Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty (also referred to as Labioplasty) is a surgical procedure to reduce the size or change the shape of the lips on the outside of the vagina.
The surgery is most commonly performed for functional reasons to eliminate discomfort associated with protruding, excess or uneven lips and to correct stretching and deformity after childbirth.
Labiaplasty is also commonly performed to address cosmetic concerns.
Labiaplasty Surgery
The procedure involves making small incisions to remove the excess tissue to reduce or reshape the labia minora.
The incisions are very inconspicuous and will leave little noticeable scarring. After the procedure, sensation and function are usually normal and well maintained, and not infrequently, enhanced.
Your Hospital Stay
Labiaplasty surgery is performed as a day procedure in a hospital under general anaesthetic.
Your Recovery
Following surgery, antibiotic ointment is applied to the wounds and pads are used for the small amount of bleeding expected.
It is usually 2 weeks before you can return to physical activity and 6 weeks before you feel fully recovered.
Risks of Labiaplasty Surgery
Key risks specific to Labiaplasty surgery are:
asymmetry of the two sides
altered sensation
fluid collection requiring drainage
delayed wound healing or wound breakdown
Additional general risks inherent in undergoing surgery and anaesthesia are explained at the time of consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The best candidates for Labiaplasty are women with marked prominence of the labia minora such that they suffer from irritation with splitting/cracking of the skin and potentially bleeding.
In addition, women with significant cosmetic concerns can also benefit from the surgery.
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Although scars are the inevitable result of any surgery, the incisions are very inconspicuous and will leave little noticeable scarring. Every effort is made to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible.
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Labiaplasty surgery is performed as a day procedure in a hospital under general anaesthetic. Following surgery, antibiotic ointment is applied to the wounds and pads are used for the small amount of bleeding expected.
It is usually 2 weeks before you can return to physical activity and 6 weeks before you feel fully recovered.
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This varies for different patients but is generally between 2 and 6 weeks post-surgery.
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At the initial consultation, we discuss your concerns and reasons leading to consideration for Labiaplasty. An examination will be required, but this is performed only when you feel comfortable to proceed and always in the presence of a female chaperone (nurse).
The examination is not absolutely necessary at the first consultation but will be required prior to any procedure.
Pictures will also be taken prior to any procedure, these are taken by the nurse in a private room and treated as confidential.
Glossary of Medical Terms
Labia minora
The smaller inner folds of the vulva
Labia majora
The larger outer folds of the vulva
Labiaplasty
Procedure to change the labia minora of the vulva
Vagina
The muscular tube leading from the vulva to the uterus
Vulva
The female external genitals / the external opening of the vagina
RANDWICK PLASTIC SURGERY