Labiaplasty, is a surgical procedure which reduces the size or reshapes the labia minora –the skin that covers the female clitoris and vaginal opening.  Women mostly have this procedure if they feel discomfort due to a large labia, such as when wearing tight clothes or during intercourse, or those who may feel embarrassed about the size, or even to enhance sexual experience.  The main purpose of the operation is to define the inner labia.  Other improvements to the vagina may be performed at the same time, to correct issues that may have been caused by sexual intercourse, childbirth or genetically.

Candidates: Women of good health, feeling embarrassed or dislike the shape or size of their labia because it is oversized or asymmetrical.

Surgical Procedure: There are three types of procedures that may be done.

Amputation: The labia minora is cut to the wanted size by scalpel or laser.  Side effect of this is the scar replacing the natural edge and a possible risk of nerve damage.

Central Wedge Resection: A wedge is removed from the middle of the labia.  Side effect is possible risk of nerve damage.

De-epithelialization: The outer most layers of the labia are removed from the middle keeping edge and nerves intact.  Side effect is possibility of epidermal cysts.

Before:

If you are a smoker you should stop smoking for at least 4 weeks before the surgery.  You must fast 8hrs before surgery, take antibiotics one day before surgery or on the morning of the surgery.  You should shower and shave the pubic area on the morning of the surgery then place numbing cream over the labia.

At the clinic you will be given a general anesthetic or, local anesthetic with sedation. The duration of surgery is about 1 – 2 hours.  You will be able to go home directly after surgery but you would need someone to drive you home.

After:

The local anesthetic will take about two hours to wear off, after which it is advisable to use an ice pack to reduce the swelling and the pain.  Feminine pads should be used to absorb the discharge from surgery.

Pain killers will be prescribed and you may also use dermoplast spray as a topical anesthetic.  It will take about 3-4 days for you to recover, during which avoid tight clothes, make sure you clean the pubic area with soap and water as often as needed preventing any accumulation of vaginal discharge.  Limit your movements during the first week and avoid sexual intercourse for the first 6 – 8 weeks. The stitches will dissolve within 3 weeks, and the swelling and tenderness will take about 6 weeks to subside.    You can gradually start to increase your physical activity within 2-4 weeks and start vaginal stretching exercises within 6-8 weeks, at which time you may presume your normal activities.  You must contact your doctor if there is any excessive bleeding or odorous discharge.

Risks –include scarring, asymmetry, infection and bleeding, however these are rare.

Cost – is between US$3000 – US$6000.