Labiaplasty
Labia Reduction & Reshaping Surgery, London
Who is a candidate for labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is suitable for women looking to reduce the size of their labia minora. This may be because you experience discomfort in the area when walking, cycling, during sexual intercourse or during other activities. You may also have concerns about hygiene.
It may also be because you wish to improve the appearance of this part of your body – the ‘designer vagina’ has become very popular among women who feel dissatisfied with the area. Rejuvenation and/or reshaping the labia area can improve your body image, self-esteem and overall wellbeing.
Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer labiaplasty reshaping as simple day case procedure for private patients in our London Harley Street clinic.
There is no need for an overnight stay or a lengthy recovery, making it convenient as well as cost-effective.
What's involved In The Procedure?
Many labiaplasty can be performed in local anaesthetic reducing the need for a general anaesthetic. In some cases however general anaesthetic may be required. This will be discussed with you during your consultation.
At your initial consultation, your Surgeon will spend a great deal of time getting to know you personally and taking a full medical history. She will explore your reasons for seeking labiaplasty, what you dislike and your expectations of surgery. She will also need to know about your general health, lifestyle and medications, prescribed or otherwise; as well as any past surgery to this area (including previous episiotomy).
Your Surgeon will then examine the genital area in order to recommend the most suitable surgical options to address your problems and devise your personalised surgical plan deciding which form of labiaplasty is suitable for your needs. This may include trim labiaplasty, wedge excision and/or clitoral hood reduction.
Recovery
Patients will return home on the day of the procedure. We will provide some antibiotic ointment to be applied four times a day. Baths are not advised. For the initial two weeks you can shower in warm but not excessively hot water and should only use simple soap.
Some discomfort is expected for a few days and you will be given oral pain medication for a week or two postoperatively. Swelling will start following your surgery bruising and usually peak at 3-5 days post-surgery before starting to settle. At this time you will want to wear comfortable clothing and take a few days off work. Cooling the area with an ice pack regularly helps enormously.
Please see our FAQ section for more information including guidelines on preparation, recovery and exercise.
Consultation & Treatment
Utmost discretion and sensitivity with chaperone present
Treatment Time
Labiaplasty surgery takes approximately 1-1½ hours
Recovery Time
We recommend taking a week off work
High Patient Satisfaction
Sensitive service - no need to feel embarrassed
Labiaplasty Costs
| Treatment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Consultation with Surgeon | £150 |
| Labiaplasty surgery | £3,995 |
| Post-operative follow up | Included free of charge |
Labiaplasty Consultation
A pre-treatment consultation with our plastic surgeon is required to assess the best options for you. A treatment plan and associated costs can then be discussed. Prices are a guide and the exact cost of treatment can only be determined once the surgeon has examined you in person.
Please call 0207 386 0464 OR email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk for advice and help.
How Do I Book an Appointment?
Our medical advisors would be happy to make an appointment for you:
- Call 0207 386 0464
- Email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk
The consultation fee is payable on booking. We have a 48-hour cancellation policy.
Videos - Treatment at Cosmedics
Get In Touch
Please fill in your details and our skin advisors will call you back to give you more information.
You can also add an optional short message and photo of the treatment area.
Labiaplasty FAQ: Questions & Answers
What should I wear and bring?
Choose loose comfortable clothing for the day of your procedure – no tight leggings or jeans etc that may rub on the labia after surgery.
Please bring some sanitary towels to protect your underwear for use afterwards.
You don’t need to bring pyjamas or overnight items, as you will return home same day.
Will I have stitches?
Yes. We will schedule a stitch removal/follow-up appointment a week after your surgery. This aftercare appointment is included in the cost of your procedure.
What should I expect during recovery?
You may feel uncomfortable for a few days, but will be prescribed pain relief and antibiotics.
Swelling and bruising is expected around the area. This will take time to settle and like all surgical procedures it may take up to 6 months to fully appreciate the full results.
You won’t need to rest excessively or stay in bed all day following the surgery – short light walks are important for circulation.
When can I have showers and baths?
You can shower the next day. Make sure the water is not excessively hot and use simple un-fragranced soap or shower gel.
Avoid having a bath for 2 weeks.
What about exercise?
- 1-2 weeks after surgery – you can be reasonably mobile, but it’s best to rest and take a break from proper exercise
- 2-4 weeks – you can return to light exercise at two weeks, but avoid anything that involves sitting on the area such as cycling, spinning or horse riding
- You should not swim until you have fully healed
- Strenuous exercise should be delayed for 4 weeks
When can I resume sexual intercourse?
We recommend abstaining for the first 4 weeks after surgery, in order to allow the area to heal fully and avoid the risk of infection. Be aware of how you feel – if the scar remains too tender, then avoid having sex a little longer.
Can I use tampons after labiaplasty?
You should avoid inserting tampons for the first 4 weeks after labiaplasty, take longer if you feel you need it. It’s fine to use sanitary towels during this time. It’s fine to use tampons once the area has healed and the scar is no longer tender.
Can I drive after labiaplasty?
We advise against driving for the first 1-2 weeks, due to the discomfort that sitting in the drivers seat can cause and the extra pressure that breaking (especially in emergency) might put on the genital area.
What can I do to reduce swelling?
Dealing with swelling is a common concern prior to labiaplasty. We recommend frequent use of an ice pack to cool the area for the first week. Apply antibiotic ointment also to the stitch line and expect some tenderness in the area for a couple of weeks.
Are there any preparations required prior to surgery?
If your procedure is being done in local anaesthetic then you should eat and drink as normal prior to your procedure. All regular medications (except for blood thinners) should be continued as normal.
The evening before and the morning of your procedure we ask you to shower and cleanse the area thoroughly but gently, with Hibiscrub or Dermol (antibacterial body washes available from most local pharmacies). Be careful not to cause any friction grazes to the skin.
No smoking prior to the surgery, as this will have an adverse effect on your outcome and healing.
Dos and Don’ts – labiaplasty recovery guidelines
What to avoid after the surgery?
- Scratching of the wounds.
- Lifting heavy objects
- Applying warm compresses as this will increase swelling.
- Smoking for 6 weeks after the surgery.
- No hot baths.
Getting back to activity following your surgery?
In the first week…
- No heavy exercise
- Take time off work, 3 or more days depending on your job
After 2 weeks?
- Tenderness still to be expected
- Light cardo activity can be resumed
After 6 weeks?
- Resume sports with vigorous movements
After 6-8 weeks?
- Can lift heavy objects again
As always, individual experiences vary. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too early. You can always contact us for advice or in case of any concerns.
Further reading
You may find the following resources of interest