Labiaplasty: What is it and how long does it take to recover?
What is labiaplasty surgery?
Labiaplasty surgery is performed to reduce the size of the labia - the flaps of skin that sit at either side of the vaginal opening.
It is often performed for cosmetic reasons, usually in cases where the person involved isn’t happy with the appearance of their labia. The surgery removes the excess folds and is said to create a ‘neater’ appearance to the vagina. However, remember that it is completely normal for the labia to be of all different shapes and sizes, so you do not need labiaplasty if you don’t want it.
How long does labiaplasty surgery take?
In most cases, this surgery will take around one to two hours, and the area that has had skin removed will be stitched with dissolvable stitches.
Will I need to stay in the hospital overnight?
Most patients will be able to go home on the same day, as long as they are recovering well from the anaesthetic and are showing no signs of immediate post-surgery complications.
How much does a labiaplasty cost?
Before you go ahead with your labiaplasty surgery, it’s important that you consider the costs. Cosmetic surgery isn’t usually available on the NHS, so you should expect to pay a significant amount of money for this procedure.
The average price of a labiaplasty in the UK is between £2,000 and £4,000. Depending on your consultations and after-care required, you might pay significantly more.
How can a labiaplasty go wrong?
Like all cosmetic procedures, there are many risks involved and you might be faced with complications during or after your surgery. With the right research and a reputable surgeon and clinic, you will minimise the amount of risk posed to you, but it is still important to be prepared and aware of any potential issues that could take place, including:
- Post-surgical bleeding
- Infection
- Excessive scar tissue
- Raised scar tissue
- Skin discolouration
- Reduced sensitivity to the genitals
- Blood clots
- Allergic reactions (to anaesthetic)
For help or to start a claim, call our team on 0800 634 0285
What can I expect after labiaplasty surgery?
After labiaplasty, you can expect to feel some soreness along with swelling and bruising to the area that has been operated on. Often, this swelling settles down within a few weeks to a few months. Within two to four weeks, you should be able to return to your normal lifestyle.
What should I avoid after labiaplasty?
After your procedure, it’s recommended that you avoid smoking and drinking alcohol whilst your body repairs, as these activities can slow down the healing process. You should also avoid sexual intercourse and the use of tampons for at least four to six weeks for the best possible results.
Wear loose-fitting underwear and clothes to minimise rubbing and additional pressure to the area. Take extra care when using the bathroom and remember to keep the area clean to avoid infection.
How long will my results last?
Normally, labiaplasty results are long-lasting as there is only skin being removed, rather than something being added to the body, like breast implants, for example.
Can I have sex after labiaplasty surgery?
It’s recommended that you wait between six to eight weeks after your procedure before returning to sexual intercourse, due to the scars needing to heal and be strong enough to not be affected. If you are unsure, check with your surgeon at your follow up appointment.
Has my labiaplasty gone wrong?
Unfortunately, in some cases, labiaplasty surgery can be performed incorrectly due to medical negligence. The most common signs that a labiaplasty has gone wrong are:
- Persistent pain, burning or discomfort long after your given healing time
- Excessive reduction of the labia/amputation
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Altered or no sensation in the labia
- Asymmetry
Visit our labiaplasty compensation claims page for more details on how labiaplasty can go wrong and what our solicitors can do to help you.
What to do if your labiaplasty has gone wrong
If you believe your procedure has gone wrong, or you are experiencing chronic pain after labiaplasty, you should seek medical help immediately.
It is your surgeon’s responsibility to ensure that you are safe whilst undergoing this procedure, as well as to inform you of the unpreventable complications that can happen.
If you believe that your clinic or surgeon has not fulfilled this duty of care and looked after you before, during, or immediately after your surgery, and you have suffered from a botched labiaplasty as a result, you could be entitled to make a claim for labiaplasty compensation due to their negligence.
Contact us today
If your quality of life has been negatively affected as a result of a botched labiaplasty operation, get in touch with us today.
Call us on 0800 634 0285, or fill in our form and we’ll be in touch at a time that suits you.
