Labial Reduction
Labial reduction is an operation to reduce a woman’s inner labial lips. These may be excessively long and therefore cause discomfort or are unsightly.
Who is a good candidate for this surgery?
Some women find that the inner labial lips either side of the opening of the vagina are excessively long. This can often cause discomfort and chaffing as the excess skin rubs against each other during activities such as sport, cycling or even just normal walking and catch during intercourse. They can also appear unsightly and cause embarrassment. Patients with this problems or appearance are the ideal candidates for labial reduction.
What can this surgery do for me?
By removing the excess skin the discomfort and embarrassment can also be removed.
How is the surgery done?
Labial reduction is a relatively simply operation involving carefully marking then trimming the excess skin to give a smaller fold. Dissolving stitches are used to close the wounds therefore do not need to be removed.
What kind of anaesthetic do I need?
The operation is done under general anaesthetic because of the sensitive skin in the area makes local anaesthetic injection particularly painful.
How long am I in hospital?
Labial reduction is carried out as a daycase i.e. does not require an overnight stay in hospital.
How quickly will I recover from my surgery?
Most patients experience some discomfort and swelling for the first week but this quickly settles. Occasionally sensitivity can remain in this area for some weeks after surgery. It is advisable to have up to one week off work with a restful period at home. By 2 to 3 weeks most patients have resumed normal activities but it can take 4 to 5 weeks to return back to strenuous exercise such as gym or cycling. Sexual intercourse can be resumed once the wounds are completely healed at 3 to 4 weeks.
What are the potential problems with this surgery?
Occasionally patients can develop very dramatic swelling this usually settles in the first 1 to 2 weeks. There is a small risk of infection because of the moist area. There is a small risk of bleeding requiring a second operation to remove the blood clot.