The labia are the folds of skin that surround the vulva, the outer part of the female genitals. The labia majora are the outer lips and the labia minora are the inner lips.

Labia come in all different sizes and shapes. The size, shape and symmetry of labia can easily be amended by swift and highly effective labial reduction surgery in the hands of a qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

Labial reduction surgery is particularly effective in instances where a woman suffers from excessively large labia. The cosmetic appearance of large labia can make women feel self conscious and unhappy with the appearance of a very sensitive area of their body.

These large labia can swiftly be reduced in size via straightforward labial reduction surgery.

The primary issue with large labia is typically psychological, with large labia the cause of embarrassment and even significant psychological distress.

It is also true that large labia can cause some functional issues as well. Excessively large labia can chafe on clothing, and cause discomfort wearing some clothes and swimming costumes. Large labia can also impact the enjoyment and comfort of sexual intercourse and exercise.

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.

Labial reduction surgery is not quite the same as ‘designer vagina’ surgery.

The phrase ‘designer vagina’ surgery refers collectively to the full spectrum of cosmetic gynaecological surgeries that include labial reduction surgery (labiaplasty), vaginal tightening surgery (vaginoplasty), and other vaginal rejuvenation procedures.

 ‘Designer vagina’ surgery is the colloquial term to describe any or all of these procedures as a standalone, or as a group when performed together.

There is much media focus on the questions of ‘what is a designer vagina?’ or ‘should I get a designer vagina?’. We typically find it more instructive to refer to the more specific technical terms for the various procedures in question than the colloquial media phraseology of ‘designer vagina.’

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.

You must be certain exactly what you want from the procedure. This includes not just the appearance, but also the expectation of the effect that this will have on you and your sex life. Discuss this carefully with your surgeon as disappointment is really the worst outcome. There always swelling and bruising and this may take a few weeks to settle. Bleeding or more specifically, oozing, is also common for a day or so.

Less commonly, we see delayed healing and local infection. This usually settles in a week or so.

Just occasionally, as a result, you will need a minor revision procedure. There is soreness rather than significant pain and this response to simple painkillers. Any numbness around the incision settles in a month or two and is rarely persistent. Even if you opt for general anaesthesia, rather than a local, you are awake and home in no time.

Certainly. This is a self-contained local procedure, which should not affect you generally. It can be done under Local Anaesthesia or the Cadogan Clinic form of light General Anaesthesia called TIVA (Total IntraVenous Anaesthesia) and always as a Day Case. You will wake up instantly and not be nauseated. Set aside half a day. Simple painkillers will suffice.

Maybe work from home the next day or two. Avoid significant exercise for 2 – 3 weeks and sexual activity for a bit longer.

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.