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Labiaplasty is a fast-growing area of plastic surgery. Around 190,000 procedures are performed every year around the world, marking a 66% increase since 2013. Booking your own labiaplasty consultation, though, can feel a little daunting.
If you’re nervous, you’re certainly not alone. Labiaplasty is an intimate procedure, and it’s not unusual to feel anxious or self-conscious when discussing your options with a surgeon. The right team, though, will make you feel comfortable and confident from the get-go.
If you’re looking for the best surgeon for your labiaplasty in London, we’re here to help. Our gynaecologists have put together everything you need to know to make a choice that’s right for you.
What is Labiaplasty?
Often referred to as the ‘designer vagina’ procedure, labiaplasty alters the size and appearance of your labia – specifically, the labia minora. These are the areas of skin on either side of your vaginal opening.
At Gynaedoctors, labiaplasty is one of our most popular aesthetic surgeries. Women choose it for a variety of reasons, including:
- Unhappiness with the appearance of their labia: A rising number of women feel self-conscious about the look of their labia. For the two-thirds who find labia-related anxiety negatively impacts their sex life, and the 35% of women who avoid smear tests because of the same concerns, labiaplasty is about gaining confidence in their appearance.
- Discomfort due to their labia: Some women find their labia to be uncomfortable, often due to friction and sensitivity when the skin comes into contact with clothing. By reducing its size through labiaplasty, they can embrace everyday comfort.
- Post-partum changes in appearance: Genital trauma after childbirth is normal, and it can change how your labia looks. Labiaplasty offers a way to restore the look of the vulva to a pre-childbirth condition, restoring self-esteem.
Why is a Good Plastic Surgeon Important?
A skilled, experienced plastic surgeon makes all the difference when it comes to labiaplasty (and all plastic surgery in general). They need a steady hand, good eye, and technical precision, as well as in-depth knowledge of the procedure.
Without a skilled surgeon, you’re far less likely to achieve your desired look. It also increases the risk of complications, like scar tissue and long-term sensitivity. A surgeon who knows what they’re doing, on the other hand, will be able to confidently align their work with your labia goals for a neat, natural-looking finish.
You also need a surgeon who’s respectful and listens. Someone who’ll understand why you’re choosing labiaplasty and what you’re hoping for, and walk you through the procedure clearly. The best choice for your labiaplasty is a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable when talking about your labia and going into the procedure.
Aftercare’s also an important consideration here. Without a good surgeon, you might be left to take care of your post-surgery labia alone and with very little guidance. This delays healing and increases your risk of infections.
The right team, however, will put as much care into your healing as they do the procedure.
While aesthetic outcomes are certainly a good enough reason to be picky with your surgeon, this really comes down to safety. You don’t want to risk your health in the hands of a surgeon you don’t trust, so it’s crucial you take the time to find the best choice for your labiaplasty.
How to Choose a Labiaplasty Surgeon
Whether you’re looking for a consultation or are certain this is the surgery for you, the first step is always choosing the right labiaplasty surgeon. Our gynaecologists have put together exactly what you need to look out for and how to find the best surgeon for your labiaplasty.
Look for Trusted Qualifications
Often, you’ll choose a clinic that offers labiaplasty before choosing a surgeon. Make sure the clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the UK’s independent health regulator that upholds safety and quality standards across the industry.
Registering with the CQC is a legal requirement for all UK cosmetic surgery clinics. If the clinic isn’t registered, don’t listen to any excuses or explanations; just walk away.
Within the clinic, your labiaplasty surgeon should be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Again, this is a non-negotiable legal requirement.
You can also look for other credentials, such as being a member of the British Association of Plastic Reconstruction and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).
While these aren’t essential, they’re a good sign that the surgeon takes their role seriously and meets excellent industry standards.
Always Book An In-Person Consultation
An in-person consultation is absolutely essential before a labiaplasty. If a surgeon is insisting that you skip the consultation, avoid them at all costs.
Once you’ve booked your consultation, look out for green flags like:
- A clean, professional clinic environment
- A surgeon who takes time to listen to your concerns without rushing you
- Clear, honest explanations of the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes
- No pressure to commit or book surgery on the spot
- A focus on your safety (including chats about recovery)
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
Your surgeon should also request a physical assessment of your labia during your in-person consultation. This is to assess your suitability and help your surgeon prepare for the procedure. By understanding what your labia looks like now, they’ll be able to recommend the best approach to suit your desired outcomes.
A good surgeon will always ensure you feel relaxed before a physical assessment and are happy to go ahead. If you feel pressured or uncomfortable, it’s a sign you’re not with the best surgeon for your procedure.
At Gynaedoctors, our initial consultations for labiaplasty are completely free. This is to ensure all of our clients feel comfortable coming in to speak to our team, without any financial restrictions, and we can get your procedure off on the right foot.
Book a labiaplasty consultation.
Ask About Labiaplasty Experience
Not all plastic surgeons specialise in labiaplasty, so it’s important to ask about their specific experience with this procedure. You might want to know how often they perform labiaplasty, how long they have been doing it, and whether they have a consistent track record of positive outcomes.
This is also a good chance to ask about education. Learn more about their specialist areas and the universities they’ve attended, gauging just how experienced they are.
Remember, too, that these are all normal questions. A surgeon who isn’t happy to chat about their background is a red flag.
Review the Surgeon’s Portfolio
Alongside experience, before-and-after photos of a surgeon’s work can tell you just how competent they are. This is a great way to assess their technique and aesthetic, too, and ensure it aligns with your desired outcome.
As you look through the photos, pay attention to details such as symmetry, proportion, and how natural the results are. Anything that looks overcorrected or unnatural could be a red flag, though you may want to ask what the client wanted before reaching a conclusion.
Your surgeon should be happy to talk you through their portfolio and answer any questions you have. They should sound confident and approachable, making the experience as stress-free as possible.
Ask About Different Approaches
There are different methods for labiaplasties. The most common are the trim method, in which the edge of the labia is removed, and the wedge method, which maintains your natural edge. There’s also de-epithelialisation, which removes the outer layer of skin to reduce the size and thickness of your labia.
Your surgeon should have experience with multiple (if not all) labiaplasty techniques.
Prioritise Good Communication
Clear, open communication is essential when choosing a labiaplasty surgeon. From your first enquiry through to your final follow-up, you should feel able to ask as many questions as you want to, and receive honest, straightforward answers every step of the way.
Consultations should help you feel confident in your decisions, too. Your surgeon should explain options thoroughly (but in easy-to-understand language) and be honest about potential risks, all while ensuring you aren’t rushed or pressured into a choice you later regret.
In an ideal consultation, it’ll feel like you’re working with the surgeon. This should be a collaborative space to share your goals and ideas, where expectations are discussed honestly. A good surgeon will always leave room for your input while helping you understand what you can expect from your labiaplasty.
How Much Does a Labiaplasty Cost in the UK?
At our labiaplasty private clinic, costs begin at £2,500. This includes a free consultation worth £250 and essential aftercare.
For a more detailed quote, we recommend speaking to our team of gynaecologists.
There’s also the option for labia majora augmentation using fillers, which starts at £800. This targets the folds of skin from which your pubic hair grows, and isn’t as intrusive as a labiaplasty.
How Painful is Labiaplasty Recovery?
In general, recovery from labiaplasty is uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. A good surgeon will ensure you’re given the right pain medication and advise you on how to promote healing while reducing discomfort.
As a form of plastic surgery, recovery from labiaplasty is generally easy, with full healing expected in 6 weeks. When compared to the hardest plastic surgery to recover from – an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), which can take 2-3 months to heal – it’s considered relatively manageable.
Book a Labiaplasty Consultation
We’re a fully-certified clinic with a team of qualified, experienced gynaecologists. Our labiaplasty surgeons are renowned for their excellent communication and post-surgery results, and we strive to make every procedure as comfortable as possible.
For a choice that you feel confident with, speak to our trusted labiaplasty surgeons.