Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty or labioplasty is quite simply a procedure aimed at reshaping or reducing the size of the labia minora (small inner lips of the vulva), or less commonly, the labia majora (the large outer lips of the vulva). It is not the same as a vaginoplasty, which is an operation to tighten the vagina.

Women may be concerned about the shape, size, or symmetry of their labia. Suitability for labiaplasty is decided through a detailed consultation with a surgeon who is experienced in performing labial surgery.

A labiaplasty can be carried out using either a general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic. If a local anaesthetic is opted for, it can be performed with or without sedation. The procedure involves reshaping or reducing the labia using one of several different techniques. These include trimming of the edges or removal of a section of each labium, for instance in the shape of a wedge. The specific technique will have been discussed with you in detail at the time of your consultation. The wounds are the stitched up with fine dissolvable stitches. The whole procedure takes about one to two hours and a patient is able to go home the same day, regardless of the type of anaesthetic used.

Labiaplasty is not a particularly painful procedure, and patients are encouraged to be up and about straight away. Most of the swelling usually settles in the first few days or early weeks. Some residual swelling may persist for months, but does not normally interfere with day to day activities. Most patients will have returned to all normal activities between 4 and 6 weeks following their operation. Your surgeon will discuss the aftercare plan with you in greater detail.

Following labial surgery, patients are advised to take a few days off work with the option of a full week if required, with a view of returning to normal day-to-day activities after about one week. Swelling is greatest during the first few days and the treated areas can be quite uncomfortable with excessive movement.  Although it is advisable for patients to mobilise as soon as is comfortable following surgery, they should be sensitive to their body and not to do too much too soon.

Most patients opt for general anaesthetic when undergoing a labiaplasty, so they won’t feel any pain. Any discomfort or pain experienced after the surgery will be controlled with medication provided by the doctor and this will usually subside within a few days. Discomfort is usually the result of swelling which tends to subside after the first days of recovery.

The surgeon will explain the labiaplasty procedure to each patient in detail at the consultation. The risks are the same as with any other surgical procedure that involves a general anaesthetic, if this is what the patient chooses to have.  Apart from possible bleeding and infection which is uncommon, there are no specific risks to be concerned about.

A variant of the general anaesthesia technique called TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) is delivered by our team of top anaesthetists. Intravenous delivery enables our anaesthetist team to monitor anaesthetic depth more closely via specialised computers to maintain an optimal level of anaesthesia. This means patients will wake up feeling much better than with traditional alternatives and will be ready to go home shortly after.

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will advise patients to stop smoking and will review any medication they may be taking. The surgeon will also provide patients with all information needed to ensure they are fully prepared for the procedure.