Labiaplasty (Labial Reduction)
Labiaplasty, also known as labial reduction, involves reducing the size of large or uneven labia to a thinner and more appealing size and shape. The aim of labial reduction surgery is to preserve the natural contour, pigmentation and sensitivity of the labia with minimal scarring. The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and takes around one hour.
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure on the rise, with surgeons now performing the operation on around 10 women a month and the BACD seeing a huge increase in demand for female genital rejuvenation surgery. Despite the media hype surrounding ‘designer vaginas’, vaginal surgery is not something to be taken lightly and, like all surgery, carries the potential risk of complications and unexpected outcomes.
All women are born with differently shaped genitalia, and with the effects of childbirth and age on top, many can suffer from problems and defects with their genitalia that can make them feel very self-conscious and unhappy, often affecting relationships with sexual partners. There are now a range of surgical options available which can address and hopefully resolve these problems.
However, such surgery should really only be considered as a means of correcting or improving the genitalia where there is discomfort in day-to-day life, or a genuine problem such as difficulty with sexual intercourse. It should not be seen as a means of achieving an aesthetically perfect version of the vagina.
Am I a Candidate? This procedure is best for those with enlarged labia, often caused by pregnancy, childbirth or other hormonal causes, where a labiaplasty may improve the physical comfort and sexuality of the patient.
Before Surgery Your first discussion with a surgeon should clearly set out your expectations and whether the operation can give you the results you desire. Make sure that you obtain as much information as is necessary to enable you to make a fully informed choice and make sure you receive satisfactory answers to all your questions.
During Surgery Any vaginal surgery should not be performed at the same time as a woman has her menstrual period, so timing of the operation should be arranged around your monthly cycle. Vaginal surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and can be performed in two ways, either by reducing the excess tissue along the edges of the labia by simply trimming along the inner folds until the labia no longer protrude, or by cutting out a ‘V’ shaped wedge of tissue from the underneath of the labia, the edges of which are then sewn back together. This method leaves the front of the labia unchanged, making the evidence of surgery less noticeable.
The incisions will usually be sewn with dissolvable stitches to aid healing and reduce discomfort. Some surgeons also use a laser rather than a scalpel for cutting to reduce bleeding in the area, as the laser cauterises blood vessels as it cuts. The labiaplasty operation usually takes about 1-2 hours.
Recovery Discomfort and swelling will be at its worst in the first 72 hours, disappearing after 2-3 weeks. The incisions should heal quickly without scarring, making them unnoticeable. Post-surgery, you will need 1-2 weeks of rest before going back to work. Surgeons recommend waiting four weeks for sex and six weeks before exercise. You will have to wear a dressing similar to a small sanitary towel for 1-2 weeks and you should shower once or twice a day to avoid infection. The more natural and appealing labia shape is permanent.
Benefits Labiaplasty now seems to be less of a taboo subject as women are learning that they don’t have to tolerate the uncomfortable symptoms of enlarged labia, such as discomfort during sex and exercise. Women of all ages, from 30s to 60s, are having the treatment done with really pleasing results.
Risks and Complications Moderate discomfort, bruising, swelling and some hypersensitivity around the scar should be expected for up to 10 days post-surgery. Urinating post-surgery may be difficult and somewhat painful, due to the burning/stinging sensation caused by the urine passing over the wound – this will ease after a few days as the scar heals. Very rare complications can include infection or an irregular or ‘lop-sided’ appearance to the labia after the operation.
Cost Prices for labiaplasty surgery are usually around £3000.
Choosing a Surgeon Only fully trained and qualified surgeons in the field of plastic surgery and gynaecology should perform vaginal surgery.
