Labial reduction and correction (labioplasty)
The reasons why a woman may wish for a labial correction can vary greatly, and they may apply at any age. Sometimes our patients are troubled by purely aesthetic deficiencies. For example when there is a unilateral asymmetrical enlargement or a difference between the size of their inner and outer labia.
However, an enlargement and/or slackening of the labia following pregnancy or after the menopause may also be the reason for a visit to our practice. The majority of women who opt for labiaplasty or labia reduction also have functional problems that manifest themselves in complaints such as feelings of pressure or tension when sitting or doing sports. Continuous irritation due to constant friction of the labia or problems during sexual intercourse are by no means rare either. Often enough, these patients don’t just suffer from the physical manifestations; the quality of their life is also influenced negatively in the long term by discomfort when wearing tight-fitting clothes, or by feelings of shame when it comes to intimate contact.
Procedure in labial reduction and correction
First of all, we conduct a detailed anamnesis to find out about possible risks and talk to you about your ideas, in particularly with regard to what is actually feasible. Then we examine your genitalia. In doing so, we endeavour to disperse any feelings of unease you may have in a respectful manner and make the examination as pleasant as possible for you. Because we know that you are putting a great deal of trust in us by sharing your most intimate problems with us. We pay great heed to your individual wishes and make sure we take sufficient time to explain the surgical procedure, the costs that will be incurred and the right after-care to you precisely.
Which method of labia correction might be suitable for you and roughly how long the planned operation will take are also things we will talk about at this meeting.
In a labial reduction, we first correct the inner labia. On the one hand, we investigate the causes of functional problems, and on the other, we look to see where there is a visible excess of skin or tissue. The incision technique for the labia correction is then based on the given configuration of the labia and is individually adjusted accordingly. It goes without saying that we try to achieve the best possible symmetry, though 100% can never be attained here on account of the anatomical structures of the tissue. A lift of the clitoral hood or prepuce may also be indicated so as to achieve an aesthetically pleasing overall picture.
For the minimally invasive incisions we use a scalpel, staunching local bleeding by means of bipolar thermocoagulation. After that, the surface of the wound is sutured with very fine, dissolving stitches.
Sometimes the protective outer labia are very delicate or the tissue has grown slack. Nevertheless, reducing the inner labia does not always lead to a status in which they are sufficiently well covered by the outer labia. In these cases, the volume can be replenished in a second step of the labia correction with fatty tissue from the patient’s own body, for example by lipofilling. An advantage of this method is that the quality of the tissue and skin also improves in the long term because of the newly imported stem cells in the transplanted fatty tissue.
After a labial reduction or correction
After the operation you will be taken to our recovery room, where you will be looked after and monitored by a qualified member of our staff. Please make sure when you come to us that you bring soft underwear that is not too close-fitting, so as to make things easy on the area in which the surgery has been carried out. In our experience, post-operative pain levels tend to be quite low and very easy to control by means of the pain medication in general use. In most cases after a labiaplasty or labia reduction, patients do not require more than 1 to 3 days of pain-relieving drugs.
Since as a rule this is an out-patient operation with a local anaesthetic, – though semi-conscious sedation is also possible if you prefer it or if it makes you feel more comfortable – , you can normally go back home the same day. For the next 24 hours, however, you should have a trusted adult at your side who can keep an eye on you and act in an emergency.
The first check-up takes place the very next day.
In most cases, the labia heal up again very quickly. If there are no complications, no antibiotics will be required. The ends of the small sutures are cut short at the second check-up, which takes place one week after the operation. The sutures don’t need to be removed, because the material simply dissolves after a predetermined period of time, remaining in the tissue until then. In general, you should take it easy on your body in the first few weeks after the labiaplasty, avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time and keep your pelvis as high as possible in order to minimize congestion in the treated area. Careful cooling with cool packs can have a pleasant effect and help to reduce the swelling more quickly. We also recommend the use of a disinfectant which is gentle on the mucous membrane. You should apply this to the areas of surgery when you have been to the toilet. Until the surface wounds have healed completely (approx. 1 week), you should refrain from manipulating them in any way or causing any irritation by using the wrong cleansing products.
A further check-up takes place about 6 weeks after the operation, so that the final result can be assessed.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure usually takes approximately 1 hour, depending on your individual circumstances.
What type of anaesthesia is required for labia reduction?
This outpatient procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, with sedation (analgosedation) administered by our specialist anaesthetists if necessary. Beforehand, we apply a special cream containing a local anaesthetic so that you should not feel the injections used to administer local anaesthesia in the labial area.
What complications can occur after labial correction?
Every surgical procedure involves risks. However, our extensive experience and comprehensive patient care help to minimise these risks. Complications may also occur after surgery, although labia reduction is generally considered a relatively low-risk procedure.
Swelling and bruising are relatively common due to the anatomy of the area and the effects of gravity. These symptoms usually subside gradually with rest and elevation of the pelvis. Infections are uncommon with appropriate aftercare. In individual cases, postoperative bleeding may occur and require an additional procedure to stop the bleeding.
Mild changes in sensation are common after surgery and usually resolve within a few weeks.
You can find a detailed description of potential complications here.
How long do the results of labial correction last?
The tissue in the intimate area is also subject to the natural ageing process and can change due to hormonal influences, such as menopause and pregnancy. Whether and when further surgery may be necessary to maintain an aesthetically satisfactory result in the long term therefore varies from person to person.
When can I exercise again after labial correction?
You should avoid activities that place significant tension on the scars or cause excessive movement or impact in the treated areas. After approximately 3 weeks, depending on your individual circumstances and once the swelling and bruising have largely subsided, you can usually begin light exercise again. Until then, you should avoid physical exertion.
How long should I avoid sexual intercourse after labial correction?
You should wait at least 3–6 weeks after labia reduction before resuming sexual intercourse.
How much does labia reduction cost?
The cost of labia reduction depends on your individual circumstances and the extent of the treatment required. Additional procedures, such as a clitoral hood lift or fat transfer (lipofilling), may affect the overall cost. Following a personal examination and consultation, we will provide you with an individual cost estimate.
Will my health insurance cover the cost of labial correction?
Generally, no. Labial correction, whether labia reduction or reshaping, is usually considered a purely aesthetic procedure.
Only in exceptional cases involving severe functional impairment may health insurance cover the associated costs.
DURATION OF OPERATION: 1 – 1.5 hours
ANAESTHETIC: local anaesthetic / semi-conscious sedation
HOSPITALISATION: out-patient
PAIN LEVEL: low
AFTER-TREATMENT: cooling, disinfectant and care products, rest
PRESENTABILITY, RETURN TO WORK: after 3 – 7 days
SPORT: after approx. 3 weeks
COSTS: Depending on individual circumstances; a cost estimate will be provided following examination and consultation.
Ask our advice.
We’ll be glad to provide you with detailed information about this treatment. Simply get in touch with us now and obtain advice at an individual and absolutely personal level.
+49 30 - 94 041 144