Treatment
Labiaplasty reshapes or reduces the labia, most commonly the labia minora. Women choose it for comfort — rubbing or discomfort during exercise, daily activities or intimacy — or because they feel self-conscious about the appearance. Ms Bowers offers it as a discreet, individualised procedure that begins with an unhurried, confidential consultation.
Options
The options below are a guide. Which is right for you — if any — is determined at consultation.
Reshaping or reducing the inner labia — the most frequently requested form of labiaplasty.
Reducing excess skin at the front of the area, sometimes carried out alongside labia minora reduction. [Confirm whether offered.]
Refining the outer labia where appropriate, for example by skin reduction. [Confirm whether offered.]
Where suitable, labiaplasty can be planned together with related procedures. [Confirm.]
Correction or refinement of previous surgery, assessed individually. [Confirm whether offered.]
About the procedure
Labiaplasty reshapes or reduces the labia minora — the inner folds of skin either side of the vaginal opening — and, where appropriate, the clitoral hood or labia majora.
Variation in the size and shape of the labia is entirely normal. For some women it causes no difficulty; for others it leads to rubbing or discomfort during exercise, cycling, sex or in certain clothing, problems with irritation or hygiene, or self-consciousness that affects confidence. Changes can follow childbirth or hormonal change, or simply be the shape you have always had.
During surgery the excess tissue is carefully removed and reshaped to preserve the natural contour and sensitivity of the area, and the edges are closed with dissolvable stitches. It is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, sometimes with sedation, as a day case — you go home the same day. [Confirm Ms Bowers' anaesthetic approach, setting and procedure time.]
What to expect
Most women go home the same day. Some swelling, bruising and tenderness in the first week or two is normal and settles steadily. [Confirm typical downtime advised.]
Gentle activity soon after, avoiding vigorous exercise for around four to six weeks and intimacy until the area has fully healed. Time off work depends on your job. [Confirm exact guidance.]
The reduction is long-lasting and, for most women, a one-off procedure — though the natural ageing process continues over time.
Common questions
The procedure is carried out under anaesthetic, so it is not painful at the time. Afterwards the area may feel sore or tender for a week or so; this is managed with simple pain relief and eases as healing progresses.
It is a day case with no overnight stay. Many women take a few days to rest, depending on their job. Ms Bowers will give you tailored guidance at consultation. [Confirm typical time off work.]
Vigorous exercise is usually avoided for around four to six weeks, and intimacy until the area has fully healed. Your specific timeline is set out as part of your aftercare. [Confirm.]
The procedure is planned to preserve the natural contour and sensitivity of the area. Many women find that reducing rubbing and discomfort improves comfort overall. Risks and individual factors are discussed fully at consultation.
In some cases labiaplasty can be combined with related procedures such as clitoral hood reduction. Suitability for any combination is assessed individually. [Confirm which combinations Ms Bowers offers.]
Labiaplasty is not carried out during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, it is worth raising at consultation, as your circumstances will guide the timing.
Your surgery is carried out by Ms Ciara Bowers, a consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery (reference 6163346).
[Add price or price-on-consultation policy, and what the fee includes.]
This information is general and does not constitute medical advice. Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that carries risks, which are explained fully at consultation. All clinical detail is to be confirmed and approved by Ms Bowers. Consultations are private and confidential.
Next step
Book a consultation to find out whether labiaplasty is right for you.
Information on this page is general and does not constitute medical advice. All procedures carry risks, which are discussed at consultation. [Clinical detail to be confirmed and approved by Ms Bowers.]