Labioplasty – The Hidden Truths

Labiaplasty or Labioplasty?

Both terms are correct, and I will use them both throughout this blog.

Are there many women who have Labioplasty surgery?

Yes. With increased media attention over the years, more and more (generally younger) women are seeking surgery to relieve the various problems they suffer.

Is Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty the same thing?

• A common question, but very definitely” No”.
• Labioplasty addresses the labia minora.
• A Specialist Plastic Surgeon performs Labiaplasty.
• Vaginoplasty is tightening of the vagina, generally after multiple pregnancies.
• A Specialist Gynaecologist would perform these surgeries.
• Dr McGovern performs Labioplasty only.

What sort of problems can Labiaplasty fix?

Most commonly the reason is excessively long labia, and embarrassment caused when wearing tight clothes, but it can be any of the following:

• Very asymmetric labia minora
• Problematic scar tissue on the labia, caused through childbirth
• Painful intercourse because of either of the above points

Will I have reduced sensation after Labioplasty?

Done correctly, Labiaplasty should not change the sensation in any way. In fact, it is often performed to relieve pain!

Many surgeons simply chop off excessive labial tissue. Dr McGovern does a sophisticated excision and flap repair to ensure that any scar tissue is away from sensitive areas that may become problematic during intercourse.

Do your research and ensure that the surgeon performing this procedure is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons.

Do I have to go to the hospital to have Labioplasty?

• Labioplasty is performed under an anaesthetic. You do not want to be awake when they inject a local anaesthetic into your labia!
• Labioplasty is an hour-long operation in Dr McGovern’s hands as he does a delicate repair of the labia, which takes additional time.
• Labioplasty is performed as a day procedure in a hospital.
• Dr McGovern chooses to perform this at the Sunshine Coast Day Surgery.
• Unless you really love pain, run away from anyone offering to do this under local anaesthetic!
• We use a qualified anaesthetist to perform your anaesthetic.
• You will spend half a day in the hospital.
• You do need someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight.

What is the recovery after Labiaplasty?

You will want to take it easy for a few days, this is a surgical procedure.

• Dr McGovern likes to see you in follow-up 6 days following surgery.
• You return to work will depend on what you do. If it is a physical job, you may require up to 2 weeks off work.
• Otherwise,1 week off work is normal.

Is there anything special that I need to do after surgery?

• You will not have any dressings in place, just an antibiotic ointment to apply to the sutures twice daily.
• We will ask you to do daily salt baths to prevent any infection.
• No tight clothes for a couple of weeks.
• No penetrative intercourse for 6 weeks.
• Refrain from exercise for a week.
• Refrain from bike riding, horse riding etc for 6 weeks.
• Your results will be obvious immediately.

I’m self-conscious and concerned about the consultation with the surgeon.

• Firstly, Dr McGovern is a specialist plastic surgeon that you are consulting with. They deal with all sorts of anatomy every day.
• The consultation process involves mostly talking.
• The actual examination is very short. The surgeon just needs to see that you do actually have a problem and the extent of the problem.
• It is way quicker and easier than a pap smear!
• Dr McGovern always has a chaperone in the room when he examines labiaplasty patients, so you know you are safe. You are behind a curtain. The chaperone is there as an auditory witness.

How long after Labioplasty can I have sexual intercourse?

We suggest you wait 6 weeks before any penetrative sexual activity.

Am I too old to have Labioplasty?

No, but we do find that the majority of women we see are in their 20s.

Provided you are fit and healthy and you have a genuine problem, there is no reason to not perform Labiaplasty on women of any age.

I would like to see the results of Labiaplasty so I know what can be achieved.

Dr McGovern has lots of before and after photos of Labiaplasty that he has performed, but we feel these are not suitable for the internet.

Our Cosmetic Consultant can take you through a PowerPoint presentation explaining Labiaplasty in detail, with many before and after photos of Dr McGovern’s work.

These consultations are done in the privacy of our rooms, or if you prefer, we can do a Zoom call. This service is available once you have made an appointment to see Dr McGovern. There is no charge for this service.

To take advantage of this offer and make an appointment with Dr McGovern, please call Katherine to make an appointment on 0409792922.