Women opt for surgery for a variety of reasons, including pain from twisting and tugging of the labia when riding a bike or during intercourse, itching, irritation and self-consciousness. The goal of the procedure is to reduce the labia minora so that they don’t hang below the hair-bearing labia majora. A labiaplasty may be performed to reduce asymmetry when one is longer than the other, or, more commonly, to reduce the length of both labia so that the labia no longer twist or tug.

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health and examine you to prepare for the details of your operation. The surgeon will explain the location of the planned incision, the expectations you should have in terms of the size and shape of the labia, and what type of scar you may expect after your surgery. Be sure to explain how your vaginal area is problematic for you. If you find intercourse painful or you cannot exercise without discomfort. Inform your surgeon of any medication that you are taking and if you smoke. Explain your expectations of the surgery at this time, and ask any questions you may have, including the risks associated with the surgery.

Labiaplasty procedures are performed at the Centurion Day Hospital under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. We advise that you need to stop smoking two weeks before surgery and two weeks after surgery. This will help to expedite your recovery period and encourage better healing on a cellular level and to avoid unforeseen complications.

After your consultation, you will be provided with a personalised quotation based on the recommendation of your surgeon. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days.

Labiaplasty procedures take between forty-five minutes to an hour in theatre. The Trim procedure is the original technique and is most natural to perform. It is also the most widely used technique used by surgeons. In this procedure, the excess part of labia minora is removed and sutured so that it is symmetrical with the labia majora. This procedure gives the vagina a natural look after the surgery, preserving the wrinkled edges. You will likely have absorbable sutures that do not need to be removed.

You are likely to feel sore and tired after surgery but will be able to mobilise post-operatively. You should expect to be back at work in about a week or two, depending on the level of activity required. The first follow-up appointment usually takes place seven days after surgery with a second to follow in six weeks. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by prescribed medication and a topical antibiotic to apply to your suture lines.

While you are still healing, you shouldn’t exercise, run, ride a bike, swim, or begin sexual activity for six weeks after surgery. Premature return to the activities can exert pressure on the wound and will unnecessarily delay the healing process. You should avoid long showers, sitz baths will be discussed by your surgeon as post-operative treatment and you should pat the wound dry every time after washing. Maintain good hygiene during your recovery. You should not wear tight clothes or undergarments as they cause friction against the wound. Generally, labiaplasty surgery is a one-time procedure that doesn’t involve multiple surgeries.