Labiaplasty
(labial reduction / labiaminoraplasty)

At the Haumea Clinic, we generally tend to use the straight amputation technique (also called the simple edge technique), usually combined with clitoral hood reduction to maintain a symmetry between the reduced labia minora and the clitoral hood, which would otherwise appear enlarged.

The straight amputation technique removes the delicate margin of the labia minora, and therefore has the added advantage for patients who want the pigmented tissues removed. It is effective for very long and enlarged labia minora, and is especially suitable where there is no excessive clitoral hood tissue. It is arguably less likely to cause complications, although excessive reduction may cause chronic pain during sexual intercourse.

All services are provided at Haumea Clinic for labiaplasty and for designer vagina.

Wound care:

The use of an ice pack reduces swelling, and can be soothing and helps with pain control. A feminine pad will absorb blood and discharge from the surgical area. Loose under clothes should be worn to minimize rubbing of the surgical area – use so-called “granny knickers” and avoid tight clothes such as jeans. Clean the surgical area with warm moist cotton wool buds after toileting, and dry the area with a hair drier set at a cool setting. Again a local anaesthetic spray will minimize discomfort in the early days.

Activity and time off work:

It is prudent to take 10-14 days off work to allow access to rapid personal hygiene in a familiar environment. Heavy lifting, vacuuming, swimming and jogging should be avoided during the 10-14 days following the operation, but light activity is permissible. It is also best to avoid driving during the first week. We will issue a “sick note” prior to your leaving hospital.

Some do’s and don’ts:

Do not use a tampon or put anything into the vagina (except of course the oestrogen cream you have been prescribed, which you should apply daily for 8 weeks to help the healing). You should avoid vaginal sexual activity for 8 weeks. You should avoid straining at bowel action, and should therefore use a stool softener such as lactulose, which you can buy over the counter. While you will be able to walk normally the following day, avoid strenuous physical (eg jogging, power walking, impact exercises or aerobics) activity for two weeks from the procedure. After two weeks you can gradually and gently introduce these activities. At 2 – 4 weeks the sutures start to dissolve and you may notice bits of thread falling off. Parts of the wound may appear to open up, but since the wound has been repaired in layers it is very rare for it to break down completely. If you are worried you should contact our Nurse Specialist in the first instance, and we are always happy to see you and reassure you. The key always is to continue to keep the area clean and dry.

You can resume vaginal sexual activity at 8 weeks following your surgery. Be sure to use plenty of lubrication (simple KY jelly will do) to start with, and of course start cautiously: if its painful do not force matters, but try again in a couple of days.

The ones that can occur include bleeding, infection, haematoma formation and return to theatre, urinary infections and thrush. In addition, numbness and altered sensation during sex, minor asymmetry and wound problems can also occur. Clitoral injury is also a recognized, but fortunately rare, complication following labiaplasty surgery. All these risks and complications will be discussed with you during your consultation for your procedure, and you will be given an information leaflet that documents them. To put the risks in perspective, pregnancy is associated with far more risk than any cosmetic vaginal procedure.

One should bear in mind that not all patients are the same, and some will require a slightly different operation from others. At the Haumea Clinic we offer a range of costs in the sections on Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty. However, you will receive a specific price quotation during your consultation visit.

The amount quoted is usually a package fee that includes the fees for the surgeon, the hospital fees and all of your post-operative care. Laboratory tests, x-rays, and other pre and post-operative tests and medications are not included.