Labiaplasty (Vulval Surgery)
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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 continue 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.
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.
How much does a labiaplasty cost?
In the UK, a labiaplasty costs about £2,000 to £4,000, plus the cost of any consultations or follow-up care that may not be included in the price.
Our labiaplasty costs is between £1i000 - £1,500 depending on the doctor and the hospital you choose. Please keep into consideration your accommodation, transfers and plane expenses before making a decision. However, because the operation is not a complicated one, you can have it done while you are on a holiday in Istanbul.
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:
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keep the area clean and free from infection.
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wear loose underwear and clothes to prevent rubbing.
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avoid sex for about 6 weeks.
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avoid physical activity for 6 to 12 weeks.
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use sanitary towels instead of tampons for a few 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:
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bleeding
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infection
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scarring of tissue
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reduced sensitivity of the genitals.
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Any type of operation also carries a small risk of:
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a blood clot in a vein
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an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic
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