Labiaplasty

The surgery is designed to reduce the size of the labia minora (inner lips) due to either aesthetic or comfort concerns. It may also reshape the labia majora (outer skin folds).

Some women have naturally large or prominent labia, which can cause physical discomfort, chaffing, and limitations in daily activities. By changing the size or shape of the labia, the procedure can create more symmetry and address these issues. Dr Richardson tailors each procedure to his patients.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

The decision to have a labiaplasty is highly personal, especially when addressing such an intimate area. Dr Richardson and his team will guide you through the process and give you all the information you need to make a confident decision. During your first appointment, you can discuss your concerns and reasons for seeking surgery. We will then talk you through your options and develop a surgical plan that works for you.

Suitable candidates for a labiaplasty are generally women who are over 18 years old, healthy, do not smoke or take any blood-thinning medications, and have concerns about the size or shape of their labia.

There is natural variation in both labia minora (‘lips’) and labia majora (skin folds), as can be seen in the Labia Library. To know more about the procedure, Dr Richardson and his team will guide you and help you decide.

The Procedure

Labiaplasty surgery can be different for each female patient and is based on their needs. You will discuss which techniques are suitable for you during your initial consultation with Dr Richardson. Generally, the procedure is performed under general anaesthetic but may also be performed with local anaesthetic or twilight sedation. The most suitable type of anaesthetic for you will be discussed at your consultation. A labiaplasty is typically performed as a day procedure and takes approximately one hour. Different techniques that Dr Richardson may use include:

• The trim method: involves trimming the outside edge of the labia minora to reduce any excess and reshaping them.
• The wedge method: involves removing a wedge of the excess labia majora skin and stitching the two sides together.

Once Dr Richardson has altered or reduced the labia, he will then carefully close your incisions with dissolvable sutures.

Depending on your goals, Dr Richardson may recommend additional procedures to help reshape the genital region. These include:

• Mon pubis reduction: This reduces the bulk of the fat pad under the pubic hair.
• Labia majora reduction: This reduces the skin folds on the outside of the labial lips. It may be performed with liposuction or skin removal.
• Clitoral hood reduction: Also known as a hoodectomy, this surgical procedure involves removing excess skin from the clitoral hood. It is commonly performed in conjunction with a labiaplasty to help reduce the prominence of the labia.

Cost of a Labiaplasty

We understand that each patient has different requirements and needs, and therefore, we provide pricing on a case-by-case basis. Depending on your goals and the methods required, some procedures may be more complex than others, which can impact your fees. Anaesthesia, hospital fees, and medications are some of the factors that need to be taken into account. We will discuss the details of the surgery, your health condition, and your desired outcomes to provide you with a clearer idea of the pricing.

It is important to note that this procedure is typically performed for cosmetic reasons and not for health purposes, and therefore, patients are usually responsible for covering their total fees. However, in some cases, if you are eligible for an MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule) Item number, Medicare and private health insurance may cover a portion of your total fee. During your initial appointment, Dr Richardson and his team will be more than happy to answer any further questions.

Aftercare

Labiaplasty procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis. It is important that you arrange for a family member or friend whom you trust to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for at least one day. This person can help you with your daily activities as you recover.

You will be provided with prescription medications to manage any pain or discomfort you may experience and to prevent constipation. During the first three days after the surgery, you should rest on your back with a pillow under your bottom and apply ice to the surgical area to reduce swelling.

We will give you instructions on how to care for yourself after the surgery, including how to shower and go to the toilet and when you can resume light activities. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to prevent complications.

Surgery on this delicate area requires proper post-op care. This means you should follow our advice in order to help your body heal. For example, you will need to take some time off work to rest and ensure that your body has time to recover. Dr Richardson may also advise you to:

• Refrain from strenuous exercise or heavy lifting
• Rest on your back with a pillow lifting your bottom for the first three days
• Gently wash and pat-dry the area after going to the toilet
• Use cool pads to help reduce discomfort
• Do not smoke, as this can slow your healing
• Keep your incision areas clean and dry
• Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet
• Contact us if any issues arise

As a guide, most patients can expect the following recovery after labiaplasty surgery:

• Initial discomfort: 1 week
• Return to activity: 3-5 days
• Return to exercise: gentle walk after 1 week, gym from 6-8 weeks (including horse-riding or cycling)
• Return to work: 1 week
• Return to driving: 1-2* weeks. *Patients must be fully alert, no longer taking any sedating medications, and be able to move freely without restriction
• Return to travel: 1-2 weeks
• Return to sexual activity: 6 weeks

Risks and Complications

Healing in this delicate area takes time, and as with any surgical procedure, there are some complications. They include:

• Scarring
• Swelling and bruising
• Sensitivity
• Slow wound healing
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Unwanted results