Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a specialised surgical procedure to reduce the size of the inner labia, known as labium minora

Labiaplasty in fact can encompasses reucing size and changing shape of the labia minora, labia majora and clitoral hood. During your consultation, Dr Sawhney will listen to your concerns and assess your anatomy to tailor a surgical plan to address all your issues

Why consider vaginal surgery?

Some women have large inner labia or excess skin at the vaginal opening which can be symptomatic. The excess skin can get caught in underwear, rub during exercise and even interfere with sexual function. Other women find that birth has caused changes to the shape and size of their vagina. This too can result in issues with function as well as pain and other symptoms.

Who is an ideal candidate for Labiaplasty?

Women who are suited to surgery have experienced pain or discomfort during intercourse, when riding a horse or a bike or other exercise. Dr Sawhney , during your consultation will assess your suitability for the procedure and discuss risks and potential benefits for you to consider. Patients must be realistic with their ideal results.

Labiaplasty Procedure

The labiaplasty consists of several procedures that aid in vaginal restoration. The procedures differ for each patient and their personal needs. Dr Sawhney performs the procedure under local or general anaesthesia and it usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Before the procedure, you will meet with Dr Sawhney.

He will shave your pubic area if necessary. The surgery will then be performed as planned. Patients return home the same day as the procedure.

Trim or Strip Method: The trim method is the most common method used to alter the labium minora. This method removes excess skin and tissue from the leading edge which in Caucasians is often darker than the rest of the labium minora. This removes the darkened rim of tissue at the edge if this is a concern. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions.

The Wedge Method: The wedge method removes out a wedge-shaped piece of the inner labia. This retains the leading edge and removes the scar from the leading edge. The border of the labia minora is maintained. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions.

How much does a Labiaplasty cost on the Gold Coast?

After your consultation with Dr Sawhney, he will make a surgical plan of what needs to be addressed. Sculpted clinic staff will then determine the cost of a labiaplasty for you based on the several factors discussed above. You will therefore receive a tailored fee summary, including Dr Sawhney’s fees, anaesthetic and hospital costs

Before undergoing the surgery, you should check if Medicare and health insurance cover your surgery. Private health insurance covers certain cases of labiaplasty. You should check if they cover your specific case. Most insurance companies will only cover a surgery if a valid Medicare code aligns with it. To qualify for a Medicare rebate, the surgery must be for medical needs.

And meet Medicare criteria. Code 35533 is labiaplasty for the repair of damage. Code 35534 details surgery for structural flaws in a patient aged 18 years or older. The labium must extend more than 8cm below the vaginal opening. Dr Sawhney can assess if medicare would potentially cover your treatment and how to apply for a Medicare rebate. Contact our team to book your consultation and find out what the procedure can do for you.

What should I expect in terms of recovery?

During the first week after surgery you may experience significant swelling to your labia due to the injury of surgery. Urination may be painful and sting from urine passing over the surgical wounds. You will need to rest and limit your general daily activities. You can apply a cold compress 20 minutes between your underpants and an elastic garment to reduce swelling, a couple of times a day. Patients can usually return to most daily activities ten days after the procedure. Also, you can resume intercourse four to ten weeks post-surgery, depending on healing. Avoid tampons for four to six weeks and use pads as necessary. Swelling reduces over six weeks however it can take six months to fully recover. It is important to organise for someone to drive you home after surgery. Discomfort occurs for approximately ten days post-surgery. Walking around the house a few times a day will help the recovery process speed-up. There will be light bleeding however this will usually subside after a few days. Dr Sawhney will provide you with recovery instructions. Patients usually take a week to drive. After three to four weeks the stitches will dissolve. Final results are usually reached by three to six months after surgery.

Dr Sawhney will give you medication to reduce pain and antibiotics to combat infection. Patients should wear loose clothing to avoid rubbing.

You will be recommended to avoid physical activity. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol before and after the procedure for 2 weeks. We advise our patients to avoid long showers and pat down the wound when exposed to water, ie do not rub the wounds. Patients should also avoid using toilet paper to wipe after using the restroom and wash instead, dabbing with a towel to dry.

Risks and complications

Labiaplasty is a significant procedure and has attendant risks of complications that must be weighed up against the potential benefits of surgical intervention. These include

There are many different risks that can occur after surgery. Patients can experience complications such as:

Infection
Bleeding
Chronic dryness
Sensitive and even thick
Dyspareunia – pain on intercourse
Nerve injury – this can lead to numbness and even decrease clitoral sensation
Over-resection – this can make the labia feel too tight
Reactions to medication