Labiaplasty Surgery Cost and Procedure Information

It is important to remember that there is no standard shape, size or colour for any genitalia including labia.

The average length of the labia from the base to the edge is around 2cm, and it is normal for them to be larger or smaller than this average. Asymmetrical labia are also common. It is also natural for the labia to change in size, shape or colour throughout life due to hormonal changes, childbirth or age.

Even though there is no standard, patients may still feel self-conscious or uncomfortable with the size, colour or asymmetry of their labia. Furthermore, asymmetry or a protruding labia may lead to discomfort whilst cycling or playing sports. It may also be apparent in tight clothing. In this case, labiaplasty may be a good option.

The labial reduction can potentially help resolve emotional or physical discomfort related to the size of the labia. Labiaplasty surgery is performed more commonly on the thinner inner labia minora and less commonly on the larger outer labia majora. Small corrections of asymmetries of an enlarged clitoral hood can also be carried out.

The illustration below shows possible results from a labial reduction on the labia minora alone.

Labiaplasty patients have this surgery for a variety of reasons including:

• Feeling self-conscious or unhappy about the size, colour or shape of their labia
• A desire to correct asymmetry
• Unhappiness that the labia minora are longer than the labia majora
• Dislike that their labia have a darker colour on the outer edge
• Unresolved labial tearing from childbirth
• Tugging or chafing when wearing clothes that fit closely to the groin
• Discomfort or pain in the labia during activities like cycling, running or sexual intercourse.

The cost of labiaplasty surgery is generally between £3,000 and £5,000. However, every procedure is different and tailored to a patient’s personal wants and needs. The variables selected by a patient may lead to higher or lower costs. These details are matters discussed during the consultation with a surgeon and so the final price will only be known after the consultation. The variables may include:

• The hospital or clinic fee
• Surgeon experience
• Anaesthetist experience
• The surgical technique chosen for the procedure
• Additional combined procedures

Following the consultation and the final price has been offered, patients can trust that there will be no hidden costs or add-on fees. The costs are all-inclusive and transparent. The final price will cover:

• Highly rated CQC hospital cost
• Surgeon and Anaesthetist’s time and expertise
• Overnight stays (should it be required)
• Aftercare and follow-up appointments

A consultation for labial reduction surgery with a surgeon can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour to complete and can take place in-person or via secure video call. This meeting is the time for patients to learn more information about labial reduction surgery from an expert surgeon.

It’s very important patients are as open and honest with the surgeon as possible. This allows them to formulate the best procedure option in order to achieve the best results.

The surgeon will also use this meeting to learn about a patient's current health, examine the labia, learn about the expectations for surgery and ultimately decide if the patient is a good candidate for labiaplasty or not.

What to expect from a labiaplasty consultation?

Generally, consultations are focused on questions about the patient's health and expectations for surgery and a physical examination.

Patients can expect to be asked questions regarding:

• Current health status
• Any previous medical issues
• Any previous surgery to the groin
• Any current medications including over the counter, vitamins and herbal remedies
• Any allergies, especially to medications
• Any nicotine, alcohol or other drug use

The surgeon will then examine the labia to decide what technique is best. They may also take photos of the groin. These photos will completely confidential.

Once they have examined the patient, they will give them their recommendation and plan for surgery should they wish to proceed.

Questions to ask during a labiaplasty consultation

The first consultation is the perfect time to ask any questions that patients may have about labial reduction. Before the appointment, patients may find it helpful to write down any questions.

Below are some general questions patients might like to consider asking:

• Are the expectations realistic?
• When is sex possible again?
• Is there any risk of altered sensation on the labia or groin after surgery?
• What is recovery like?
• What level of pain will there be after surgery?
• What kind of scarring is expected on the labia after surgery?
• Experience with labiaplasty surgery
• Request to see before and after photos
• Will it affect the ability to have children?

Generally, labial reduction takes between 1 to 2 hours to complete. The majority of patients do not require an overnight stay in the hospital after labial reduction, but this will be decided by the surgeon based on how patients recover from anaesthesia.

Depending on the complexity of the case, the surgery can be performed on a patient who is under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation. General anaesthesia is more commonly used for longer surgeries as it puts the patient into a deep dreamless sleep.

Local anaesthesia with sedation is often an option for shorter surgeries. It involves a medication that numbs the area of the body where the surgery takes place and a sedative that is given to the patient to help them keep calm and relaxed throughout the surgery. If patients have concerns about anaesthesia, this can be discussed with their surgeon in consultation and likewise, if patients have issues/allergies or have had previous negative experiences with anaesthetic, the consultation is a good time to bring it up.

Common labiaplasty techniques

There are two main techniques for labial reduction.

Trim technique labiaplasty

Also called a strip labiaplasty, this is the simplest labial reduction technique and is only performed on the inner labia minora.

This method requires an incision along the length of the labia minora. This effectively trims off the edge of the labia to ensure the new edge is in line with or slightly shorter than the labia majora depending on the patient’s wishes.

The incision can be made with a standard metal surgical scalpel or electrocautery (a surgical device that utilises an electric current to generate heat to remove tissue) depending on the surgeon’s preferences and training, and what the patient prefers. The incision is closed with either stitches that need removing or dissolvable stitches. Surgical glue is sometimes used to further secure the wound.

The incision and resulting scar are at the edge of the labia minora.

The benefits of a trim labiaplasty are:

• Faster and less invasive than a wedge labiaplasty
• Removes the edge of the labia minora which is most prone to darkening
• Can remove excess tissue from the clitoral hood

The potential drawbacks of a trim labiaplasty are:

• More visible scarring than a wedge labiaplasty
• Less likely to have a natural-looking transition from labia minora to the clitoral hood
• Can only be performed on the labia minora

Wedge technique labiaplasty

The wedge labiaplasty method is more invasive than a strip labial reduction. It is best for patients who have more excess tissue or asymmetry who want to reduce the size of their labia minora and/or labia majora.

This technique removes a V-shaped wedge of tissue from the labia minora. This type of incision reduces the length of the labia without removing the outer edges.

The V-shaped incision is then closed with sutures. The final incision line and resulting scar run vertically on the labia.

The benefits of a wedge labiaplasty are:

• More tissue can be removed than during a trim labiaplasty
• Tissue can be removed from both the labia majora and labia minora
• The outer edge of the labia is preserved
• Preserves the natural transition from the labia minora to the clitoral hood

The potential drawbacks of a wedge labiaplasty are:

• More complex surgical procedure than a trim labiaplasty
• Potentially longer healing time than a trim labiaplasty
• Increased risk of wound healing problems
• Dark areas of skin on the outer edges of the labia are not completely removed

The labial reduction results will be immediately visible after surgery. However, there will likely be some swelling.

The final results from labial reduction will be visible by about 6 months after the surgery. This allows time for the incisions to heal and for any swelling to go down.

Other techniques have been described like the central resection technique, which involves removing tissue from the inner side of the labia minora and the wound is then stitched closed. Other techniques utilise the use of LASER to remove the outer edges of the labia minora, however leaves a raw edge that is left to heal on its own without sutures. The technique isn’t widely used.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with labial reduction.

All BAAPS/BAPRAS surgeons are dedicated to fully informing each patient of the risks and complications before they agree to proceed with surgery. However, it is always a good idea for patients to personally research the risks associated with their procedure.

The risks and complications associated with labiaplasty include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Blood clots
• Reaction to anaesthesia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Groin and labia pain
• Wound dehiscence (breakdown)
• Tissue necrosis
• Scarring or keloid scarring
• A reduced or altered sensation of the labia or genitals
• Discolouration of the labia near the incision
• Over-reduction or under-reduction of the labia
• Need for further surgery

6+ weeks before

• Stop smoking. Smoking can dramatically affect the healing process, as well as increasing the risk of complications. Seek smoking cessation advice early, at least 6 weeks to 3 months before surgery.
• Practice good fitness health habits. This will maximise a patient's fitness for surgery and help with the recovery.
• Ensure good nutrition. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid crash-dieting, overeating or consuming large amounts of alcohol ahead of your procedure.
• Schedule time off work. Ensure this includes adequate recovery time.
• Timing of surgery is important, patients may need to have surgery after their menstrual cycle or at least two weeks before the next menstrual cycle, talk to the surgeon to if this is the case. The Medbelle Patient Care Adviser will organise surgery for the right time
• Arrange support for the recovery including assistance with childcare, pets, household tasks, shopping and driving.
• Relax. Limit stress or anxiety by discussing any concerns with your Medbelle patient care adviser.

2 - 3 weeks before

• Shop for comfortable, loose clothing: Make sure you have loose underwear to wear after the surgery, as well as loose trousers or dresses that won’t rub against the treated area.
• Stock up on sanitary pads: You will need to wear a sanitary towel for at least a week after the surgery; ensure you have enough to change these regularly. You will not be able to use tampons for a month.
• Ask about the medication or contraceptives you are taking. Certain medications can increase your risk of complications during and after your surgery, so it is important you are sure what you are taking is safe.
• Avoid travelling by plane. Flights before and after surgery may increase the risk of thrombosis so are best avoided if possible.
• Shaving of the pubic hair is generally recommended, this can be done using an electric razor to avoid creating skin irritations or abrasions from waxing or a shaving blade.

1 day before

• Pack your bag. Consider bringing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, toiletries, paperwork and anything you feel you need after your surgery. Try to limit bringing valuables.
• Follow your surgeon or anaesthetist's fasting guidance. Usually, you will need to fast for at least 6 - 8 hours before surgery if it is done under general anaesthetic or with sedation. Sometimes sips of water are allowed up to 2 hours prior. Not doing this may result in the cancellation of your surgery, so make sure you are clear.
• Relax, ensure you get plenty of rest.

Day of surgery

• Shower. You may be have been given instructions to follow.
• Wear comfortable clothing and do not wear jewellery, cosmetics, contact lenses or body piercings.
• Your credit/debit card details may be requested. All medication is covered by Medbelle, but some clinics may charge for services such as television.
• Relax, we’re here for every step of your journey.

After the surgery, there may be some bruising and swelling around the surgical site but this will settle with time. It may take 6 months until you can fully see the settled results of your surgery.

Do not drive

You will not be allowed to drive after the procedure so arrange an alternative way to get home safely. Check with your surgeon when you are allowed to resume driving.

Sterile dressing pads will be given for the first couple of days. You will need to wear a sanitary towel for at least one week after the surgery to protect the area and soak up any light bleeding that may occur.

Bathing and showering

Your surgeon will tell you when you can shower and bathe again after your surgery - usually, this will be after 24 hours. When washing use a mild soap and water and wash gently around the treated area.

Ask your surgeon when you can use:

• Bathtubs
• Saunas
• Swimming pools

Self-care

When your wounds are healing try to minimise any contact with your hands where possible. Ensure your incisions are kept clean and dry and inspect them regularly. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions including after using the toilet. Some surgeons routinely prescribe topical antibiotic ointments that can be applied to the incision site regularly during the day for at least a week after surgery.

After your procedure, it is very important you follow the specific aftercare instructions given by your surgeon.

To prevent blood clots, it is also recommended you start light walking again as soon as possible after your operation.

To promote good healing try to avoid:

• scratching, although some itching of the healing wounds is expected;
• exposing scars to the sun for at least 12 months; smoking and using nicotine products (including gum or

patches) for at least 6 weeks pre and 3 months post-surgery;

• lifting heavy objects for 2 - 4 weeks
• Sexual intercourse for 4-6 weeks
• Use of tampons for 4 weeks

Reduce swelling

Following a labiaplasty, you can expect to experience some swelling and bruising in the treated area. This will reach its maximum around 3 to 4 days after your operation and should settle down over the next two weeks. To reduce swelling, try resting with pillows under your bottom to elevate your pelvis.

To help reduce swelling try to avoid:

• heavy lifting
• applying warm compresses
• hot baths
• saunas

Scar care

Any scars are more likely to be on the underside of your vulva but will depend on the type of surgery you have had.

Scars usually tend to be red and raised in the first few weeks after surgery, then change to purple in the following 3 months. After this point, they then fade to pale lines and may even eventually fade completely. Sometimes, adverse scarring may occur in the form of hypertrophic or keloid scarring. This should be covered in your preoperative consultations.

When it comes to scar care, there are a number of techniques your surgeon may recommend:

1. Scar massage - to start only after the incision has fully healed and scabs have completely disappeared on their own
2. Silicone sheets or scar gels - for six months to a year. This is often as soon as the surgical glue or tape is off and the incisions have fully healed
3. Avoid the sun - keep scars out of the sun and/or use sunscreen to avoid both colour differences and the increased risk of burning

Sports and other activities

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions about when to resume sports and activities. As a guide, they may suggest:

In the first week:

• do not do any aerobic exercise
• take time off work (at least two days is recommended)

After 2 weeks:

• the greatest pain should have passed
• light activity (e.g. walking on a treadmill) may possibly be resumed

After 4 to 6 weeks it may be suggested you resume:

• activity without vigorous movement (e.g. cycling)
• sexual activity

After 6 to 8 weeks it may be suggested you:

• resume cycling and horseback riding
• resume contact sports and workouts
• lift heavy objects (>4kg) like shopping or suitcases

Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as:

• Increased swelling or bruising.
• Persistent redness or pain around the operated area.
• Severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
• Discharge from the incision site, especially foul-smelling discharge.
• Blood clot signs: breathlessness, chest pain or swelling and pain in the calf.
• Significant bleeding at the incision.
• Pain relief medication side effects: rash, persistent vomiting, dizziness, fainting, headache, breathlessness or shallow breathing.

BAAPS and BAPRAS surgeons emphasise that there is no “normal” and “abnormal” when it comes to the shape and size of female genitals. Every individual is unique and has their own shape. Thus, there is a great deal of difference in the appearance of normal female genitalia. There are many variations in the size and shape of a labia. Therefore, it is important that you do not compare yourself to images of others.

For more information see out article on this https://www.medbelle.com/blog/cosmetic-surgery/sex-after-surgery-labiaplasty/

Typically patients have their initial consultation with one of the surgeons without a referral from your GP. But if you plan to go ahead with surgery, your surgeon may ask for your permission to contact your GP. This will be for details of your medical history.

Furthermore, certain medical conditions may need a GP sign off before moving forward with the labiaplasty. Your Patient Care Adviser will let you know if this is required in your case.

Labiaplasty is not usually free on the NHS for cosmetic reasons. However, it is possible that it can be provided by the NHS if your labia are causing you problems in how you function day to day or significant discomfort and pain.

If this is the case, you may need to see your GP who can help you organise the surgery.

Smoking greatly increases the risk of complications occurring during and after your operation. It can result in slow wound healing and an increase in the rate of infections. Therefore, all surgeons request that all patients be smoke and nicotine-free for at least six weeks before and after surgery.

Furthermore, drinking alcohol, being overweight and taking drugs for medical or other reasons, also increase the risk of complications. Because of this, you should try and make sure you are as healthy as possible before opting for labiaplasty surgery.

All of the information found on our website is sourced from highly reputable experts, government-approved authorities and is widely used by healthcare professionals.

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/labiaplasty/ NHS
• https://baaps.org.uk/patients/procedures/18/aesthetic_genital_surgery British Association Of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
• https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/body-procedures/feminine-rejuvenation/ American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

Our content is written by our Medical Quality Managers and Patient Care Advisers, all of who have medical backgrounds and training. Before publishing, all the information is reviewed by a surgeon specialised within the relevant field.