Labiaplasty is surgery to reduce the size of the labia minora
It should never be carried out on girls under 18, since the labia continues developing into early adulthood
Noticeable skin folds around the vaginal opening are completely normal
It's rarely available on the NHS, since it doesn't usually cause a medical problem
It's a significant decision, and a GP is a good first point of contact
About Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is surgery to reduce the size of the labia minora — the flaps of skin either side of the vaginal opening. It should never be carried out on girls younger than 18, since the labia continues to develop beyond puberty into early adulthood.
Some women consider labiaplasty because they're unhappy with the appearance of their labia, but it's completely normal to have noticeable skin folds around the vaginal opening, and in most cases, this doesn't cause any medical problems — which is why labiaplasty is rarely available on the NHS. It may occasionally be offered in specific circumstances, such as an abnormality of the vaginal lips, repairing tears after childbirth, or removing cancerous tissue related to vulval cancer.
Thinking It Through
Labiaplasty is a big decision worth thinking about carefully — it can be expensive (around £4,000 in the UK, not always including consultations or follow-up), carries genuine risks, and there's no guarantee of achieving the result you expect, or that it will change how you feel about your body. It's worth discussing with a GP first, since there may be a treatable underlying cause for any discomfort, or a reason surgery isn't suitable for you — your GP may also suggest speaking to a counsellor or psychologist before committing to surgery.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Labiaplasty · Procedure
What the Procedure Involves
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
The Operation
Labiaplasty can be carried out under general anaesthetic, or local anaesthetic with sedation. It involves shortening or reshaping the labia, with unwanted tissue cut away using a scalpel or laser, and the loose edge often stitched with fine, dissolvable stitches. The whole procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and many people can go home the same day.
Choosing a Surgeon
In England, check that the clinic or hospital is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and be cautious of clinics that pay for prominent search placement. Your surgeon should be registered as a specialist with the General Medical Council (GMC), with a current licence to practise, and likely belongs to a professional body such as BAPRAS or BAAPS. Always meet your surgeon before the procedure, and ask about their qualifications, experience, how many similar operations they've performed, how many led to complications, follow-up arrangements, and patient satisfaction rates.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Labiaplasty · Recovery & Risks
Recovery and Risks
? 5 min readReviewed: March 2024
Recovering from Labiaplasty
You may need up to 2 weeks off work, and it can take a couple of months for the skin to fully heal. During this time, it's important to keep the area clean and free from infection, wear loose underwear and clothing to reduce rubbing, avoid sex for at least 4 weeks, and avoid physical activity for 4 to 6 weeks — your surgeon can give more specific advice tailored to your recovery.
Soreness, bruising and swelling for up to 2 weeks is normal, and peeing or sitting may feel uncomfortable during this time — painkillers can help manage this.
Possible Complications
Labiaplasty can occasionally result in bleeding, infection, scarring of tissue, or reduced genital sensitivity. As with any operation, there's also a small general risk of a blood clot or an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic. Your surgeon should explain how likely these risks are and how they'd be treated if they happen.
If Something Goes Wrong
Speak to the surgeon at the hospital or clinic where you were treated if you experience complications or are unhappy with the results. You can also contact the CQC with concerns about your care, or raise a concern with the GMC if necessary.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
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