What is genital bleaching?
Genital bleaching in London is also known as vaginal lightning and is an increasingly popular vaginal rejuvenation procedure in the UK. Many women are often reluctant to discuss darkened skin affecting the outer labia or vagina. Excessive darkening of the female genitalia area is more common than most people think. Genital bleaching involves lightening the skin of the female genitalia, although, despite its name, it does not involve the application of bleach. Vaginal lightning has traditionally been undertaken using topical creams or chemical peels.
RELATED: What conditions can vaginal rejuvenation target?
Gynaecologists at Centre for Surgery carry out genital bleaching in London using state-of-the-art erbium laser for quick and precise removal of labia and vagina hyperpigmentation with no need for lengthy preparation or significant downtime. Laser genital bleaching is designed to produce a uniform skin tone, and the results can lead to a significant boost in self-confidence.
RELATED: Vaginal Rejuvenation Near Me
Types of genital bleaching
There are several treatment options for genital bleaching in London. The most appropriate technique will be chosen after an in-person consultation at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in London.
Vaginal bleaching
Vaginal bleaching or vaginal lightening is the most popular treatment for getting rid of dark skin affecting the female genitalia. The treatment aim is to remove darker skin affecting the outer labia, vulva or inner thighs. Despite its name, vaginal bleaching is not designed to treat the internal vaginal canal and is focused on the outer genitalia only. Dark skin affecting the vulva can occur due to increased melanin production during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. This can result in discernible changes in the colour of the genital skin. A significant increase in weight may lead to increased friction whilst walking, which can exacerbate hyperpigmentation.
Vaginal bleaching helps you achieve a more even and lighter pink skin tone. At your consultation, our expert gynaecologist will carry out a careful examination of the genital tissues and discuss the most effective treatment options available to help you achieve the ideal results that are in line with your needs and desires.
Anal bleaching
Many women also express concern about excessive pigmentation affecting the anal region. Anal bleaching, or anal lightening, is designed to lighten the skin around the anus. The skin located around the external anal sphincter usually has a higher level of melanin pigment in the skin due to higher levels of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. This usually results in anal skin looking much darker compared with the surrounding skin.
Anal bleaching is an increasingly popular type of genital bleaching designed to reduce or eliminate areas of hyperpigmentation which may have occurred due to haemorrhoids, anal fissures or other types of anorectal pathology. Similar to vaginal bleaching, anal whitening treatment is designed to produce a more pink-like colour with improved uniformity of skin tone. This helps to reduce the significant contrast with surrounding lighter skin. Here at Centre for Surgery, we specialise in using advanced erbium laser to lighten anal skin.
Dr Paraskevi Dimitradi

Dr Paraskevi Dimitriadi is a specialist cosmetic gynaecologist and has trained at some of the world’s leading hospitals in all aspects of gynaecology. She takes an active interest in research into aesthetic gynaecology and lectures both nationally and internationally on a range of topics in aesthetic gynaecology. She is a full member of the European Society of Aesthetic Gynaecology (ESAG).
As a female gynaecologist, Dr Dimitriadi understands her patient’s most delicate needs and preferences, which allows her to create a personalised and bespoke treatment plan to meet the patient’s goals. She is regarded as one of the top gynaecologists in London by her peers and brings years of experience to each and every treatment and procedure she performs. Dr Dimitriadi brings together her expertise across both surgical and non-surgical gynaecological treatments – unrivalled in London and exclusive to Centre for Surgery.

Dr Dimitriadi is known for her caring, patient-centred approach, supporting all her patients and she always strives to optimise patient outcomes at stages of the patient journey.
Benefits of vaginal bleaching
Women are often keen to undergo genital bleaching in London for several valid reasons. Vaginal bleaching is performed for cosmetic reasons only and there are no known medical benefits of the treatment. However women can develop a significant boost in self-confidence and emotional well-being. The aim of vaginal lightning is to improve the aesthetic appearance of the vulva that may be contributing to diminished self-confidence. Many women are reluctant to discuss the issue of darkened skin affecting the genitalia which may result in them feeling increasingly self-conscious during sexual activity. In many cases, hyperpigmentation affecting the labia or vulva may be noticeable when wearing certain types of underwear or swimwear leading many women to avoid certain social situations.
Genital bleaching when performed by an accredited gynaecologist in a regulated medical environment is a safe and effective technique to reduce pigmentation affecting the vulva, labia or outer vagina. We would advise against potentially unsafe DIY methods of vaginal bleaching. Having your genital bleaching treatment at Centre for Surgery will help to reduce many of the risks traditionally associated with home-based intimate bleaching treatments.
Am I suitable for vaginal lightening?
If you are keen on having genital bleaching in London, the best place to determine your suitability is to have an in-person consultation at our Baker Street clinic. Women considering treatment should have areas of hyperpigmentation or darker skin affecting the female genitalia. Unlike more invasive forms of vaginal rejuvenation, vaginal bleaching is a non-invasive, quick and safe procedure and takes no more than 30 to 45 minutes to carry out. At your consultation, your gynaecologist will listen to your concerns in detail before carrying out a physical examination. Treatment options available will be discussed, and the most appropriate choice will be recommended based on your needs and desires. There are several different types of vaginal bleaching available. However, we have found erbium laser to be one of the most effective forms of treatment to lighten darkened vulval and anal skin.
Before having a vaginal whitening treatment, your doctor may recommend you use hydroquinone-based skin products for up to 4 weeks before treatment. This will be prescribed for you to take as directed. Hydroquinone is designed to reduce the activity of the pigment-producing cells in the skin, helping to reduce undesirable side-effects of the laser treatment. It will also help to produce a small amount of lightning in itself. Using Hydroquinone cream before vaginal lightning in London will help to improve the overall results.
Genital bleaching does not involve any downtime, with women able to return to most activities immediately. You should avoid excessive friction in the area and keep the area well moisturised with aqueous cream for the first few days after treatment. We recommend loose-fitting cotton underwear, and sexual intercourse should be avoided for a minimum of 72 hours after treatment. Direct sun exposure should be avoided to the region, and avoid any vigourous physical exercise for a minimum of 48 hours after treatment. Results of vaginal bleaching do not appear immediately. It takes at least 2 to 3 weeks for results to appear as the new fresh skin appears. Genital and anal bleaching involves several treatments to achieve optimal results, and these are usually spaced at least two weeks apart.
Genital bleaching at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is a centre of excellence for all types of cosmetic gynaecology and is regarded as one of the top gynaecology clinics in the UK. Once you have decided you would like to address hyperpigmented and darkened skin affecting your genitalia, call us today on 020 7993 4849 will complete the contact form below to schedule an in-person consultation. Our expert gynaecologists are dedicated to helping you address your aesthetic needs with proven laser treatments that are considered more effective than home-based remedies.
RELATED: Vaginal rejuvenation after pregnancy – benefits of labiaplasty and vaginoplasty
FAQs
-
Is genital bleaching effective for all skin types?Genital bleaching can be beneficial for a variety of different types of skin, and it's not designed to treat a particular skin tone. Older forms of vaginal bleaching have a higher risk of complications and are suitable for darker skin types. Our doctors are skilled and laser treatment for genital bleaching in London for all skin types. More extensive areas of pigmentation may need more treatments to achieve aesthetically appealing results.
Unlike chemical peels, laser treatment can produce significant results regardless of skin colour. -
Does vaginal lightening hurt?Vaginal bleaching is generally considered to be a well-tolerated procedure. It is essential to bear in mind the vulva and anus are particularly sensitive areas, and your specialist will apply a topical local anaesthetic to the area to minimise discomfort.
Any discomfort after treatment is usually mild and lasts no more than 48 hours. The vast majority of women tolerate the symptoms well. Your specialist will monitor closely after treatment to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the recovery period after genital bleaching. -
How many vaginal bleaching treatments do I need?In most cases, you will require between four and six genital bleaching treatments. Vaginal lightening treatment itself is quick and takes no more than one hour to perform. Repeat treatment will be required every 2 to 3 weeks.
Vaginal bleaching takes time to produce results. It would be best to prepare yourself for a gradual process with improved results after each subsequent session. The number of sessions required will vary depending on how darkly pigmented your skin is. Women with extensive hyperpigmentation may require eight treatments or more, depending on your individual case. -
Will I need touchup treatment after anal bleaching?Anal bleaching often requires touchup treatments due to the significantly darker skin found in this area. Anal bleaching should be considered semi-permanent, and pigmentation may return even after 4 to 6 sessions. Optimal results are achieved with top-up treatments carried out between six months to one year.