Labiaplasty Sydney

Understanding Labiaplasty

What Are the Labia?

The labia are part of the external female genitalia and consist of two sets of skin folds. The labia majora (outer labia) are the larger, outer folds that protect the inner structures. The labia minora (inner labia) are the smaller, inner folds that surround the vaginal opening and urethra.

The labia minora help keep the vaginal and urethral openings moist and protected, and their edges contain many nerve endings. Labia vary widely in size, shape, colour and symmetry, and all of these variations are normal, including labia minora that extend beyond the outer labia. For some women, the length or shape of the labia minora causes physical discomfort, such as pulling or rubbing with clothing, exercise or cycling. Labiaplasty is a surgical option in those circumstances.

What is the Clitoral Hood?

The clitoral hood (prepuce) is the fold of skin that covers and protects the clitoris. In some women, the amount of tissue in this area contributes to discomfort or irritation. Clitoral hood reduction may be performed alongside labiaplasty following assessment of each patient’s anatomy.

Why Some Women Consider Labiaplasty

Women who consider labiaplasty most often describe physical symptoms:

• discomfort or pain during exercise, cycling or horse riding
• irritation or chafing from tight clothing, swimwear or activewear
• pulling or discomfort during sex

Some women also consider labiaplasty because of how their labia look. Because labial variation is normal, normal anatomy is part of the discussion at consultation. The labia can change with puberty, pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal change and age.

Labiaplasty Techniques

Several surgical techniques exist for labiaplasty, each with particular advantages and limitations. Dr Turner will discuss which technique suits your individual anatomy and goals at consultation.

Tissue Trim Technique

The trim technique removes tissue along the free edge of the labia minora. Because it removes the labial edge itself, it replaces the original edge with a suture line and changes its colour and texture. It carries a risk of changes in sensitivity, and on its own it does not reduce the clitoral hood.

De-Epithelialisation Technique

The de-epithelialisation technique preserves the original labial edge, removing tissue from the inner surface rather than the edge. An incision is made on the inner and outer walls and tissue is removed from between them. A limitation of this technique is that it may increase the thickness of the labia, and it does not significantly reduce the length of the labial margin where the reduction needed is substantial.

Wedge Resection Technique

The wedge resection technique removes a V-shaped wedge of tissue from the thickest portion of the labia minora. This approach preserves the original labial edge. Considerations include the potential for altered sensation if full-thickness resection is performed, and the possibility of wound separation if the closure is placed under tension.

Composite Technique

Dr Turner uses a composite technique that combines elements of the approaches above, selected for each patient’s anatomy. It reduces the length of the labia minora, and the clitoral hood where indicated, while preserving the labial edge and the role of the labia minora. Dissolving sutures are used, so no suture removal is needed.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty may be considered by women who experience physical discomfort related to their labia. Dr Turner will assess your individual suitability at consultation.

• Physical health. Good overall health, with no underlying medical conditions that may interfere with healing or raise surgical risk.
• Realistic expectations. A clear understanding of what the procedure can and cannot achieve.
• Psychological screening. Every patient is screened for psychological factors, including body dysmorphic disorder, with referral for independent evaluation where indicated.
• Stable weight. Being near your long-term weight is recommended, as weight change may affect results.
• Non-smoker. Smoking and vaping interfere with healing and raise the risk of complications. Smoking and nicotine products must cease for a minimum of six weeks before and after surgery.
• Age. Patients must be over 18. Dr Turner does not perform labiaplasty on patients under 18.

The decision to have labiaplasty warrants careful thought and thorough information. At consultation, Dr Turner will discuss your symptoms and goals, examine your anatomy, and help you work out whether labiaplasty is appropriate for your situation.

Consultation Requirements

The Medical Board of Australia’s cosmetic surgery guidelines, in force since 1 July 2023, apply to labiaplasty.

• A referral is required, preferably from your usual GP, or from another GP or specialist medical practitioner.
• You will have a minimum of two consultations with Dr Turner before surgery; the first can be by video, and the second is in person.
• Every patient is screened for psychological factors, including body dysmorphic disorder, with referral for independent evaluation where indicated.
• After the second consultation and signed consent, a cooling-off period of at least seven days applies before surgery can be booked or a deposit paid.
• Dr Turner does not perform labiaplasty on patients under 18.

How is Labiaplasty Surgery Performed?

Pre-Operative Preparation

Before surgery you will attend consultations with Dr Turner covering your goals, medical history and expectations. A physical examination assesses your anatomy and determines the surgical approach. Pre-operative instructions cover medications, fasting and what to expect on the day.

The Surgical Procedure

Labiaplasty is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital, with a specialist anaesthetist providing care throughout. The procedure typically takes about one hour, depending on complexity, and is usually performed as day surgery.

The procedure involves:

• marking of incision locations along the groove between the labia majora and the labia minora or clitoral hood
• marking of the tissue planned for removal
• infiltration of local anaesthetic to reduce bleeding and post-operative discomfort
• incisions and removal of skin and tissue from the labia minora
• clitoral hood reduction where indicated
• closure with absorbable sutures

Hospital Stay

Most patients are discharged the same day, once they have recovered from anaesthesia and are comfortable. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery varies between individuals. Dr Turner provides detailed aftercare instructions, and following them supports healing and may reduce the risk of complications.

First Week

• Swelling, bruising and discomfort are expected in the first few days
• Pain medication is prescribed to manage discomfort
• Cold compresses may help reduce swelling, as directed
• Rest is important, and prolonged sitting should be avoided
• Wear loose clothing and cotton underwear
• Keep the area clean and dry as instructed

Weeks 2 to 4

• Swelling gradually decreases but may persist for several weeks
• Most women return to light desk work within one to two weeks
• Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and exercise
• Continue wearing loose clothing to reduce irritation
• Dissolving sutures absorb on their own

Weeks 4 to 6 and Beyond

• Most patients gradually resume exercise and physical activity after six weeks
• Sexual intercourse should be avoided for a minimum of six weeks
• Tampon use should be avoided for six weeks
• Continue to attend follow-up appointments as scheduled
• The final result may take several months as residual swelling resolves

Risks and Complications

Like all surgery, labiaplasty carries risk. Dr Turner discusses these in detail at consultation.

General Surgical Risks

• Bleeding. Some bleeding is normal; significant bleeding requiring intervention is rare but possible.
• Infection. Uncommon with appropriate care, but it may occur and require antibiotic treatment.
• Haematoma. A collection of blood under the skin that may require drainage.
• Anaesthetic risks. Reactions to anaesthesia are rare but possible, and your anaesthetist will discuss them with you.
• Deep vein thrombosis. Blood clots in the legs are a rare but serious risk of any surgery.

Procedure-Specific Risks

• Wound separation. The wound edges may separate, particularly if the area is placed under tension during healing.
• Scarring. Incisions are placed along the labial edges and skin creases. Some scarring is inevitable with any surgery, and how scars settle varies between individuals.
• Asymmetry. Some asymmetry is normal and may remain after surgery.
• Changes in sensation. Temporary numbness, tingling or altered sensation is common in the early weeks. Permanent change in sensation, which may be reduced or increased sensitivity, is uncommon but possible.
• Over-resection. Removing too much tissue may result in discomfort, chronic irritation or functional difficulty.
• Under-resection. Removing too little may leave the original symptoms and lead to revision surgery.
• Chronic pain. Persistent pain or discomfort at the surgical site is rare but may occur.
• Need for revision surgery. Further surgery may be required.