Labiaplasty (vulval surgery)

A labiaplasty is surgery to reduce the size of the labia minora – the flaps of skin either side of the vaginal opening.

It should not be done on girls younger than 18 because the labia continues to develop beyond puberty into early adulthood.

Some women want a labiaplasty because they do not like the look of their labia. But it's completely normal to have noticeable skin folds around the opening of your vagina. In most cases, it does not cause any problems, which is why labiaplasty is rarely available on the NHS.

What to think about before you have a labiaplasty

Having a labiaplasty is a big decision that you should think about carefully. It can be expensive and carries a number of risks.

There's also no guarantee you'll get the result you expected, and it will not necessarily make you feel better about your body.

If you're thinking about having a labiaplasty, discuss it with your GP first.

You may have a condition that's causing discomfort, which can be treated. Or there may be a reason why the operation is not suitable for you.

Your GP may advise you to speak to a counsellor or psychologist before committing to surgery.

Find out more about deciding whether cosmetic surgery is right for you.

How much does a labiaplasty cost?

In the UK, a labiaplasty costs about £4,000. The cost of any consultations or follow-up care may not be included in the price.

You cannot usually get a labiaplasty on the NHS

A labiaplasty is not usually available on the NHS. But it may be offered in some circumstances – for example, if the vaginal lips are abnormal, to repair tears after childbirth, or to remove cancerous tissue if a woman has vulval cancer.

Choosing a surgeon

If you're having a labiaplasty in England, check with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to see if the hospital or clinic is registered with them.

All independent clinics and hospitals that provide cosmetic surgery in England must be registered with the CQC.

Be careful when searching the internet for labiaplasty surgery. Some clinics may pay to advertise their services on search listings.

Check the surgeon is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). They should be listed on the specialist register and have a licence to practise.

Surgeons who perform cosmetic procedures are also usually members of the British Association of Plastic Reconstruction and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), or other professional associations. Most associations have online registers that you can check to see if your surgeon is listed.

Always book an appointment to meet the surgeon before the procedure.

Ask your surgeon:

• about their qualifications and experience
• if they're a member of any professional associations
• how many labiaplasty operations they've performed
• how many operations they've performed where there have been complications
• what sort of follow-up you should expect if things go wrong
• what their patient satisfaction rates are

Read more about choosing who will do your cosmetic procedure.

What a labiaplasty involves

A labiaplasty can be done using either a general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic with sedation.

It involves shortening or reshaping the vaginal lips. The unwanted tissue is cut away with a scalpel or laser. The loose edge may be stitched with fine, dissolvable stitches.

The whole procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours.

You may be able to go home the same day.

Recovery

You may need up to 2 weeks off work to recover. It can take a couple of months for the skin to fully heal.

During this time you need to:

• keep the area clean and free from infection
• wear loose underwear and clothes to prevent rubbing
• avoid sex for at least 4 weeks
• avoid physical activity for 4 to 6 weeks

Your surgeon may give you more specific advice to follow.

Side effects

It's normal after a labiaplasty to have soreness, bruising and swelling for up to 2 weeks.

During this time, peeing and sitting may also be uncomfortable. You'll be given painkillers to help with this.

What could go wrong

A labiaplasty can occasionally result in:

• bleeding
• infection
• scarring of tissue
• reduced sensitivity of the genitals

Any type of operation also carries a small risk of:

• a blood clot in a vein
• an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic

Your surgeon should explain how likely these risks and complications are, and how they would be treated if you have them.

What to do if you have problems

Cosmetic surgery can sometimes go wrong and the results may not be what you expected.

Speak to the surgeon at the hospital or clinic where you were treated if you experience complications after having a labiaplasty, or you're unhappy with the results.

You can find out how to contact the CQC on the CQC website if you have any concerns about your care. If necessary, you can raise a concern about a doctor to the GMC. Find out about raising a concern on the GMC website.

The Royal College of Surgeons has more information and advice about what to do if things go wrong with cosmetic surgery

More information

• British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS): aesthetic genital surgery 
• British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS): female genital tract surgery 
• Royal College of Surgeons: cosmetic surgery