Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty surgery | what to expect

Why do patients consider labiaplasty surgery

The choice to undergo a labiaplasty procedure is a highly personal decision that can be driven by medical, aesthetic or lifestyle factors, and the decision to proceed should be a well informed and considered process.

Common reasons patients may consider labiaplasty include:

Functional Concerns: Some women may experience discomfort or irritation when wearing certain types of clothing. Pain and discomfort are also common, as some women may experience irritation, chafing, or pain during physical activities and exercise, such as cycling, running, or sexual activity.

Hygiene: An enlarged labia may cause difficulties in maintaining hygiene, which can lead to recurrent infections or irritations

Tearing: Excess labial tissue may be prone to tearing or injury

Cosmetic Concerns: Some women may choose labiaplasty for aesthetic reasons, if they are concerned about the appearance of their labia and wish to change their size or shape to achieve a more symmetrical or reduced labial appearance

It is important to remember that the labia can vary significantly in size, colour, and shape, and these differences are all normal. Choosing to undergo labiaplasty is a personal decision, and the reasons can differ greatly between individuals.

At Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, we encourage patients considering labiaplasty to consult with an appropriately qualified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Milap Rughani or Dr. Richardson to discuss their reasons for considering labiaplasty, what the procedure involves, possible risks, and the expected recovery process. Every person’s anatomy and goals are unique, and results will differ between individuals.

Am i a suitable candidate for labiaplasty surgery?

You may be a suitable candidate for labiaplasty surgery if you are experiencing concerns related to the size or shape of your labia minora. Some individuals consider this procedure to address functional issues such as discomfort with clothing, irritation during exercise, or pain with sexual activity. Others may seek labiaplasty for aesthetic reasons related to their personal preferences.

Patients who plan to have children in the future are encouraged to delay undergoing a labiaplasty if possible until they have finished having children, as additional pregnancies can affect labiaplasty results and can lead to further surgery.

A good candidate for labiaplasty is generally someone who:

• Is seeking to remove excess skin and fat from the labia
• Is in good overall health
• Is a non-smoker/vaper or is willing to abstain from smoking/vaping for at least six weeks before surgery and six weeks post-surgery
• Has realistic expectations about the outcomes and limitations of surgery
• Understands the potential risks, benefits, and recovery involved
• Is considering surgery for their own reasons, rather than external pressure

It is important to have a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if this procedure is appropriate for you. During this appointment, your surgeon will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and explain the surgical options, recovery, and potential risks.

Labiaplasty recovery timeline

Week 1

• Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common
• Use ice packs (if recommended) and take prescribed pain relief as directed
• Gentle walking is encouraged to support circulation
• Keep the area clean and dry; avoid tight clothing

Weeks 2–3

• Swelling and tenderness will usually start to improve
• Light daily activities can be resumed
• Continue avoiding vigorous exercise, cycling, or sexual activity

Weeks 4–5

• Most patients feel more comfortable with reduced swelling
• You may slowly return to low-impact exercise as advised by your surgeon
• Incisions are still healing—ongoing care is important

Week 6+

• Many patients are cleared to resume sexual activity and regular exercise
• Final results will continue to settle over the coming months
• Always seek clearance with your surgeon before returning to any high-impact or sexual activity

All patients are encouraged to remember that recovery will vary for everyone. Always follow your surgeon’s personalised advice and attend your scheduled follow-up appointments with our nurses.

What does labiaplasty surgery involve?

Labiaplasty is a customised surgical procedure performed to modify the size or shape of the labia minora (the inner lips of the vagina) and sometimes the labia majora (the outer lips of the vagina). During Labiaplasty surgery, your surgeon will carefully reshape and/or reduce the labial tissue, based on your needs, through the removal of excess skin, tissue and fat.

Labiaplasty is generally performed as a day procedure, and patients are able to go home on the same day. The surgery is usually performed under either local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. The specific technique used will depend on your anatomy and goals, and your surgeon will discuss the most suitable approach during your consultation.

Dissolvable stitches are typically used in labiaplasty surgery; therefore, you will not need to have sutures removed post-surgery. Recovery usually takes several weeks, with swelling and tenderness most noticeable in the first one to two weeks.

Following labiaplasty surgery, patients will be provided with specific post-operative aftercare instructions to support healing and recovery. Our nursing team will be in touch the day after your surgery to check in on your recovery and answer any questions or concerns you may have following your procedure. Our patient care team will organise your follow-up care and complimentary review appointments to monitor recovery and address any concerns.

It is important for patients to follow post-operative care instructions to help aid recovery from their labiaplasty procedure. This includes avoiding vigorous exercise and sexual activity until your surgeon advises it is safe to resume. Adherence to appropriate post-surgery care is essential for healing and results.