Is Labiaplasty a Popular Procedure in the UK?

Posted on [post_date] [post_comments] [post_edit]

Although a procedure rarely discussed, surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the UK. In many cases, specific gynaecological concerns affecting women are often viewed with a degree of stigma. Our treatment approach at the Centre for Surgery is to try to remove a lot of these unnecessary barriers, which lead many women to suffer in . Labiaplasty is also known as labia reduction and encompasses several different procedures to alter the structure of the female external genitalia for aesthetic and/or functional benefit.

We all possess certain physical features that distinguish us from one another. These could be aspects such as hair colour, nose shape, or breast size, and this is often the case even with identical twins. The same principle also applies to the appearance of the female genitalia, which differs significantly from one person to as part of a normal of normality.

Although many women are pleased with the appearance of their labia, many are concerned, and this can lead to a loss of confidence.

RELATED:

Is labiaplasty a popular procedure in the UK?

If having excessively large labia has been a source of concern for you, you may have heard of the labiaplasty as part of your research online. The labiaplasty procedure primarily consists of reducing the size and/or reshaping the inner lips of the vulval region. These are also known as the labia minora. The most common type of labiaplasty is known as labia minora reduction.

The presence of excessively large or abnormally shaped labia, which may or may not be asymmetrical, can be a significant cause of concern for many women. Excessively enlarged or elongated labia can be a source of discomfort when carrying out physical exercise or cause pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse, and even certain types of clothing may be avoided due to the potential for causing rubbing and discomfort. Many women may develop pain and discomfort from tampon use or even from simply walking as part of everyday activities.

In the most severe cases, even the most basic activities of daily living can be significantly affected by pain or discomfort. Many women suffer in silence without their symptoms to a doctor. The result can be devastating for many women who may go on to avoid intimate relationships due to the fear of with the appearance of their labia.

According to the latest research from the European Society of Aesthetic Gynaecology, more women than ever before are choosing to have labia reduction surgery and not just to improve the appearance of the labia. With each year, the number of labiaplasty procedures has increased significantly due to the highly successful outcomes the procedure can produce. This has led to increasing social of the procedure due to the significant benefits it can bring to many affected women.

What does a labiaplasty procedure involve?

The labiaplasty procedure is a very safe and straightforward procedure when carried out with expert hands. Virtually all labiaplasty can be carried out under local anaesthetic with or without oral sedation. The most common labiaplasty technique involves simple trimming of the extra redundant tissue of the labia minora, which are also known as the inner lips of the vulva.

Most labiaplasty surgeries take between 1 and 2 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the correction required. The recovery process after is also very smooth and straightforward, with most women not even requiring prescription painkillers in the postoperative period. Patients who undergo a labiaplasty with only local anaesthetic can, in many cases, drive home after the procedure. However, suppose you have had any sedation or general anaesthetic. In that case, you require a responsible adult escort to pick you up and drive you home, as you will still be quite drowsy after the procedure has finished.

Most women will find they need 5 to 7 days of work and should avoid any strenuous exercise and sexual intercourse for at least four weeks. Our surgeons take care to use that do not require a separate postoperative visit for painful suture removal. This is a big plus point for most women who are considering labiaplasty surgery.

How much does labia reduction surgery cost?

Most surgeries, including like labiaplasty, are not covered by private medical insurance and are not carried out in the NHS. This means you will need to pay to have the procedure carried out by a reputable private healthcare provider, such as the Centre for Surgery in London. The Centre for Surgery’s average cost of starts at £ 2,995. You will receive an accurate quote once you have undergone a consultation, during which a full medical history and examination will be conducted to determine your suitability for labia minora reduction. We can also offer a full range of with our finance partner, Chrysalis Finance.  This means having labiaplasty surgery a for many patients who previously would not have been able to afford the procedure.

Our doctors are accredited specialists in aesthetic gynaecology and are very committed to helping women concerned by either the appearance or function of their labia minora. We strive to make all our procedures accessible to as many as possible, allowing you reach your goals. This is why we always strive to offer in-depth consultations. You are more than to return for a follow-up consultation if you would like to learn more or if you have any questions or concerns about the labiaplasty procedure.

Guide to Labiaplasty Recovery

The journey to full recovery after a labiaplasty can vary from person to person, but generally, most women achieve healing within six weeks. This period allows for the subsidence of any swelling, enabling you to return to your normal range of activities, including engaging in strenuous exercises. Following your surgeon’s advice closely during this time is crucial to ensure a smooth and healing process.

RELATED:

Returning to work post-labiaplasty depends on the nature of your job. If your role is predominantly desk-based, you may find yourself ready to return to office work within the second week of recovery. However, if your job involves more physically demanding tasks, it may be prudent to wait until you have fully recovered, which could be up to six weeks, to ensure you do not compromise your healing.

One of the common concerns about labiaplasty is the potential for pain. However, the procedure itself is performed under local or general anaesthetic or sedation, ensuring you feel no pain during the surgery. Post-operatively, some discomfort is normal as your body goes through the healing process. This discomfort can be managed effectively with pain medication, as advised by your surgeon.

It’s not uncommon to experience a burning sensation while urinating after labiaplasty surgery, particularly at the incision sites. This discomfort can generally be alleviated by using a spray bottle filled with cool water during urination to help soothe the area and reduce pain.

Mobility after labiaplasty can be expected to return roughly 8 hours following the procedure, though this can vary based on the extent of the surgery. It’s important to gently reintroduce movement to avoid any strain on the treated area and facilitate proper healing.

A common post-labiaplasty question concerns the resumption of sexual activities. It is recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse for the initial 6 to 8 weeks following your surgery. This precaution helps avoid unnecessary pressure on the vagina, which could hinder the healing process or alter the outcome of the surgery. Once this period has passed, and with your surgeon’s approval, you should be able to resume sexual activities safely.

RELATED: 

Labiaplasty at Centre for Surgery

Our perform over 100 labiaplasty procedures of all types each year, including labia minora reduction, which is the most common type of labiaplasty procedure. This means our surgeons are some of the most skilled and experienced surgeons in the UK in this type of surgery.

Patients considering labia reduction in London should give us a call to book a consultation directly with the . Centre for Surgery is home to specialists in all types of gynaecological procedures, including labiaplasty and writes extensively on safety in labiaplasty in national and international research journals. This means that prospective patients can make a highly informed decision about surgery, knowing they have access to the best information and advice from a top labiaplasty specialist in London.

If you have made up your mind and are keen to consider the benefits of labia reduction in London, give us a call today to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable patient care coordinators and book a consultation at our Baker Street clinic.

Call or fill in the form below. A patient coordinator will call you within one day to book your consultation with the consultant best matched to your enquiry.

—Please choose an option—Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)Facelift / Neck liftOtoplasty (ear surgery)Breast augmentationBreast liftBreast reductionLiposuctionTummy tuckBrazilian Butt Lift (BBL)Mummy makeoverLabiaplasty / Cosmetic gynaecologyGynaecomastia (male breast reduction)FTM / MTF top surgerySkin lesion / mole removalMorpheus8 / Fotona / non-surgicalRevision surgery (any previous procedure)Other / not sure yet




Best time to call you

(9am–12pm)Afternoon (12pm–3pm)Late afternoon (3pm–6pm)Any time

Send me occasional treatment guides, patient stories, and clinic news

I have read and understood the

Your enquiry is treated in strict confidence. We respond within one working day, Monday to Saturday.

Request a consultation

Filed Under:

Share this post

Primary Sidebar

I agree to receive marketing communications ()

I agree to receive marketing communications ()

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic , offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.

Marylebone

London

W1U 6RN

Mon – Sat, 9am – 6pm

Saturday consultations available