- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Labial Reduction
This operation is carried out to reduce the size of or to re-shape your labia minora. The operation can make them look more attractive to your partner and boost your self-confidence. The operation is also known as Labioplasty.
What are my labia and where can I find them?
Your vagina is surrounded and protected by labia. There are two pairs of them: labia majora – the larger protective pair that are similar to a pair of lips. When these ‘lips’ are parted, a smaller pair becomes visible and they are called labia minora. These give the vagina entrance extra protection and cushioning.
What causes problems with my labia?
Problems can arise with the labia minora. They can be distorted by becoming stretched, usually in childbirth, with ageing or even enlarged due to chronic irritation. It may even be congenital. Your labia are individual to you and may well be different to those of other women. Some women have enlarged labia minora (inner lips), others have lopsided or uneven ones where one labia is bigger than the other. When the inner lips are so enlarged it can affect the appearance of your labia majora (outer lips). These may appear unusual, distracting or unappealing to the opposite sex and may, understandably, affect your confidence and sex drive.
Unfortunately, enlarged labia can show up under tightly fitting clothes like swimwear and cause embarrassment. They may even interfere with lovemaking.
Women can feel under pressure, especially from their partners, to have perfect looking genitals like those of models in pornographic magazines.
Can my labia be restored to normal?
Yes, your labia minora can be surgically improved to look more normal.
What does the surgery involve?
There are generally two ways to reduce the protruding labia. They may be cut down to normal size, following their natural line. This way their natural shape is retained and they can no longer be seen emerging from the outer lips (labia majora).
Alternatively, a wedge of tissue in the shape of a ‘V’ is cut out of each labia and the edges stitched together individually. Again, the natural line of the labia is followed to ensure it looks as natural as possible.
You may be given local or general anaesthetic and this can be discussed with your surgeon beforehand.
What will happen in the recovery period?
The incisions made should heal in approximately two weeks. You may experience swelling in your labia minora and the surrounding area. This should decrease in approximately two weeks. Your surgeon may use dissolvable stitches which would be better for you.
If your surgeon uses a laser instead of a scalpel to cut the excess tissue away, stitches may not be required. This is because lasers cauterise (seal) tissues as they cut, causing no bleeding because all blood vessels coming into contact with the laser are sealed.
Sexual intercourse should be avoided for a month or so and no energetic activities undertaken for about a fortnight.
Will there be complications?
Labioplasty is a simple operation and the only risk or complication is the possibility of infection.
How long does the surgery take?
A Labioplasty can take between 1 and 2 hours. You may be able to go home but if not, an overnight stay should be all that’s needed.
What is the recovery time?
You should be fully recovered in a week after your operation and can return to work. A further 2 to 3 weeks should be allowed before sexual intercourse can take place again.
What can I expect from the surgery?
After the swelling has gone down, you can expect to have a pair of labia minora that are normal in size and appearance.