Labiaplasty

Are you considering Labiaplasty?

 

You may be thinking about having a labiaplasty for several reasons:

• • You may be self conscious about the appearance of your labia minora and this may have been the case for some time
  • Your labia may have enlarged after childbirth or with the natural ageing process
  • You may experience discomfort with certain sporting activities or when wearing tighter clothing
  • The cosmetic appearance of your labia minora is affecting your sexual confidence

A Labiaplasty or labia reduction is designed to decrease the size of the labia minora, or ‘inner lips’ of the vagina. This can be an embarrassing topic to discuss, however, there is greater awareness about the potential benefits of the procedure and it is known to have a high satisfaction rate.

Labiaplasty can be combined with clitoral hood reduction when needed.

What is normal and why the controversy?

Labia minoras come in all shapes and sizes and there is no definition of what is “normal” or “abnormal”.

Useful further information on vulval anatomy.

There is some controversy around labiaplasty and it is often referred to as “designer vagina” surgery. We have a useful article exploring the main issues around this type of surgery. Please read here: Labiaplasty controversy

The procedure itself

Labia minora reduction is a surgical procedure. We use the wedge excision method which avoids leaving scars over the outer edge of the labia. Most of the sensitive labial tissue is left behind and it is the extra, loose skin, which is removed.

Surgery can be carried out as a day procedure and is performed under local or general anaesthetic. There is a some discomfort for a few days after the surgery and swelling is expected to last no more than 7-10 days.

We do not post before and after images of labiaplasty on our website. You will be shown several before and after images including images immediately after surgery during your consultation.

Patient experience of labiaplasty in our clinic (external independent website

 

Your care

Please be assured that you will be treated with a level of professionalism, discretion and sensitivity expected of UK trained (FRCS Plast) NHS plastic surgeons practicing at reputable accredited private hospitals in Edinburgh. We all have expertise in gynaecological reconstructive plastic surgery. 

 

Labiaplasty Risks

The majority of women having the procedure are very happy with their results.

The following risks and complications can occur:

Minor spotting is common. Rarely, bleeding may occur that causes pain and swelling and can require a return to theatre to stop the bleeding and remove the clot that has formed.

Some swelling is expected over the first few days and varies between patients. The swelling can look dramatic and it usually settles down by 10 days.

Infection is relatively uncommon and may require treatment with antibiotics.

Delayed wound healing can result if the wound opens up. This can leave a notch which may require revision if it is noticeable.

The scars using the “wedge technique” are well hidden and settle well. Rarely scars can be sensitive and painful but this usually improves with time.

Minor degrees of asymmetry are to be expected – this is normal.

A small number of patients (approx. 5%) may require further surgery to correct residual problems.

 

Labiaplasty Prices

Local anaesthesia £2500

General anaesthesia £3000

Consultation £150

All inclusive costs for 1 year following surgery

 

Finance

Finance is available (subject to application and vetting) by Zebra Health Finance (formerly First Medical Loans). They offer interest free loans up to a certain value. They can usually provide a decision online within 15 minutes.

 

Further reading

Information from British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons BAAPS