Female Genital Surgery

Labial reduction (labiaplasty) Vaginal tightening (perineoraphy) What about the after-effects? What are the risks? Related procedures

With age and childbirth the labia and surrounding vaginal tissue, both external and internal, can change in shape, size and tone, and in many cases women are just not happy with parts of their genitalia. The following are some common genital surgery procedures:

Labial reduction (labiaplasty)

Female genitalia are more or less hidden but larger than average labia may protrude well beyond the outer lips of the vagina causing discomfort when they rub against clothing, or during sport or sex. Women with exceptionally long or unequal lengths of the inner lips (labia minora) can have them aesthetically reshaped. During the procedure the surgeon removes a wedge-shaped piece of tissue and re-attaches the labium in a new position so that the inner lips no longer protrude beyond the outer lips. Normally this is done under general anaesthesia as a day case.

Vaginal tightening (perineoraphy)

The most common cause of an enlarged vagina is childbirth. However post-menopausal women and those who have been treated for cervical cancer can find their vaginas have enlarged, and may seek vaginal reconstruction. In this procedure, which is normally performed under general anaesthesia as a day case, a section of vaginal lining is removed and the underlying muscles are repositioned in such a way that the outer third of the vagina is noticeably tighter. The surgeon will remove a wedge-shaped section of tissue from the back of the vaginal wall where it is separated from the anus by the perineum, the elastic tissue that is stretched and sometimes cut or torn during childbirth. Muscle and skin are then rejoined with stitches. Any post-operative discomfort is similar to that of an episiotomy, where the perineum is cut during childbirth, and can be painful. However, this area usually heals well and the wound should settle within about 10 days.

Various other procedures to improve the appearance, tone and sensation of the vagina can be performed, such as liposuction of the pubic mound, surgical correction of the clitoral hood to give better exposure of the clitoris and enhance sexual gratification, and changing the position of the clitoris (clitoropexy). The outer lips (labia majora) can also be reduced by liposuction or enlarged by fat transfer.

What about the after-effects?

A sanitary towel may be applied as a dressing immediately after surgery, and all wounds are sutured with soluble stitches. In the first week after surgery the area is likely to be swollen, and bruised, and urinating may be very uncomfortable. This burning and stinging sensation can be eased, either by urinating whilst showering, or pouring lukewarm water from a jug over the area whilst urinating. An ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) can be used to alleviate the discomfort and reduce the swelling. We recommend that patients observe as much bed rest as possible during the first week after surgery. Personal hygiene is extremely important for rapid healing and twice-daily showering is essential. Loose underwear should be worn for the first two weeks. Tampons should not be used during the first six weeks, and penetrative sex should also be avoided during this period.

Our technical, patient-care and support personnel are resourced to an extremely high standard. At the Cambridge Private Hospital, effective teamwork is of the essence and each link must be utterly dependable.

What are the risks?

Fortunately complications with these procedures are very rare. They include: prolonged bleeding which usually stops spontaneously within 24 hours; accumulations of clotted blood (haematoma) in the tissue which need to be removed surgically but will not affect the final result; and infection which can normally be treated with antibiotics. A more common after-effect is opening of parts of the wound, which will normally be left to heal spontaneously but may require further correction at a later date. Because of the risk, albeit small, of postoperative bleeding, day surgery patients who need to travel a long distance from the hospital to their home are advised, as a precaution, to stay overnight in London or Milton Keynes. Mr. Scholten’s office can provide a list of affordable hotels in both locations.

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Related surgical procedures

Breast Augmentation Breast Reduction Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) Body contouring by Liposuction Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

This web site has been prepared to give a basic understanding of the procedure before a consultation takes place, and to cover many of the questions frequently asked about this type of cosmetic surgery. Final decisions should not be made until an individual assessment has taken place with the surgeon.

There is no obligation on the part of the patient to undergo surgery by attending for consultation. If you have any further questions or would like to arrange a consultation please do not hesitate to call us.