How to prepare for a labiaplasty

A labiaplasty is a procedure to remove unwanted tissue from either the labia minora (inner lips) or the labia majora (outer lips). There are many reasons to have this operation, ranging from functionality to appearance. Miss Tania Cubison, a surgeon who specialises in labiaplasty, answers the key questions for anyone considering undergoing this procedure.

Preparing for the surgery.

On the day of the surgery, it’s important to wear loose-fitting clothing and bring a device for listening to music (if you’re having it under local anaesthetic).

After the operation, you’re sure to feel a little weak, so it’s vital you arrange for a friend or loved one to drive you home. If driving yourself home is the only option you should chose to stay overnight after the operation to ensure you are well enough to drive.

If you chose to have the procedure under general anaesthetic, your doctor will inform you when to stop eating and drinking. For procedures under local anaesthetic, it’s important to eat and drink something before the appointment.

Risks and Possible Complications

Labiaplasty operations are extremely safe, with minimal visible scarring and mild pain that can be handled with over-the-counter medicine. The most frequently occurring issue is the wounds reopening and bleeding after the operation. This occasionally leads to heavier bleeding which needs extra medical attention to control. Infection is rare, particularly when the correct hygiene measures are taken, while sensitivity problems usually only occur when the clitoral hood has been operated on.

The procedure

This procedure can be performed under either general or local anaesthetic, depending on a variety of factors, which will be discussed with your surgeon. Local anaesthetic is often preferred as it enables the patient to avoid the risks that come with general anaesthetic. It can be performed in a day surgery unit, or with an overnight stay.

Patients who chose to have the procedure under local anaesthetic are able to look in a mirror, once the first side is finished, to check they are happy before starting the second side, although the area will be swollen at this stage. After the operation patients are given a large sanitary towel, a protective pad for sitting on and some extra gauze for the bleeding. If the procedure was done under general anaesthetic, once the doctors are completely satisfied that it has worn off, the patient will be allowed to go home.

When you get home after the operation

Patients usually feel fragile for up to a week after the procedure, so at least a few days lying down is required to reduce the swelling. Try to wear only loose-fitting clothing and avoid strenuous activity until you feel completely recovered.

It’s normal to notice some light bleeding after the operation, however, if the bleeding is significantly heavy you should lie down and press firmly on the area for 20 minutes using the gauze provided by the doctor. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, you should seek medical attention.

Maintaining good hygiene is essential after a labiaplasty. This includes washing the wounds with plain warm water, using a shower head or bidet, and drying them. Taking baths is recommended from both a hygiene and stress relieving perspective, although scented bath products must be avoided. Wearing a sanitary pad and changing it frequently will help keep the area clean and dry.

Returning to sexual intercourse after such a procedure is always difficult, it is advised to wait at least two weeks after the operation and listen to your body’s signals – if it hurts, it’s not a good idea.

Outpatient Follow Up

Patients usually have follow-up appointments at 1 and 3 weeks after the operation. At 3 months a face-to-face appointment is undertaken, to check that the result is as expected after all the swelling has settled. There is also the option of further appointments after 3 months, although most patients chose not to attend if there are no problems at that stage.

Miss Tania Cubison is a leading consultant surgeon who specialises in labiaplasty. Visit her Top Doctors profile to request an appointment with her.