Cosmetic Gynaecology

Labiaplasty / Labia Reduction

This surgery is designed for women who wish to correct and define the appearance of the inner labia. This procedure permits the reduction of large / asymmetric labia to reduce their outward appearance and correct misshapenness or irregularities and can also be used to rectify other related female genital issues.

As cosmetic surgery becomes more socially acceptable, labia reduction is increasing in popularity as many women who have insecurities and concerns regarding the size and shape of this area are exploring the surgical options available to them. For many women, problems relating to this area of their body are a great source of embarrassment and can cause a considerable discomfort and affect sexual intercourse; these problems can affect and have a negative impact on women's day to day lives.

Who is a candidate for the labiaplasty procedure?

Women who have long or hanging vaginal lips/genetalia can benefit from a labia reduction. Some women have always been this way, whereas others develop the problem after childbirth or as they get older.

Aesthetic surgical labial reduction and beautification can greatly improve the aesthetic appearance of abnormally enlarged labia, and improve a woman's self-esteem.

The surgery

This procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic in most cases but can be completed under local anaesthetic in some cases.

The surgeon will remove any excess skin and will reshape the labia minora if required which results is an overall neater appearance. Scars are very fine and hidden and tend to heal relatively quickly.

This procedure takes roughly 1-2 hours in theatre to complete and patients may experience slight swelling and discomfort in the area after the operation, this usually subsides after 1 – 2 weeks.

Hymen Repair

The Hymen is a small, thin, ring like skin membrane partially covering the opening of the vagina. In many cultures the presence and state of the hymen symbolizes virginity.

Hymen restoration surgery or Hymenoplasty is a simple surgical procedure used for reconstructing the hymen for women who wish to have their virginity restored (mostly for cultural, religious, social or ethnic reasons). Hymenoplasty surgery can be performed under local or general anaesthetic and repairs or restores the hymen.

In order to achieve desired results, patients should communicate their needs and expectations to their doctor during the initial consultation phase. As part of this pre-surgical consultation, patients are also required to undergo a thorough gynecological examination.

There are three main varieties of hymen restoration procedures:

• Suturing of a tear in the hymen
• A cosmetic procedure in which a membrane is created

During the restoring (suturing) procedure, the surgeon will stitch the edges of the remaining hymen together. By doing this, the hymen will grow back together as it heals. Women undergoing hymen restoration will also experience a tightening of the vaginal walls.

However, if the existing broken hymen is not enough to be used for a reconstruction or if the individual in question was born without a hymen, it is possible for the surgeon to construct a new hymen that will be very similar to the natural hymen.

Specialist surgeons perform this type of surgery and it usually takes about 1-2 hours in theatre and you should be able to return to work the next day; patients should not need an overnight stay in hospital.

Risks

With both surgery options there are some risks involved, these can include:

• Anaesthesia complications
• Haematoma
• Infection
• Loss of sensation
• Numbness for a few months

However, these risks are rare and regulatory pre-operation checks are carried out in order to reduce and prevent these conditions from materialising. Patients are also sometimes provided with a course of antibiotics as a precautionary measure after surgery.