The labia minora (the inner lips surrounding the entrance to the vagina) grow during puberty and vary enormously in size and thickness. They are rarely symmetrical and if they are particularly enlarged women find them uncomfortable and embarrassing. They are prone to irritation wearing tight clothing and sports women and horse riders experience particular discomfort. Many women find the size and appearance of their labia minora embarrassing with a sexual partner.
Tears and stretching of the labia minora can also occur during childbirth. Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure which reduces the size of the labia minora so that they are less obtrusive and equal on both sides.
After childbirth the vaginal muscles are stretched and, although postnatal physiotherapy and exercises can help, the vagina often does not regain its normal tone and remains lax. This can cause dissatisfaction for both partners during sexual intercourse.
The perineal body (the muscle between the vagina and the anus) can also be damaged by childbirth which results in the entrance to the vagina gaping open.
Vaginoplasty, or vaginal rejuvenation, is a procedure that corrects these problems resulting in a tighter feel, both inside and at the entrance to the vagina.
After discharge from hospital you can call the hospital day or night for any advice and, should the need arise, you can visit the hospital to see the resident doctor. In the event of a complication directly related to your surgery, which may require further treatment, your surgeon and hospital will provide all necessary care without further cost (exclusions apply). You will be seen by your surgeon for a follow up visit after six weeks and you will be given detailed information about your care during the immediate post operative period.
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Your surgeon will discuss these in detail with you at your consultation.
Duration of Surgery: 30 minutes.
Hospital stay: 8 hours (approximate)
Anaesthesia: General
Recovery Period: 2-4 weeks approximate
As with all surgery there is always a small risk of complications. The risk of infection is reduced by antibiotics given during the procedure but if infection does occur there will be increased pain and delay in healing.
The sutures that are used are the same as after childbirth and dissolve naturally after 5-7 days. They do not usually need to be removed.
Scarring can occur which can make the labia minora more thickened. The labia minora form part of the erogenous zone at the entrance to the vagina and some loss of sensation can occur. Most sexual pleasure, however, occurs as a result of stimulation to the clitoris which is not disturbed during labiapiasty. Most women find that their sexual confidence improves after labiaplasty and therefore sexual function and pleasure is enhanced.
Usually 2-4 weeks after the procedure.
You should be comfortable enough to drive after 2 weeks but you should always check with your insurance company first.
You should be able to return to work within 2-4 weeks of the surgery.
Sexual activity can be resumed 4-6 weeks after the procedure.
Mrs Rebecca Dunlop
Mrs Rebecca Dunlop is a Consultant Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Duchy Hospital in Truro, Cornwall, who specialises in Plastic Surgery including Cosmetic Surgery.
Read more
Mr Antony Fitton
Mr Antony Fitton is a Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon in Cornwall
Read more
Spread the cost of your treatment with fixed, monthly payments over a time period to suit you.
Find out more
We offer an alternative range of ways to pay, so you can choose which one best suits you and your finances.
Find out more
Use your private medical insurance to fund your treatment through our simple referral process.
Find out moreLaser resurfacing is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment to reduce facial wrinkles, uneven skin tone, scars or sun damage and create a more rejuvenated and youthful appearance. It uses short, concentrated pulsating laser beams to remove skin layer by layer.
An abdominoplasty, often called a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that tightens your stomach muscles and removes loose skin and fat from your abdomen to create a flatter, more toned and shapelier tummy.
A breast reduction, often known as a boob job or boob reduction, is a cosmetic operation to make your breasts smaller, lighter and sometimes to improve their shape.
Duchy Hospital, Truro, part of Ramsay Health Care, is excited to announce the launch of Aquablation® therapy, a groundbreaking, minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Saint Piran Pro Cycling, the UK’s number one team, and Cornwall's Duchy Hospital, announce a partnership designed to help promote positive physical and mental wellbeing across Cornish communities.
Duchy Hospital have invested in the latest edition of the Body Jet liposuction machine, learn all about it from Plastic Surgeon, Mrs Rebecca Dunlop.