Labiaplasty in Cyprus

Labial anatomy varies widely between individuals, and variation is not in itself a problem. Ageing and childbirth can change the appearance of the area, and some women have enlarged labia minora from an early age.

Where enlargement causes symptoms — pain, irritation, recurrent urinary tract infections, difficulty with exercise, hygiene or intercourse — surgery is considered on functional grounds. Labial hypertrophy does not usually affect health, so the threshold for operating is whether it is affecting quality of life or preventing normal activity.

What labiaplasty does

Labiaplasty reduces the tissue of the labia minora and reshapes it so that it sits symmetrically within the labia majora. Specialised surgical technique is used to reshape the skin and fatty tissue; which technique is chosen depends on the individual case.

It is performed for both functional and aesthetic reasons.

The vagina itself is not normally addressed during a labiaplasty.

Timing

Most labiaplasties are performed on sexually mature women, because the labia continue to develop beyond puberty into early adulthood. Occasionally women under 18 have the operation where enlarged labia minora cause significant difficulty with routine physical activity.

As well as being congenital, labial enlargement can develop after childbirth and after hormone treatment.

What the surgery involves

Anaesthesia General anaesthesia, administered by a board-certified anaesthesiologist. Local anaesthetic may also be used, to limit bleeding and bruising during surgery and to keep the area numb for several hours afterwards.

Trim technique Excess tissue is removed with a straight-line incision along the edge of the labia, and the incision closed with absorbable sutures. This is the most commonly performed technique. It changes the shape and size of the whole labium minus and can address excess length, asymmetry and hyperpigmentation together.

Wedge technique A central V-shaped wedge of the labium minus is removed and the front and back portions stitched together, with the submucosa left intact. It suits asymmetry or excess length in the central third of the labium. It is less effective at reducing excess tissue elsewhere, and it does not remove the pigmented tissue at the leading edge.

Clitoral hood reduction Where there is redundant clitoral hood tissue, this can be performed as part of the same operation. Excess skin overhanging the clitoris is carefully trimmed and the overlying skin rearranged, without risk to the nerve supply or to sensation.

Recovery

Labiaplasty is day surgery. Admission is not required unless it is combined with other procedures.

Swelling, redness, bruising and discomfort are usual for the first few days and settle over about a week.

Daily activity can resume from the first day, other than anything that puts pressure on the wound. Prolonged sitting is avoided for the first two weeks. Most patients feel able to return to work within three to five days, though this varies.

Intercourse is deferred until the area has healed fully, at about six weeks.

Initial swelling settles over the first month, and the final result takes between six months and a year.

Post-operative advice covers:

• Keep the area clean and free from infection
• Avoid sexual activity for about six weeks
• Avoid physical activity for six to twelve weeks
• Wear loose underwear and clothing to avoid rubbing
• Use sanitary towels rather than tampons
• Avoid long showers, and pat the wound dry after washing
• No cycling, horse riding or running until cleared

Follow-up appointments are scheduled to track healing, and clearance to resume physical activity and intercourse is given at those.