Gynaecology Surgery
Labioplasty (Labial reduction)
The labia minora (the inner lips surrounding the entrance to the
vagina) grow during puberty and vary enormously in size and
thickness. They are rarely symmetrical and if they are particularly
enlarged women find them uncomfortable and embarrassing. They are
prone to irritation wearing tight clothing and sports women and
horse riders experience particular discomfort. Many women find the
size and appearance of their labia minora embarrassing with a
sexual partner.
Tears and stretching of the labia minora can also occur during
childbirth. Labioplasty is a surgical procedure which reduces the
size of the labia minora so that they are less obtrusive and equal
on both sides.
When can I excercise?
Usually 2-4 weeks after the procedure.
When can I drive a car?
You should be comfortable enough to drive after 2 weeks but you
should always check with your insurance company first.
When can I go back to work?
You should be able to return to work within 2-4 weeks of the
surgery.
Aftercare
After discharge from hospital you can call the hospital day or
night for any advice and, should the need arise, you can visit the
hospital to see the resident doctor. In the event of a complication
directly related to your surgery, which may require further
treatment, your surgeon and hospital will provide all necessary
care without further cost (exclusions apply). You will be seen by
your surgeon for a follow up visit after six weeks and you will be
given detailed information about your care during the immediate
post operative period.
What are the risks?
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Your surgeon will
discuss these in detail with you at your consultation.
Additional information
Duration of Surgery: 30 minutes.
Hospital stay: 8 hours (approximate)
Anaesthesia: General
Recovery Period: 2-4 weeks approximate
As with all surgery there is always a small risk of
complications. The risk of infection is reduced by antibiotics
given during the procedure but if infection does occur there will
be increased pain and delay in healing.
The sutures that are used are the same as after childbirth and
dissolve naturally after 5-7 days. They do not usually need to be
removed.
Scarring can occur which can make the labia minora more
thickened. The labia minora form part of the erogenous zone at the
entrance to the vagina and some loss of sensation can occur. Most
sexual pleasure, however, occurs as a result of stimulation to the
clitoris which is not disturbed during labiopiasty. Most women find
that their sexual confidence improves after labioplasty and
therefore sexual function and pleasure is enhanced.
Vaginoplasty
After childbirth the vaginal muscles are stretched and, although
postnatal physiotherapy and exercises can help, the vagina often
does not regain its normal tone and remains lax. This can cause
dissatisfaction for both partners during sexual intercourse.
The perineal body (the muscle between the vagina and the anus)
can also be damaged by childbirth which results in the entrance to
the vagina gaping open.
Vaginoplasty, or vaginal rejuvenation, is a procedure that
corrects these problems resulting in a tighter feel, both inside
and at the entrance to the vagina.
When can I resume sexual intercourse?
Sexual activity can be resumed 4-6 weeks after the
procedure.
When can I excercise?
Gentle exercise can usually be resumed 2-4 weeks after
surgery.
When can I drive a car?
You should be comfortable enough to drive after 2 weeks but you
should always check with your insurance company first.
When can I go back to work?
You would be able to return to work usually after 2-4 weeks.
Aftercare
After discharge from the hospital you can call the hospital day
or night for any advice and, should the need arise, you can visit
the hospital to see the resident doctor. In the event of a
complication directly related to your surgery which may require
further treatment, your surgeon and hospital will provide all
necessary care without further cost (exclusions apply).
You will be seen by your surgeon for a follow up visit after six
weeks and you will be given detailed information about your care
during the immediate post operative period.
What are the risks
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Your surgeon will
discuss these in detail with you at your consultation.
Additional information
Duration of Surgery: 45 minutes.
Hospital Stay: 24 hours (approximate)
Anaesthesia: General
Recovery Period: 2-4 weeks (approximate)
As with all surgery there is always a small risk of
complications. Infection is minimised by antibiotics given at the
time of surgery but if infection does occur this will cause
discomfort and delay healing.
The stitches used for vaginoplasty are similar to those used
after childbirth and dissolve naturally after 5-7 days. They do not
usually need to be removed. Excess scar tissue can form which may
occasionally cause the vagina to become too narrow and this can
cause discomfort with intercourse. Some women also complain of loss
of sensation at the entrance to the vagina due to damage to the
sensitive nerve endings in the area.
Most women, however, find that the results of surgery are very
satisfactory and their sexual function and pleasure is
enhanced after vaginoplasty.