Labiaplasty

What is labiaplasty?

  • Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure which involves removing excess tissue from your labia minora (the inner folds of tissue that surround the vagina). A labiaplasty alone usually does not involve any procedure on your clitoris, vagina or outer folds (labia majora).

  • Labiaplasty can help address concerns such as labia that are perceived to be too large, too long, or uneven. Sometimes excess skin of the labia can get twisted or pinched during exercise, physical activities or sexual intercourse. This can lead to discomfort during these activities or when wearing certain clothing.

What causes the labium to become oversized?

  • Puberty, menopause, or other hormonal changes in your life can change the size of your labia majora.

  • Pregnancy and childbirth.

  • Weight changes.

  • Genetics.

Procedure information

  • Women who consider labiaplasty may report:

    • Pain or chafing with activity, sport, cycling, running.

    • Poor hygiene/chronic infection.

    • Pain or chronic swelling during sexual intercourse.

    • Pain wearing tight clothing, often attributed to protruding labia rubbing on clothing.

    • Feelings of self-consciousness or embarrassment.

    You may be a good candidate for labiaplasty if you:

    • Experience troubling symptoms due to enlarged labia minora.

    • You have realistic expectations of what a labiaplasty can and cannot achieve.

    • You do not smoke, or can stop smoking around the time of surgery.

  • In planning for your surgery:

    • Consultation
      You will meet Dr Law in consultation. The consultation will begin with a conversation about your goals and expectations. Please feel free to be as detailed as possible, and bring any questions you may have. The procedure will be explained in detail - covering what it can and cannot achieve. Dr Law will also discuss the surgical process, possible risks, and complications. To ensure you feel fully informed and confident in your decision, a second consultation will be arranged before proceeding with surgery. This gives you the opportunity to ask additional questions.

    • Smoking
      Please stop smoking as soon as you are able to, as smoking increases the risk of complications from surgery. If possible, please stop smoking at least six weeks before your surgery.

    • You will be given instructions ahead of time regarding fasting, medications, and other practical information.

    On the day of surgery:

    • You’ll meet with a nurse, who will assess your health.

    • The anaesthetist will meet you and confirm your anaesthesia plan to make sure the procedure goes as smoothly and safely as possible.

    • Dr Law will see you before you go to sleep to confirm details of the procedure.

  • Labiaplasty can be performed under local or general anaesthetic but most people choose a general anaesthetic so they are completely asleep during the procedure.

  • The main techniques used to perform labiaplasty include:

    • Trim technique: This involves trimming excess tissue from the outside edges of the labia minora so that they’re closer in length to the inside of your labia majora.

    • Wedge technique: A wedge-shaped or pie-shaped section of tissue is removed from the labia minora, preserving the natural edges.

    After careful assessment of your situation, Dr Law will select the procedure that will offer you the most benefits.

  • Dr Law will give you personalised instructions to follow after your surgery. Please also note that recovery can vary between individuals. But in general after a labiaplasty:

    • You will be given ointment to apply on the suture line.

    • You will be advised to place sanitary pads in your underwear as you may notice a few drops of blood from the wounds, which is normal.

    • Please keep the area dry for 2-3 days.

    • Do not use tampons whilst the area is healing.

    • After toileting, it is a good idea to shower to keep the area clean.

    • You will need to avoid cycling, sexual intercourse, swimming, heavy lifting or gym work for 6 weeks.

    • You should expect to take around 2 weeks off work, depending on your job.

    • Dissolvable stitches are typically used, so there’s no need to have them removed after surgery.

    • You will have follow-up organised with Dr Law’s team.

Risks & complications

  • All surgery carries risks and may include:

    • Drug reactions: You can have reactions to anaesthesia. However a fully qualified anaesthetist will look after you during the surgery to ensure your anaesthetic will be as safe and smooth as possible.

    • Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions are possible. We will ask you about any known allergies beforehand to help avoid exposure during surgery.

    • Infection: You will be given antibiotics at the start of your surgery (as you go to sleep), as well as a course of oral antibiotics afterwards, to help minimise this risk. You may also be given antibiotic cream to apply on the surgical incision.

    • Bleeding and haematoma (blood clot): A bit of bleeding onto the dressing is common and usually stops on its own. There is a very small risk of blood clots, requiring drainage.

  • Risks specific to labiaplasty will be discussed with you during your consultation and will also be provided in your consent paperwork. These include:

    • Asymmetry: No two sides of the body are identical to start with and there may be subtle differences between the labia afterwards too.

    • Changes in the shape of the labia minora can occur.

    • Wound healing problems: Minor wound separation or breakdown can occasionally occur. This is usually an issue that can be managed with regular dressing changes and ointment. Healing can sometimes take a few weeks longer, but most wounds eventually settle well.

    • Poor scars: Some skin types are more prone to hypertrophic or keloid scarring.

    • Changes in sensation and nerve sensitivity: The labia are a sensitive area with many small nerve endings. It’s common to experience numbness in parts of the labia minora after surgery. Sensation usually returns over weeks to months, but in some cases, it may take up to 12 months to fully recover. The scar may also be sensitive, and in rare cases, discomfort or pain during sexual activity can occur. However, as the surgery does not involve the clitoris or vagina, this is uncommon. It's important to note that labiaplasty is a procedure to reshape the labia minora - it is not a treatment for sexual dysfunction, and there is no guarantee it will improve sexual function.

    Choosing a qualified and skilled surgeon with proper anaesthetic support helps minimise these risks.

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Sydney

Contact Dr Law below to request a consultation.