Labiaplasty

Individualised labiaplasty surgery planned around your anatomy, symptoms and treatment goals, with careful consideration of function and sensation.

What is a labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces or reshapes the labia minora, the inner folds of tissue surrounding the vaginal opening.

There is a wide range of normal variation in the size, shape, colour and symmetry of the labia. Surgery is not required simply because the labia extend beyond the outer labia or differ from one side to the other.

Some patients consider labiaplasty because the labial tissue causes ongoing irritation, pulling or discomfort during exercise, cycling, sexual activity or when wearing particular clothing. Others may wish to discuss changes in shape or asymmetry that concern them.

Dr Katie-Beth Webster will assess your anatomy, symptoms, general health and reasons for considering surgery before discussing whether labiaplasty is appropriate and what surgical approach may be suitable.

Is labiaplasty right for me?

Labiaplasty may be considered where enlarged, elongated or asymmetrical labial tissue contributes to:

  • irritation, rubbing or chafing

  • discomfort during exercise or cycling

  • discomfort during sexual activity

  • pulling or pinching of the labial tissue

  • difficulty with certain clothing

  • concerns about labial shape or asymmetry that you would like to discuss with a surgeon

Suitability is individual. Your general health, anatomy, symptoms, expectations and reasons for considering surgery will all form part of the assessment.

Importantly, there is no single “normal” or ideal appearance of the labia. During consultation, Dr Webster can explain the anatomical variation present and discuss surgery alongside the option of not proceeding with treatment.

What you can expect

Every labiaplasty is planned individually. The amount and distribution of labial tissue, symptoms, natural anatomy and the importance of preserving tissue, sensation and function all influence the surgical approach.

  • our consultation provides a private setting to discuss the symptoms or concerns that have led you to consider labiaplasty.

    Dr Webster will assess the size, shape, symmetry and distribution of the labial tissue and discuss whether surgery is likely to address the particular concern you have identified.

    Your medical history, medications, smoking status, previous surgery, childbirth history and factors that may affect healing will also be reviewed.

    If surgery is being considered for cosmetic purposes, Australian Medical Board requirements include a referral from an independent GP or other eligible medical specialist, at least two pre-operative consultations and a cooling-off period before surgery can proceed.

    Dr Webster will explain the surgical options, anticipated scars, recovery, possible changes in sensation and the potential risks and limitations before you decide whether surgery is appropriate for you.

  • Labiaplasty may be performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on the procedure and individual circumstances.

    The two commonly used approaches are the trim technique and wedge technique.

    With a trim technique, excess tissue is removed along the outer edge of the labia minora.

    With a wedge technique, a section of tissue is removed while preserving more of the natural outer labial edge.

    Neither technique is inherently better for every patient. The appropriate approach depends on the distribution of tissue, natural anatomy and the degree of change being considered.

    The incisions are generally closed with dissolving sutures, and labiaplasty is commonly performed as day surgery.

  • welling, bruising, tenderness and temporary changes in sensation are expected during the early recovery period.

    Swelling can make the labia appear uneven or more prominent initially and takes time to resolve. Cold compresses and supportive underwear may be recommended during early recovery.

    Light daily activity can generally resume relatively early, although strenuous exercise, cycling and activities that create friction or pressure through the area need to be restricted while healing.

    Sexual intercourse also needs to be avoided until the incisions have healed adequately. Katie's current guidance recommends avoiding strenuous exercise, cycling and sexual intercourse for approximately four to six weeks, although individual advice will depend on your healing.

    The tissues continue to soften and settle over the following weeks and months.

Why choose Dr Katie-Beth Webster?

As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Katie-Beth Webster provides individualised assessment and surgical planning for labiaplasty.

Your consultation includes consideration of your symptoms, anatomy and reasons for seeking treatment rather than focusing on appearance alone.

Dr Webster will explain normal anatomical variation, the surgical techniques available, anticipated recovery, scarring, possible changes in sensation and the potential complications of surgery so that you can make an informed decision about whether treatment is appropriate for you.

Considering labiaplasty?

A private consultation with Dr Katie-Beth Webster provides an opportunity to discuss your symptoms or concerns, understand the normal variation in labial anatomy and receive individualised advice about whether surgery may be appropriate.

Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers labiaplasty consultations in Melbourne, with appointments available in Box Hill and East Melbourne.

Book a consultation

Common questions about labiaplasty

    • Enlarged, elongated, or asymmetrical labia causing irritation or discomfort

    • Pain during exercise, cycling, or sexual activity

    • Visible labial protrusion in clothing or swimwear

    • Desire for improved genital symmetry and proportion

    • Performed under local or general anaesthesia

    • Two main techniques:

      • Trim technique: removes tissue along the labial edge for a smooth, even contour

      • Wedge technique: excises a central wedge of tissue, preserving the natural border and pigmentation
        (See here for more information)

    • Dissolving sutures are used to close incisions with minimal visible scarring

    • Operation time approximately 1 hour; day surgery in most cases

    • Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort for several days

    • Cold compresses and supportive underwear aid comfort

    • Light activity resumed within a few days; avoid strenuous exercise, cycling, and sexual intercourse for 4–6 weeks

    • Most swelling resolves within 2–3 weeks

  • A trim labiaplasty removes tissue along the outer labial edge, while a wedge procedure removes a section of tissue while retaining more of the existing natural edge.

    Both techniques have advantages and limitations, and neither is appropriate for every patient.

    The technique recommended will depend on your anatomy, the amount and distribution of tissue and the change being planned.

    • Smoother, smaller, and more symmetrical labia

    • Scars are fine and typically inconspicuous

    • Sensation and function are preserved; aesthetic results continue to refine over several months

    • Potential risks include bleeding, haematoma, infection, delayed wound healing, wound separation, visible or uncomfortable scarring, asymmetry and contour irregularity.

      There is also a risk of removing too much or too little tissue, temporary or permanent changes in sensation and the possibility of requiring revision surgery.

      As with any operation, there are also risks associated with anaesthesia.

      Dr Webster will discuss the risks relevant to your anatomy, health and proposed surgical technique during the consultation and consent process.

  • Results are permanent, though natural ageing and childbirth may cause minor changes. Good hygiene and avoidance of friction during healing optimise the final outcome.