What is a Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin of the ‘labia minora’ (the inner labia tissue) to create a more aesthetic appearance and address medical issues. Some people may also refer to this procedure as labia reduction surgery.

Some women may have excess skin because they have inadequate skin of the ‘labia majora’ (the outer labia tissue), or as a result of child birth. A labiaplasty can assist in addressing unsightliness, irritation of the skin, infections, and other related hygiene problems.

There are many reasons why women may decide to have a labiaplasty, including:

• Feelings of lowered self-esteem or increased self-consciousness due to an uneven labia
• Discomfort during exercise, intercourse or when wearing clothing
• A change in the appearance of their labia following child birth

Labioplasty Surgery Consultation

The aim of the initial consultation is for the surgeon to determine your expectations and to identify issues of concern relating to appearance, self-esteem, intimacy, lifestyle limitations, and issues with hygiene and/or skin infection.

During this hour-long consultation, the surgeon will assess the extent of your excess skin and how this might impact the final result of the surgery.

At your initial consultation, your surgeon will ask for a full medical history and discuss with you the process of the surgery, post-operative care, and any risks and complications associated with labiaplasty.

This is also your opportunity to ask any questions of your surgeon and raise any concerns you may have about the procedure.

Your surgeon will also discuss with you the length of scars and incisions you can expect.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Your surgeon may require you to complete some blood tests before surgery to determine your fitness for anaesthetic. Depending on the medication you take, you may be required to adjust or cease some of your medicine in the lead-up to surgery. Smokers will be required to stop smoking six weeks before and after their labiaplasty.

Potential Risks of Labiaplasty Surgery

Risks and complications in surgery are rare. Nevertheless, it’s important for patients to be informed of the potential risks of labiaplasty before consenting to the surgery.

Potential risks include:

• Problem scarring, resulting in asymmetry and/or redundant skin
• Wound infection
• Excessive bleeding and/or clotting

In a small number of cases (approximately 5 per cent), revisional surgery is required to address the above complications.

In the months following surgery, you may experience discomfort during intercourse, but this generally improves over time as the swelling subsides.

How Much is a Labiaplasty?

Regulated health service providers are strongly discouraged by the Australian Medical Board from advertising set prices for their services. As such, we do not provide cost-per-procedure pricing. However, our surgeons will provide you with a tailored costing during your consultation.

We also welcome you to contact our clinic before your first appointment to discuss approximate costs and potential rebates. Please contact us on 07 3180 3400 , or send us an enquiry online.

The cost of your initial consultation with a surgeon is $175 ($225 for weekend consultations), a portion of which may be claimed from Medicare if you have a referral from your GP.

Labia Reduction Surgery

Labia reduction surgery is usually performed as a day surgery procedure, under either general or local anaesthetic with sedation. Labiaplasty involves trimming the labia minora by making incisions that are concealed by the inner aspect of the labia majora.

The wounds are repaired with dissolving stiches and at the completion of surgery, a urinary catheter is inserted to temporarily minimise the risk of urinary retention.

You will need to wear protective pads for approximately five days after surgery and preventative medication will be prescribed to minimise the risk of vaginal thrush, which can impact the wound healing process.

Recovering After Labiaplasty

You will be able to go home after the surgery once you have recovered from the anaesthetic.

You will be advised to take a week away from work following surgery.

In the first week of surgery, sitting for periods of 15 minutes or more should be avoided to reduce pressure on the wounds and to encourage wound healing. You may find haemorrhoid surgical cushions to be comfortable for long periods of sitting.

Swelling and discomfort is normal following labiaplasty and it’s advised to take the prescribed pain killers and antibiotics to control your pain levels and minimise risk of infection. Ice packs and general rest are also advised to keep you comfortable.

To further minimise the risk of infection, it’s recommended you shower following every bowel action and sit in a salt bath for 10 minutes thereafter during the week after surgery.

At your post-operative visits, your surgeon will assess how your wounds are healing. Generally, wounds heal within two after surgery.

You may resume physical activity such as walking three weeks after surgery and progress to running and normal exercise at six weeks. You can resume intimacy after approximately six weeks.

The final result of your labiaplasty may not be visible for many months while there is still swelling. This can take significant time to resolve, and varies from patient to patient.