The extended running W-plasty: an additional tool for simultaneous reduction of the hypertrophied labia minora and redundant clitoral hood

Aim: The extended running W-plasty technique using the W-plasty principle is a modification of the conventional technique. The use of this technique was utilized for simultaneous reduction of the protuberant labia minora and the redundant clitoris. Methods: Twenty-three patients presented to the plastic surgery clinic between 2008 and 2015 with the complaints of protuberant and enlarged labia minora in conjunction with a hypertrophied clitorial hood. The extended running W-plasty was performed in all patients. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure with a range of operative time from 30-45 min. The Likert scale was used to evaluate outcomes. Results: Patients maintained labial length with decreased scarring. Small hematomas occurred in 2 patients and were treated conservatively. One case of wound dehiscence occurred and was also treated conservatively. Patients returned to normal activity 5-7 days postoperatively. The cosmetic outcome of all patients was very satisfactory. Conclusion: The running W-plasty technique is ideal for closure of secondary defects following excision of both the redundant labia minora and clitoral hood, while maintaining length and providing tensionless scars. The technique conserves the original tissues while avoiding overor underresection of the labia.