Surgery to address concerns of the Labia major or labia minora, such as discomfort, pain, and/or asymmetry
Labiaplasty surgery
A labiaplasty, sometimes called, labia reduction surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to alter the size or shape of the labia minora (the inner lips) or the labia majora (the outer lips) of the vulva. The aim of the surgery is to reduce the size of the labia or to correct asymmetry, and it can also be done for functional or medical reasons, such as to alleviate discomfort or irritation caused by enlarged or elongated labia. The procedure involves trimming excess tissue and reshaping the labia to achieve the desired appearance.
How Labiaplasty is performed
The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic by either our Urologist or Gynaecologist. Te procedure itself takes around one hour and you will be able to go home on the same day as the procedure.
Labiaplasty procedures can vary depending on the specific goals of the patient and the surgeon's techniques. Here are some common methods:
- Trimming Technique (Trim Labiaplasty):
In this technique, the surgeon trims away the excess tissue along the edge of the labia minora to reduce its size and reshape it.
This method is straightforward and is often used when the excess tissue is primarily located along the edges of the labia.
- Wedge Technique (Wedge Labiaplasty):
This technique involves removing a V-shaped wedge of tissue from the middle portion of the labia minora.
The remaining edges are then sewn together, resulting in a more natural-looking contour.
The wedge technique is often preferred when the excess tissue is distributed more evenly along the length of the labia.
- De-epithelialization Technique:
In this technique, the excess tissue is removed from the labia minora, and then the remaining edges are sutured together.
Unlike the trimming technique, which removes tissue from the edge, this method involves removing tissue from the middle portion of the labia.
- Combination Techniques:
It may be advantageous to adopt a combination of techniques to achieve the desired results, depending on the individual's anatomy and aesthetic goals.
For example, our Specialists might use a combination of trimming and de-epithelialization techniques to address different areas of concern.
The choice of technique depends on factors such as the patient's anatomy.
Labiaplasty recovery period
The Immediate Postoperative Period:
Immediately after the surgery, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding.
Pain medication and cold packs are typically prescribed to help manage discomfort and reduce swelling.
You will also be prescribed a course of antibiotics for one week.
First Few Days to Weeks:
Patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first few days after surgery.
It's common for swelling and bruising to peak within the first 48 hours and then gradually improve over the next few weeks.
Patients may need to take a few days off work to allow for adequate rest and recovery.
It's important to follow postoperative care instructions provided by the Specialist, which may include keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding sexual activity, and wearing loose-fitting clothing.
Resuming Normal Activities:
Most patients can resume light activities within a few days to a week after surgery, but strenuous exercise and sexual activity should be avoided for six weeks.
Swelling and discomfort typically continue to improve over the first few weeks, but it may take several months for the final results to fully develop.
Long-Term Recovery:
The final results of labiaplasty may take several months to become fully apparent as swelling subsides and the tissues heal.
Scarring is usually minimal and fades over time, but it's important to avoid sun exposure to the surgical area during the healing process to prevent hyperpigmentation.
Patients should attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
Overall, the recovery period for labiaplasty can vary, but most patients can expect to see significant improvement within a few weeks and full recovery within a few months. It's important for patients to follow the postoperative instructions closely to ensure a smooth recovery process and achieve optimal results.