Labiaplasty

For some adult women, enlargement of the labia minora and / or labia majora can cause aesthetic, functional or psychological issues. Women who have enlargement of one or both sides of the labia minora may report increased irritation, inflammatory changes, reduced personal hygiene during menses, painful intercourse. Many women with labia minora enlargement or asymmetry also report increased levels of anxiety or self-consciousness, embarassment or feelings of being insecure in sexual relationships or when wearing tight clothing. This has resulted in more requests for aesthetic surgery of the labia minora and / or labia majora. Dr Dimitriadi at Centre for Surgery performs labia reduction surgery to improve labial appearance and also address functional aspects and alleviate psychological concerns.

If you are more concerned with vaginal looseness or laxity, you may wish to consider a vaginoplasty.

Our specialist centre at 106 Crawford Street was recently inspected and rated by the Care Quality Commission as good across all five domains of care. 

10 REASONS TO CHOOSE US

For a smaller number of appropriately selected patients, Centre for Surgery also offer a minimally invasive alternative to a surgical labiaplasty called FemTite RF. FemTite achieves tissue contraction through the controlled delivery of radiofrequency (RF) energy to the labia minora and/or the labia majora.

The popularity of labiaplasty has increased in recent years. There is now an increased public awareness of problems with overdeveloped labia minora. An increasing proportion of women seek treatment not only for aesthetic reasons but also for functional reasons. There is a wide range of normal variation in the size and shape of the labia although in recent years the trend is more towards a smaller and more compact appearance. The reasons for seeking a labiaplasty include both aesthetic and functional concerns. It is important for the specialist gynaecologist to understand the full range of symptoms associated with larger or mishapen labia minora and the best method for surgical correction. According to several recently published studies in the medical literature, labiaplasty has a satisfaction rate of over 95%. As more research is conducted into labiaplasty, Dr Dimitriadi is better able to understand reasons for the procedure and recommend the best techniques for an optimal result.

The rise in popularity of waxing (Brazilian or Hollywood), shaving and laser hair removal has also made many women aware of the appearance of their genitalia. Women may compare the appearance of their genitalia to the appearances found on the internet. Unfortunately exposure to unrealistic media images may make some women feel particularly self-conscious and decide to have vaginal rejuvenation surgery.

Dr Paraskevi Demitriadi is a specialist aesthetic gynaecologist and has trained at some of the world’s leading hospitals in all aspects of gynaecology. Dr Demitriadi continues to practice in the NHS at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust (UCLH). She is a active member of the research team at the renowned Woman’s Health Institute at UCLH and lectures both nationally and internationally on a range of topics in aesthetic gynaecology. She is a full member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the European Society of Aesthetic Gynaecology (ESAG).

As a female surgeon, Dr Dimitriadi understands her patient’s most delicate needs and preferences,  which allows her to create a personalised and bespoke labiaplasty treatment plan to meet the patient’s goals. She is regarding as one of the top labiaplasty surgeons in London by her peers and brings years of experience to each and every 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 optimse patient outcomes at stages of the patient journey.

Dr Dimitriadi is a true highly specialised expert in her field of aesthetic gynaecology and Women’s health. She has dedicated her practice to a small number of procedures that she performs frequently. Being trained as a gynaecologist and with her  extensive background in Women’s health allows her to assess you in a holistic manner as she regularly performs gynaecological procedures for conditions such as endometriosis, menorrhagia and other common conditions affecting women of childbearing age. We do not subscribe to the ‘Jack of all trades’ model of medicine. All specialists at Centre for Surgery perform procedures within a very focussed remit for optimal outcomes.

If a patient wishes to be considered for liposuction, abdominoplasty or breast surgery, Dr Dimitriadi often works very closely with her plastic surgeon colleagues, Dr Tillo and Dr Mitsakos. It is quite common for procedures to be combined and our plastic surgeons are able to perform procedures such as liposuction in the same procedure alongside Dr Dimitriadi.

• All-female team for your consultation, procedure and aftercare – Dr Dimitriadi has hand picked a highly skilled team of specialist female nurses.

• Significant experience in all types of labiaplasty – wedge resection, trim method and de-epithelialisation.
• Choice of local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic.
• We own and manage our own surgical facilities. Properly performed labiaplasty takes time and should not be rushed. Dr Dimitriadi performs a maximum of two labiaplasty procedures in a day. We do not cram 5-6 procedures into one day like other providers. You want your surgeon to be well-rested and mentally and physically sharp to perform labiaplasty to get the very best results.
• Dr Dimitriadi lives and works in London. We don’t work with ‘fly-in, fly-out’ surgeons. This is very important because whilst your surgeon takes all precautions to minimise complications, complications can and do occur and our surgeons are readily available to manage any issues if and when they arise.

Risks of going abroad for cosmetic surgery

SCHEDULE YOUR LABIAPLASTY CONSULTATION

To find out more about the labiaplasty procedure, why not give us a call on 0207 993 4849 and speak with one of our expert patient coordinators and make that first step to a new you.

Labiaplasty, which is also known as a labial reduction, is a suitable surgery for women who consider their labia minora to be too big or uneven. A labia minora that is too large can cause discomfort during certain activities or while wearing certain clothing. There is a range of causes for a large labia minora. This includes hormonal changes, childbirth, ageing or simply the shape when you were born.

Anatomy of the female genitalia:

Mons pubis – the defined area of adipose tissue in a triangular shape above the labia and covered by pubic hair

Labia majora – these are the outer lips of tissue that extend backwards from the mons pubis. The labia majora contain hair and the appearance can vary from full to a more loose and baggy appearance.

Labia minora – these are the inner lips which are made up of 2 folds of tissue that extend backwards on each side the of the vaginal opening (introitus). The labia minora can vary in the degree of pigmentation and are typically hairless

Clitoris – the clitoris is oval shaped and is an erectile mass of tissue located beneath the urethral opening and is connected to the mons pubis. It contains many sensory nerve endings.

There is considerable variation in appearance of the female genitalia. However most women who request a labiaplasty procedure typically have a very specific shape in which the labia minora or labia majora are overly prominent, whether in the front, middle or back part. It is not uncommon for there to be considerable asymmetry between left and right labia minora and this can also be corrected with a labiaplasty procedure.

To gain a better appreciation of the different labiaplasty techniques, knowledge of the anatomy of the external genitalia is helpful.

Asymmetries can also exist in other areas such as the clitoral hood, thickness of labia minora or pigmentation.

Labiaplasty focuses on reducing, reshaping and contouring the labia minora and/or labia majora so you will no longer feel any physical discomfort. A clitoral hood reduction can also be performed if symptoms are experienced from too much tissue or asymmetry in this area to effectively balance the appearance.

The labiaplasty consultation

At your consultation with Dr Dimitriadi, you will undergo a full medical assessment. Dr Dimitriadi will take a medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. The vaginal rejuvenation technique will be fully explained. You will have an opportunity to express any concerns and have your questions answered about the procedure. A customised treatment will then be prepared for you.

If you wish, Dr Dimitriadi may be able to show you a selection of before and after photographs of previous patients to show what can be achieved with labia reduction surgery.

Women who are experiencing any pain and discomfort from their labia are suitable candidates for a labiaplasty. Pain can arise from clothing, exercises or tugging during sexual activity. In some instances, the labia may be enlarged, or one may be larger than the other.

How to prepare for cosmetic surgery

Dr Dimitriadi does not offer this procedure to women who are below 18 years old, as your labia will still be undergoing growth and development. 

Wound healing is improved if you are a non-smoker.

The effects of smoking on healing after surgery

Labiaplasty Expected Results

• Surgical removal of redundant labial tissue on one or both sides to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look to the labia minora and labia majora
• Reduction in discomfort when wearing tight fitting clothing or when undertaking sporting activities
• Labiaplasty may improve sexual function through alleviation of discomfort during sexual intercourse – a commonly reported reason for having labiaplasty at Centre for Surgery

Patients who smoke will be advised to stop for at least 2 weeks before the date of their labiaplasty procedure. Smoking has detrimental effects on the microcirculation and is known to slow the wound healing process. All medications, prescribed and over the counter will be reviewed. Aspirin and aspirin containing medicines should be stopped both before and after surgery. Aspirin and NSAIDS impair the body’s natural clotting process and may cause bleeding complications after surgery. If you require pain relief after surgery, paracetamol is advised.

Whether your procedure is performed under a local or general anaesthetic, it is mandatory to have a responsible adult escort take you home in a car or taxi. You must not travel home on public transport after labiaplasty surgery.

Labiaplasty is highly specialised surgery and requires tremendous attention to detail. If you choose to have the procedure under a local anaesthetic, you will also have option of oral sedation which may make you feel sleepy and hence feel more relaxed before the injection of local anaesthetic by Dr Dimitriadi. For some cases, Dr Dimitriadi may recommend a general anaesthetic and you will then be asleep throughout the procedure. With both techniques, you should not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure as the area is injected with local anaesthetic prior to the procedure starting. The procedure takes approximately one to two hours to perform and is an outpatient procedure meaning you are admitted and discharged the same, allowing you to recovery in the comfort of your own home.

The decision to have local or general anaesthesia is always your choice, although Dr Dimitriadi may recommend a general anaesthetic in complex or revision cases.

What is a labia reduction?

Dr Dimitriadi will discuss with you the desired length of the labia minora to be removed and the area will then be marked with your assistance using a hand mirror prior to the procedure. Additionally, it is important to discuss whether clitoral hood reduction is required. When deciding on the degree of tissue to be excised, the area is marked conservatively to prevent over-reduction. Dr Dimitriadi believes it is always better to slightly undercorrect to avoid the risk of overcorrection which is very difficult to successfully treat.

The labiaplasty procedure involves reshaping the labia minora using precise dissection techniques. Any unwanted tissue is accurately removed. There are a number of surgical methods available for labiaplasty surgery. Your surgeon will discuss with you the most appropriate technique applicable to you.

Different labiaplasty techniques

• Wedge technique
• Trim technique

An advantage of the wedge excision technique is an improvement of the smoothness of the labial border although there may be slight colour changes once the trimmed edges are sutured together. 

The trim technique is a suitable method for those with larger labia or with significant degrees of asymmetry The technique creates a straighter appearance along the labial edge and removes the existing labial border. Dr Dimitriadi prefers the trim method as problems which can occur following wedge excision techniques, including wound breakdown leading to possible fistula formation, do not occur following the trim excision technique. Dr Dimitriadi takes great care to perform a conservative excision as over-reduction is a difficult problem to correct.

For mild to moderate labial tissue resection, the depithelialisation technique may be an appropriate option. The technique reduces the length of the labia whilst also preserving the labial border. This can create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance in addition to correction of the functional symptoms which many women experience. The downside is that it is only applicable for very small degrees of labia minora enlargement.

Once the desired level of correction has been achieved to achieve a youthful appearance, Dr Dimitriadi uses absorbable sutures to ensure correct healing. With her extensive experience as a gynaecologist in a London teaching hospital, Dr Dimitriadi is familiar with the diverse range of labia minora and majora appearances and no one technique can be used in a blanket fashion for every patient. The key is a thorough evaluation in a private consultation to develop a customised treatment plan based on a patient’s main concerns. However, Dr Paraskevi prefers the labial trim method as it carries the least amount of potential risks and complications.

Dr Dimitriadi will discuss with you the most appropriate labiaplasty technique based on her extensive experience in labiaplasty surgery.

Clitoroplasty surgery is also an option for those who desire a clitoral hood reduction and this can be performed at the same time as the labia minora are excised.

For a more comprehensive treatment, you may wish to combine a labiaplasty with Votiva RF. This is a non-surgical procedure which uses a specialised bipolar RF handpiece. These handpieces emit RF energy and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which works to improve the tone and texture of the skin as well as the appearance of the labia.

After the procedure, you may experience some pain and discomfort in the genital area. Bruising and swelling are common side effects. This may last for several weeks. You can use ice packs to reduce any swelling or take pain medication to help alleviate discomfort.

You will be advised that you should wear a pad – not tampons – for one week or until any bleeding stops. It is also recommended to wear loose cotton underwear during this time. You may find that during recovery after surgery, passing water may be slightly uncomfortable although this is temporary in nature.

What to eat to speed up recovery after surgery

How to speed up recovery after cosmetic surgery

You may need to take about 3-5 days off work, and you will have to avoid any heavy exercise for 10 days. You will be able to resume your normal sexual activity about six weeks later. It is important to keep the genital area clean during the recovery period in order to reduce the risk of infection occurring. An antibiotic ointment should be applied to the area twice daily after your procedure.

Dr Demitriadi has many years of experience in performing aesthetic gynaecological procedures including labiaplasty. She regularly attends conferences overseas to learn about the best and most safest ways of performing aesthetic gynaecology procedures. The labiaplasty surgery performed today is very different to that performed even 20 years ago which is why it is so important for Dr Dimitriadi to keep abreast of changes in the field. Despite everything being done to make sure procedures run smoothly, there is always a small chance of complications occurring. Patients should always start by making sure they choose a skilled surgeon such as Dr Dimitriadi to ensure they have get the results they want to achieve. It is also very important to comply with all the postoperative aftercare instructions and restrictions on activity which are vital to ensure speedy healing. During your consultation with Dr Dimitriadi, the potential risks and complications that can occur with labiaplasty will be discussed.

Risks of labiaplasty surgery:

• Anaesthetic risks
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring
• Nerve damage or loss of sensation in the operated area
• Painful intercourse
• Dryness of the vaginal area
• Requirement for a revision procedure

The following before and after photos should give you a broad idea of what can be achieved with the labiaplasty procedure. With such a delicate procedure, it is important to note that everyone heals differently and therefore before and after photos should only be seen as only a very rough guide to potential outcomes.

Case 1:

Bilateral labia minora reduction. The contour of the labial border is well preserved with no colour changes.

Case 2:

Bilateral labia minora reduction with limited clitoral hood reduction.

Case 3:

There are a number of factors which will determine the overall cost of your labiaplasty procedure and the final quotation will be given after your face to face consultation with Dr Dimitriadi.

• Labia minora reduction alone or combined labia minora reduction + labia majora reduction
• Anaesthesia cost – local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic
• Any previous surgery to the area

Why not call 0207 993 4849 and speak to one of our expert patient coordinators who may be able to give you a rough costing prior to your procedure.