Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate effectiveness of the modified edge resection technique for composite labia minora and clitoral hood reduction with preserved microstructures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 36 female patients, who were diagnosed with composite hypertrophy of the labia minora and clitoral hood and admitted between September 2022 and December 2024. The patients' ages ranged from 18 to 45 years (mean, 27.4 years). The primary surgical motivations included poor appearance alone (8 cases), functional impairment alone (14 cases), both poor appearance and functional impairment (12 cases), and psychological factors (2 cases). All patients were treated with the modified edge resection technique for composite labiaminora and clitoral hood reduction with preserved microstructures. The surgical technique emphasized precise adjustments to the clitoral-labial junction and optimization of the anterior labial structure to ensure a natural postoperative appearance and functional integrity. Postoperative follow-up assessed improvements in appearance and function of clitoral hood and labia minora, complications, and overall patient satisfaction. RESULTS: One patient exhibited suboptimal wound healing, while the remaining patients experienced no complications such as postoperative bleeding, hematoma, wound dehiscence, suture cutting, or labial edema and enlargement. Thirty patients were followed up with a duration of 1-6 months (mean, 2.4 months). In the early postoperative period, 2 patients perceived asymmetry of the bilateral labia minora; 1 underwent labial revision surgery, while the other achieved near-symmetry without intervention. At last follow-up, 25 patients experienced varying degrees of relief from preoperative functional impairments, while the remaining patients showed no improvement; 27 patients reported varying degrees of improvement in appearance, 2 reported no change, and 1 reported a worse appearance compared to preoperatively. Sixteen patients were very satisfied with the surgical results, 8 were satisfied, 5 were moderate satisfied, and 1 was dissatisfied, with a satisfaction rate of 80% (24/30). CONCLUSION: The modified edge resection technique for composite labia minora and clitoral hood reduction with preserved microstructures which preserves and optimizes fine anatomical structures through precise adjustments at the clitoral-labial junction, achieves high patient satisfaction with both aesthetic and functional outcomes while minimizing postoperative complications.