Labiaplasty

What happens on the day of Labiaplasty surgery?

Before your labiaplasty, you will receive your hospital admission time, this is usually between 24-48 hours before your surgery date. Patients should shower either the evening before or the morning of surgery and must not apply deodorant or skincare products.

Patients must not eat anything (including chewing gum) 6 hours prior to surgery. If you do eat prior to the 6 hours, please ensure that it is a small, light meal such as 2 pieces of toast or 30g of cereal; if you eat too much, there is a risk of your operation being cancelled. You can drink small sips equivalent to 30mls per hour of still clear water up to 2 hours prior to your admission.

You will be admitted to your MYA hospital on the day of your labia reduction surgery and often be discharged the same day. Once admitted you will be taken to the ward and given your hospital gown to change into and asked to take a pregnancy test and a nicotine test.

Patients will not be taken straight to surgery, there can be a wait of up to 6 hours depending on the surgery list that day. Your hospital team will keep you updated on your operation time and will be able to answer any questions you may have. You will meet your anaesthetist and surgeon on the ward before you are taken to theatre for surgery, they will answer any further questions you have and run through the process in detail so you know what to expect.

The process of labiaplasty surgery

Your anaesthetist will administer your general anaesthetic and put you to sleep. Your labiaplasty typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour. Your surgeon will make small incisions along the labia minora and will use fine dissolvable stitches (sutures).

When your surgery is complete you will be taken to the recovery room to be brought round safely from your anaesthetic. Your pain and discomfort will also be closely managed. You will then be taken back to the ward with a sanitary pad in situ which the nurses will need to check periodically throughout your hospital stay to check for bleeding.

You will then remain on the ward to rest and recover for a couple of hours; the hospital team will bring you some food and something to drink. Depending on whether you booked an overnight stay at the hospital or a day case you will be able to leave the hospital once you have been checked over by your surgeon and the medical team are happy to discharge you. 

You will be given sanitary pads, prescribed pain relief and antibiotics to take home with you.

Labiaplasty recovery 

It can take up to 6 weeks to fully heal from labia reduction surgery. Your pain, any bruising, and swelling should subside after 7-21 days. 

Urinating can also be uncomfortable for the first few days after surgery, but the burning and stinging sensation can be eased by pouring lukewarm water from a jug over the area whilst urinating. Always pat the area dry with a towel. 

Patients are advised to keep their incisions clean and dry and can shower 24 hours post-op. Patients should not have a bath or submerge themselves in water until 10 days post-op. 

It is important to attend all your post-operative appointments at your MYA Clinical Hub, as your nurse will be able to monitor your Labiaplasty healing, check your wounds and answer any questions you may have. 

Most surgeons use dissolvable stitches following a labiaplasty. It typically takes 2 weeks for the stitches to dissolve fully and the patient can recover at home without having to attend a clinical hub to have the stitches removed by a nurse. 

Following Labiaplasty surgery, patients should not use tampons for 6 weeks post-op and should use sanitary pads instead. Patients are also advised to abstain from sexual activity and strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks, or until notified by their MYA nurse. 

Patients are advised to ease themselves back into sexual activity as they would exercise, this means no vigorous movement or strain to the affected area. It is important to check with your MYA Nurse before returning to any sexual activity. 

After labiaplasty surgery, patients can expect to return to work 1 week post-op for an office based job. If your job is more physically demanding, you may be required to take 2 weeks off work for recovery, this can be discussed with your MYA nurse.

Does labiaplasty affect sensitivity?

Some women are concerned about how a labiaplasty may affect their sensitivity post-op. 

As there are no nerves removed or damaged during labiaplasty surgery, your sensitivity and the sensations you feel should be exactly the same as it was pre-op. Although, since unnecessary tissue is removed during the procedure, you may experience enhanced sensation after a labiaplasty. 

If you have any concerns about this, speak to your MYA nurse.

The risks of Labiaplasty

Like any surgical procedure, there are a few risks associated with labia surgery. Any risks and limitations regarding your plastic surgery will be discussed in detail during your surgeon consultation.

Contact MYA today

If you’re interested in labiaplasty surgery and would like to find out more, contact us today. 

You can also book a consultation online.

To learn more about the procedure and patients’ experiences, check out our patient stories and MYA Forum