Labiaplasty

Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery/Labiaplasty

A labiaplasty may serve to improve physical comfort for the patient

Enlarged or hypertrophic labia minora (the flaps of skin on either side of the vaginal opening) can be functionally bothersome. The enlarged labia can have a protuberant and abnormal appearance that can be distressful. Enlargement of the labia minora may be caused by pregnancy and childbirth or from other hormonal causes. Local irritation, problems with personal hygiene, interference with sexual intercourse and discomfort during cycling, walking or sitting are all indications for a surgical reduction.

The aim of labial reduction surgery is to preserve most of the natural contour, pigmentation and sensitivity of the labia minora with minimal scarring.

At 152 Harley Street, labiaplasty is carried out under local anaesthetic with or without sedation in our state-of-the-art day case theatre. You will be able to leave shortly after your procedure, but still receive the same thorough and excellent aftercare that you would expect with a general anaesthetic.

A labiaplasty will decrease the size of the labia minora (the flaps of skin on either side of the vaginal opening) and reduce local irritation, address personal hygiene challenges and remove discomfort during sexual intercourse or other activities (walking, cycling etc.).

Labiaplasty can be recommended for women experiencing any sort of discomfort caused by the size and shape of their labia. Additionally, some women may have some concerns about the size and shape of their labia and if you are experiencing this, then we recommend a consultation with one of our specialists.

During a labiaplasty consultation, your surgeon will take your medical history and ask about your goals and expectations for the procedure. They will perform a physical examination to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for labiaplasty.

The physical examination may involve:

Looking at the labia minora or labia majora.
Feeling for any lumps or abnormalities.
Assessing the overall size and shape of the labia.

Your surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, including the steps involved, the type of anaesthesia that will be used, and the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Your surgeon will then provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, which may include avoiding certain medications, alcohol, and smoking in the weeks leading up to the surgery.

They may also recommend that you bring someone with you on the day of the surgery to provide transportation and assistance after the procedure.

The consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have about the procedure. Your surgeon will take the time to address these concerns and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about whether labiaplasty is right for you.

Procedure Overview

Surgical procedure to reduce the size or alter the shape of enlarged or hypertrophic labia minora
Unwanted tissue is cut away and removed in order to alter the size and shape of the labia
Typical procedure takes between 1 to 2 hours
Healing takes over a year but 50% of healing happens over the first six weeks and after 6-9 months no major changes are expected
Typical procedure cost starts from approximately £3,850
You will have an initial consultation with an expert specialist in this area

Woman in undergarments against light blue background

Labiaplasty or labial reduction surgery involves a plastic surgical technique to reduce the large or uneven labia minora to a thinner, more comfortable and more appealing size and shape. The unwanted tissue is cut away leading to the shortening and reshaping of the labia. Following the removal of the excess tissue, the area will then be closed with dissolvable sutures.

Labiaplasty surgery is a delicate procedure that requires specialised knowledge and expertise.

It can be performed by gynaecologists or plastic surgeons who have received extensive training in this area. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon to minimise the risk of complications and ensure optimal results.

At 152 Harley Street, our team of highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeons are experts in this field and will provide you with personalised care and attention throughout the entire process. You can trust that your procedure will be performed with the utmost precision and care to achieve the best possible outcome.

The labiaplasty procedure takes around 1 to 2 hours.

The bruising from your labiaplasty should go down within 3 weeks post-surgery and for the swelling it can take several weeks or months. Healing takes over a year but 50% of healing happens over the first six weeks and after 6-9 months no major changes are expected

During your labiaplasty procedure, you will be under local anaesthetic and sedation and therefore no pain or discomfort will be felt during your procedure. After surgery, you may feel some pain and discomfort around the area but appropriate painkillers will be prescribed to help with this.

It is important to keep the area clean to prevent infections such as urinary tract infections. You may also find that avoiding tight-fitting clothes helps you to feel more comfortable.

Labiaplasty surgery is often performed to improve the comfort of the labia minora, which can undergo changes in size and shape due to ageing, childbirth or other reasons. One concern that some women have about this surgery is whether it can affect their sexual function and pleasure.

However, it is important to note that once the healing process is complete and you have fully recovered from the surgery, labiaplasty is not associated with reduced sensation during intercourse. In fact, many women report increased sensation and pleasure after the procedure.

This is because the reduction in the size of the labia minora can result in less discomfort and irritation during sexual activity, leading to a more enjoyable experience.

It is important to discuss your concerns and expectations with your surgeon before undergoing labiaplasty surgery.

They can provide you with detailed information on the procedure, including the risks and benefits, and help you decide whether it is the right choice for you.

Labiaplasty surgery aims to improve your quality of life and sexual satisfaction, and many women have found this procedure to be life-changing in a positive way.

For most people, the results are permanent and further surgery will not be necessary.

Labiaplasty can be performed in conjunction with other functional procedures, such as vaginoplasty or clitoral hood reduction. This approach can often result in more comprehensive results and reduced overall recovery time.

It is crucial to discuss all the procedures you are considering with your surgeon and ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the combination of procedures. Your surgeon will need to evaluate the potential risks and benefits of performing multiple procedures at once and discuss the possible impact on the recovery process.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo combined procedures should be based on a thorough consultation with your plastic surgeon, taking into account your specific needs and goals.

The price for an labiaplasty starts from approximately £3,850 which includes both consultant and facility fees. The total cost will be confirmed following the initial consultation.

It is not recommended to undergo a labiaplasty while pregnant.

Pregnancy is a significant physiological process that can increase a woman’s risk of complications during surgery, such as excessive bleeding and infection. Additionally, anaesthesia during pregnancy carries its own risks to both the mother and the developing fetus.

Pregnancy can cause significant changes to a woman’s body, including changes to the labia, which can affect the results of the procedure. It is thus recommended that women wait until they have completed their pregnancies and have fully recovered from childbirth before considering a labiaplasty procedure.

"I felt to embarrassed and ashamed to talk to my friends about this, they wouldn’t understand, plus I felt it was nobody’s business but my own. But I had nobody to talk to who I felt was on my side and who would listen to me. I’m not sure if I would have had the courage to have the labiaplasty if I had not had had the counselling sessions. I am now confident and can get on with life and do normal things – like getting changed and showering at the gym and being intimate without a feeling of dread. Thank you so much for being there for me through this."

"I had my initial consultation with Dr Schumacher via Zoom in late 2020 and had my procedure under local anaesthetic in early 2021. I then had a revision mid-2021 as I had ripped my stitches. I had a final ‘touch-up’ procedure early 2022. I was able to have all of my appointments at a time and location convenient to me which was really helpful. I highly recommend Hagen Schumacher for this procedure. He is incredibly professional, very thorough, approachable and kind. The nurses who were present at my appointments were also all lovely. I am very happy with my result and know that I can get in touch with Hagen in the future if I ever have any queries or concerns."

"I had labiaplasty via the “wedge” method with Hagen three years ago. I could not be happier. I had this done under local anaesthetic. He is very knowledgeable and put me at ease though out the whole operation. Thank you for changing my life and my confidence."

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Labiaplasty

Why should I have a labiaplasty?

How do you know if you need a labiaplasty procedure?

What happens during my labiaplasty pre-surgery consultation?

What happens during a labiaplasty?

Who performs a labiaplasty?

How long does a labiaplasty take?

How long does a labiaplasty take to heal?

Is a labiaplasty very painful?

Can a labiaplasty reduce sensation during sexual intercourse?

How long do labiaplasty results last?

Can a labiaplasty be performed in conjunction with other procedures?

How much does a labiaplasty cost?

Can I undergo a labiaplasty while pregnant?

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