Frequently Asked Questions About Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty has become an increasingly popular plastic surgery procedure worldwide. Women consider having it done for a few different reasons. For some, it’s about appearance. For others, it may be due to physical discomfort during activities such as bike riding, during sexual intercourse, or when wearing tight clothes.
Typically, the women we see at the clinic are concerned about the labia minora, the inner folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening. Some feel that their labia are noticeably asymmetrical, while others are concerned that they protrude beyond the labia majora (the outer lips) and are more visible than they would like.
These are all completely normal anatomical variations. Labia naturally come in many different shapes, sizes and colours, and some degree of asymmetry is very common. There is no single way that women are supposed to look “down there”.
However, if the appearance of your labia bothers you, labiaplasty can be used to address these concerns.
Below, we answer some of the questions about labiaplasty that we commonly hear from patients.
What does labiaplasty do?
Labiaplasty reshapes or reduces the labia minora. The aim is usually to reduce excess tissue while creating a natural-looking shape and preserving normal function and sensation. Some women choose labiaplasty because they would prefer the labia minora not to extend beyond the labia majora. Others have the procedure because enlarged or elongated labia can twist, pull or rub against clothing, causing irritation or discomfort.
Labiaplasty can also be used to correct asymmetry when one side of the labia minora is noticeably longer or shaped differently from the other.
What are the different types of labiaplasty?
The most suitable surgical technique depends on factors such as the size, thickness, shape and texture of the labia, as well as the patient’s aesthetic goals.
The two most common techniques are trim labiaplasty and wedge labiaplasty.
Trim labiaplasty
With the trim technique, excess tissue is removed along the outer edge of the labia minora. The remaining tissue is carefully reshaped and closed using absorbable sutures. This relatively straightforward technique can reduce the overall size of the labia and remove darker, thickened or irregular edges when these are part of the patient’s concern.
Wedge labiaplasty
What is a bilateral labiaplasty?
A bilateral labiaplasty means that surgery is performed on both sides of the labia.
A unilateral labiaplasty, on the other hand, involves reshaping only one side. This may be an option when there is significant asymmetry and one side is considerably longer or larger than the other
What type of anaesthesia is used for labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is often performed under local anaesthesia combined with sedation. In some cases, general anaesthesia may be recommended.
The most appropriate option depends on factors such as the extent of the procedure, the surgical technique and your individual circumstances.
What is the difference between labiaplasty and vulvoplasty?
These terms can sometimes be confusing because they refer to different procedures involving the external female genitalia.
Labiaplasty specifically refers to surgery to reshape or reduce the labia, most commonly the labia minora.
Vulvoplasty, on the other hand, is a gender-affirming surgery that creates external female genitalia for transgender women without creating a vaginal canal. It is also sometimes referred to as zero-depth vaginoplasty.
What are the risks of labiaplasty surgery?
As with any form of surgery, there are always risks to consider. These can include bleeding, infection, bruising, delayed wound healing, scarring, or changes in sensation.
It is very important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon to perform your labiaplasty. This type of surgery requires a thorough understanding of female anatomy to achieve a natural-looking result while preserving normal function. For this reason, we would not recommend choosing a surgeon or clinic based on price alone.
What is labiaplasty recovery like?
For the first two to three days, we generally recommend resting at home. This doesn’t mean you need to stay in bed. In fact, it’s better to start walking around as soon as you feel comfortable. Gentle movement improves blood flow and can help the swelling go down.
You can usually return to normal day-to-day activities after the first day or two, but exercise should still be quite limited during the first two weeks.
A cold compress can be used to help with swelling, particularly during the first few days. It’s also important to keep the area clean while it heals. After using the bathroom, gently clean the area with lukewarm water or as instructed by your surgeon, then carefully pat it dry rather than rubbing. Avoid wiping or putting unnecessary pressure on the surgical area.
You will be prescribed pain medication to help with discomfort in the first few days post-surgery. However, most women find that within a day or so, they no longer require pain medication.
Some itching or irritation around the stitches is normal as the area heals. If absorbable stitches are used, these will gradually dissolve on their own.
Many patients take around a week off work. If you work from home at a computer, however, you may return to work sooner than this, as long as you’re comfortable.
Activities that put pressure or friction on the surgical area, including sexual intercourse, cycling, spin classes and horseback riding, should usually be avoided for at least four to six weeks.
Does labiaplasty affect sensitivity?
How do I choose a clinic for labiaplasty in Thailand?
When choosing a labiaplasty clinic in Thailand, look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing labiaplasty. Ideally, your surgeon should specialise in plastic surgery with a particular focus on female anatomy. This means they are extremely familiar with the area being treated and have the surgical experience needed to perform the procedure safely while achieving natural-looking results.
It is also worth asking to see before-and-after photos, particularly of patients with anatomy or concerns similar to yours. This can give you a better idea of the surgeon’s experience and the type of results you can expect to achieve.
At Interplast Clinic in Bangkok, labiaplasty is performed by experienced plastic surgeons with more than 20 years of experience, with a focus on achieving a natural appearance while preserving normal function.
How can I book a consultation for labiaplasty surgery?
If you are considering labiaplasty, a consultation is the best place to start. This gives you an opportunity to explain what concerns you, discuss what you would like to change, and learn which surgical options may be suitable for your anatomy. The consultation gives you the information you need to decide whether surgery is right for you, and there is no pressure to make a decision.
At Interplast Clinic, consultations can be done entirely online. We receive many international patients, so an in-person consultation may not always be convenient. Our surgeons can review your anatomy from photographs and discuss your concerns, goals and treatment options with you during a secure remote consultation.
If you have questions about labiaplasty or would like to arrange a consultation, contact our expert team via WhatsApp, or complete our online contact form and we will get back to you.