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.

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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.
Before your surgery, you’ll have a detailed consultation with Dr Law to discuss your goals, the procedure, and any risks. Clinical photos will be taken, and a second consultation will be arranged to answer further questions. It’s important to stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery to reduce risks. You may need blood tests and other health checks, and will receive personalised instructions to prepare you for surgery.
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.
After labiaplasty, you’ll use an ointment and wear a pad for minor ooze. Keep the area dry for 2–3 days and avoid tampons whilst the area is healing. Shower after using the toilet to keep the area clean. Avoid sexual intercourse, swimming, cycling, and heavy activity for 6 weeks. Most people take about 2 weeks off work. Stitches dissolve on their own, and follow-up will be arranged with Dr Law.

Risks & complications

All surgery carries risks and may include:
- Drug reactions.
- Allergic reactions.
- Infection.
- Bleeding and haematoma (blood clot).
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, and some small differences between the labia may remain after surgery.
- Changes in shape: The labia minora may look slightly different as healing progresses.
- Wound healing issues and scarring.
- Changes in sensation and nerve sensitivity.
Choosing a qualified and skilled surgeon with proper anaesthetic support helps minimise these risks.