What is Libial Reduction?

Labiaplasty, or, otherwise known as Labia Reduction, is surgery to the correct and define the appearance of the inner labia, also known as the Labia Minora. It is extremely common for women to have concerns about the size and shape of their Labia.

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We understand that this is a very sensitive issue, and you can be assured that you, as an individual, will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and care throughout your Labiaplasty procedure.

 

It is also important to remember that you’re not alone, many women experience the same problems and feel much better after coming to discuss the procedure with Mr Khan to understand what we can do to help. 

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Who May Need a Labiaplasty?

The size and shape of labia do vary quite widely, but problems can arise when the Labia Minora are enlarged, uneven or distorted; including:

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• Lack of sexual confidence due to concern about the size / shape / appearance of the Labia

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• Getting in the way during lovemaking

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• Protrusion of labia underneath clothing – they may be visible in swimwear, or chafe on everyday underwear.

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For some women, this is a consequence of childbirth, when the Labia are stretched and do not “go back”. Others are simply born with Over-Large Labia or find that they become enlarged due to irritation.

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Will I have any scarring after a Labiaplasty?

Scarring will be minimal following a Labiaplasty and will be hidden as much as possible within the natural folds.

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How is it different to Female Genital Mutilation?

A Labiaplasty is offered as Cosmetic Surgery or as Treatment for a medical problem, with the full Consent of the Patient.

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Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is nearly always carried out on children without their consent, and in these cases is ethically and morally wrong. FGM is illegal in the UK.

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How is a Libial Reduction Surgery performed?

The Labiaplasty is a relatively simple procedure performed under a general anaesthetic, and takes approximately one hour in theatre.

 

The procedure involves Mr Khan carefully reducing and /or reshaping the Labia Minora to give a neater appearance. The Labia are not completely removed, as they are necessary in order to protect the delicate internal area. However, enlarged Labia are taken back to a normal size and the cosmetic appearance is improved.

Patients can experience swelling and discomfort after the procedure, however this usually subsides after 1-2 weeks. The incisions made during the procedure are barely noticeable and usually heal very well.

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Recovery and After Libial Reduction Surgery

Labial Reduction is usually carried out as a day-case, with no need to stay overnight in hospital. 

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You will probably experience some pain and swelling for a few days after the operation. This is normal and your symptoms will start to improve over the next few weeks. 

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After a Labiaplasty, you will have a dressing put on in the operating theatre. You will then have a Post-Op review with a nurse at the hospital clinic approximately 7 days after your procedure.

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You will probably need to take some time off work to rest and recover. When you get home you’ll need to take things easy at first. Arrange around a week off work and plan to spend the first few days in bed until you are comfortable. Gently applying ice packs during the first 24 hours will help with the swelling.

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You should expect to abstain from intercourse for 3-4 weeks after surgery to allow the area to fully heal.

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You'll gradually be able to return to normal activity within a couple of weeks but you shouldn’t do any vigorous activity for four to six weeks.