experience as a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist or in the field of female urology?
• How to Determine the Extent of Excision Based on the Functions of the Labia Minora and the Paravaginal Skin (Vaginal Protection and Sensation)
• Does the prepuce actually exist, and how should one determine the need for a clitoral prepuce excision?
• Is there consideration given to the evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles and related symptoms (urinary incontinence, pain during intercourse)?
• How to Spend Your Downtime, and the Response Plan in Case of Complications

Ginza, Tokyo, is an area where the sheer volume of information can make it difficult to make the right choice. If you still have questions, seeking a second opinion within the same area is a good option.

How to Interpret Before-and-After Photos and Tips for Gathering Information in Ginza, Tokyo

Photos can be helpful, but it’s important not to take them at face value. If the “angle, lighting, and posture” in “Before & After” photos change, the appearance can look very different.

 

In particular, when it comes to the labia minora and the labia para, a key point to check is whether the photographs clearly show the surgical site in the lithotomy position (a position in which the legs are spread apart for examination or surgery), rather than in the standing or supine positions.

 

Make sure the magnification is consistent under the same lighting and at the same distance, and check that the images haven't been altered or subjected to excessive filtering.

 

Even on websites and social media in Tokyo and Ginza, instances of “photo fraud”—where “before and after” photos are excessively edited or exaggerated—are frequently seen.

 

Please keep in mind that the photos are merely examples, and results and recovery times may vary from person to person. Be sure to consult with a doctor to have your tissue volume and skin quality evaluated.

Treatment Process, Anesthesia, and Downtime: A Gentle Explanation

General Process

• Consultation and Design: We will assess the thickness of the labia minora, skin elasticity, the presence and extent of accessory skin, and the mobility of the clitoral hood, and then discuss the desired contour of the final result.
• Anesthesia: Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia. For patients who are very anxious about pain, some clinics offer intravenous sedation in addition to local anesthesia (this option is also available in Ginza, Tokyo).
• surgery: Approximately 1 to 2 hours. We carefully suture the incision with absorbable sutures and confirm that bleeding has stopped and the incision lines are straight.
• Returning Home and Care: You can walk on the day of the procedure. Swelling and bruising often occur for a few days, so it is important to keep the area clean and rest.

Pain, Swelling, and Daily Life

My impression is that many people describe the pain as ranging from "about as bad as menstrual cramps" to "a little more intense."

 

Swelling typically peaks within a few days to about a week, though the duration may vary depending on your body type, the extent of the excision, and how you care for yourself.

 

It is generally recommended to wait until the next day to take a shower and until after the stitches are removed (or until the wound has healed) to take a bath.

 

While it is often recommended to resume sexual activity and exercise 2 to 4 weeks after surgery, this also varies depending on the individual and the surgical procedure.

Potential Risks

• Bleeding, infection, wound dehiscence (partial separation of sutures)

• Asymmetry; a finished look that feels like too much or not enough has been removed

• Changes in sensation (numbness, hypersensitivity, or dullness). These symptoms usually subside over time, but in rare cases, they may persist.

• Scar stiffness and tightness

Results, pain, downtime, duration of results, and risks vary from person to person. When attending a consultation in Ginza, Tokyo, be sure to confirm that the explanation is tailored to your needs and that the post-procedure support system is clearly outlined.

How to Think About Costs: Be Wary of Prices That Are Too High or Too Low Compared to Market Rates (Ginza, Tokyo)

The cost varies depending on the precision of the surgical technique, the type of anesthesia used, and the level of postoperative care provided.

 

While rents and labor costs in Tokyo and Ginza tend to be higher than the national average, you can also find some extremely low offers.

 

If a quote is significantly higher than the market rate, be wary of hidden surcharges; conversely, if it’s significantly lower, be aware that the surgery time may be too short, aftercare may be inadequate, or follow-up visits and suture removal fees may be charged separately.

 

Please check the following items on the quote.

• Included Costs: Consultation fee, anesthesia, medication, suture removal, follow-up visits, and coverage for a potential reoperation

• Additional Fees for Combined Procedures (Excess Skin Removal + Labia Minora Reduction) and What They Cover

• Whether there are any optional fees, such as for intravenous anesthesia or nighttime services

We also occasionally hear reports in Ginza, Tokyo, such as, “I was told I had a labial prepuce even though I don’t,” or “I was strongly urged to undergo clitoral prepuce removal.”

 

Consider whether the doctor will explain the rationale for the procedure using diagrams or a mirror, or whether you should also seek a second opinion from another specialist. A proposal for an unnecessary procedure could be an attempt to upsell.

Is this right for you? Want to be cautious? Tips for making a decision

People for Whom Simultaneous Treatments Are Suitable

• People who have been told that excess skin extending from above the labia minora to the area around the clitoris creates a step-like contour that is difficult to correct on its own

• People who prioritize a natural, seamless appearance and want to minimize the number of follow-up surgeries

• People who can comfortably arrange their post-operative care and follow-up appointments (including those who can easily commute from Ginza, Tokyo)

People who want to consider this carefully

• People who tend to experience significant vaginal dryness, those around the time of menopause, and those at high risk of future atrophy

• People who have been advised to have their clitoral hood removed but are unsure whether it’s really necessary

• People who are sensitive to pain and swelling and have significant downtime constraints (work, childcare)

In many cases, neither of these applies, so a final diagnosis requires a physical examination that includes palpation, assessment of joint mobility, and evaluation of skin thickness.

 

When consulting in Tokyo or Ginza, don’t rely solely on photos—make sure to receive an explanation based on an in-person examination.

Consultation Checklist

• Can you explain, using a mirror or a sketch, whether the prepuce actually exists and how it differs from the clitoral hood?

• How should the maximum amount of tissue to be excised be determined, taking into account the role of the labia minora (vaginal protection) and the risk of future dryness?

• Can you explain the pros and cons of having treatments done at the same time, as well as the differences between that option and scheduling them on separate days?

• From the perspective of pelvic floor muscles and female urology, is consideration given to symptoms during urination and sexual intercourse?

• Are the "Before & After" photos appropriate (are the areas clearly visible at the gravel-sized resolution, and are they free of editing or excessive enhancement)?

• Is it clear what is included in the cost (including whether there are any additional fees specific to Ginza, Tokyo)?

• Do they recommend unnecessary procedures (particularly clitoral hood removal or claiming the presence of a non-existent prepuce)?

How to Avoid Making a Mistake When Choosing a Specialist (Based on the Reality in Ginza, Tokyo)

While Ginza, Tokyo, is a hub for medical information, there are also times when job titles and advertising claims take precedence.

 

See an OB-GYN who can tailor treatment based on your symptoms and before-and-after results, or a physician with specialized training in female urology.

 

Be subtly wary of statements made by individuals who were once affiliated with obstetrics and gynecology but now work in a different field—such as those that give the impression they are still practicing as obstetricians and gynecologists, or those who pose as experts in women’s health despite having little experience in female urology.

 

Expertise lies in “how much experience one has treating patients in that field” and “whether one continues to treat them.”

Frequently Asked Questions: Pain, Hospital Visits, and Duration (Abridged Version)

How bad is the pain?

My impression is that many patients feel a slight prick when the local anesthetic is administered, followed by a dull ache that lasts for several days. While this pain can often be managed with pain medication, the experience varies from person to person.

What about your doctor's appointments?

You’ll need to visit the clinic several times for suture removal and wound checks. If you choose a clinic in Ginza, Tokyo, it’s important to consider whether it’s convenient to get to from your home or workplace.

How long does it take for the finish to settle?

The swelling usually subsides within 2 to 4 weeks, and the texture typically takes several months to gradually settle and blend in.

 

While the results tend to be long-lasting, the appearance may change due to fluctuations in weight or hormonal changes.

Important Notice (Distinguishing Between Upsells and Information)

• Only a small minority of women require clitoral hood removal. It is normal for the clitoris to be covered by skin, and as long as it can move and be exposed, there is usually no problem.
• If you’re told you have “excess skin,” check to see if it’s actually excess skin or simply sagging skin, wrinkles, or a positioning issue. If you’re recommended an unnecessary procedure based on the presence of non-existent excess skin, it could be an upsell.
• For "Before & After" photos, check whether the areas are clearly defined against a gravel background, whether the lighting and angles are consistent, and whether the photos have been altered. These photos are for reference only and do not guarantee the final result.

For Those Starting Counseling in Ginza, Tokyo

There are many experienced doctors in Tokyo and Ginza. At the same time, the sheer volume of information can often lead to uncertainty.

 

Does it fit my lifestyle (such as being within a reasonable distance for clinic visits and fitting with my work and childcare schedules)? Is it designed with my future vaginal and sexual health in mind? And are the explanations easy to understand?

 

Let's move forward step by step, carefully reviewing each of these points. If you'd like to find out if this is right for you, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

 

Even if you choose a clinic in Ginza, Tokyo, you’re sure to find a doctor who will listen to your physical and emotional needs—not one who pushes treatments on you.

Summary

If necessary, performing prepuce removal and labia minora reduction at the same time reduces design limitations and makes it easier to achieve a cohesive final result.

 

On the other hand, the labia minora are an important part of the body that protect the vagina, and removing too much tissue may lead to future dryness or pain during intercourse.

 

Only a very small number of people require a clitoral hoodectomy, and removing too much can affect sexual function.

 

When seeking a consultation in Ginza, Tokyo, be sure to choose a specialist—preferably an OB-GYN or a doctor with advanced training in female urology—who can provide a comprehensive evaluation that includes the pelvic floor. Carefully review the “Before & After” results and the itemized cost breakdown.

 

You should be cautious if the price is too high or too low compared to the market average. The optimal solution that works for your body varies from person to person.

 

If you're unsure, please don't hesitate to ask for advice. A professional yet friendly conversation will help ease your worries little by little.

 

▷ Treatment Page for Removing the Secondary Skin Layer

▷ Labia Minora Reduction Procedure Page

▷ Counseling Appointment Page