Questions answered with clarity, care and discretion

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure performed to reduce and re-structure the labia minor (the inner lips on either side of the vaginal opening) of the vulval region. It is performed to improve comfort and confidence in intimate regions. This is a short (60 minutes approximately) day case procedure that does not require an overnight hospital stay.

Good candidates are adults who have physical discomfort from enlarged or asymmetric labia — chafing, tugging, or pain during exercise or sex — or who are bothered by the appearance and have realistic expectations about the outcome. They should be in good general health, non-smokers and not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

This is a minor surgical procedure designed to trim back protruding labia minora. It is backed by a solid evidence base and associated with a very high patient satisfaction outcome. All labiaplasty surgery procedures are performed by Mrs Raina Rdorigues , a fully certified consutlant plastic surgeon on the GMC specialist register, and in Europe in regulated facilities. As with any surgical procedure, risks exist and are discussed in full at consultation before any decision to proceed.

Labiaplasty surgery is a safe minor surgical procedure. The main risks are bleeding, infection, poor wound healing or wound separation, scarring, asymmetry, over- or under-correction, and temporary or (rarely) lasting changes in sensation. Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome can also mean revision surgery is needed. Serious complications are uncommon with an experienced surgeon but aren't impossible — which is part of why surgeon experience and technique matter so much here.

Yes this is a very popular procedure. Mrs Raina Rodrigues is one of the busiest labiaplasty plastics surgeons, performing an average of 10 labiaplasty procedures per month. Labiaplasty is consistently one of the most requested cosmetic gynaecology procedures in the UK, appearing in the BAAPS British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) annual surgical audit every year.

Not necessarily. Labiaplasty surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic involves injections into the area to be operated to numb it.on or During general anaesthetic, an anaesthetist will put you to sleep for the duration of the procedure.

Most people describe it as soreness or tenderness rather than sharp pain — generally manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief for the first few days.

Dr Raina Rodrigues makes it a point to conceal her labiaplasty scars in the free edge of the labia minora using her unique "embroidered edge" technique to decrease their visibility. The scars are tapered at their beginning and end so that the start and end of the scar is blends in seamlessly with the remainder of the vulval skin.

Using her unique "embroidered edge" labiaplasty technique, Mrs Raina Rdorigues places her scars int he free edge of the newly reconstructed labia minora during labiaplasty surgery. This way it is virtually impossible to see the scars after they have healed. The labia minora edge is trimmed back to leave a 10mm margin of residual labia minora that sits within the confines of the labia majora.

No, not at all. Just let your surgeon know before the procedure and please remove any tampons immediately before going into the operating theatre. You' will not be able to use tampons for 6 weeks after labiaplasty surgery

Please allow 6 weeks after labiaplasty surgery for sex and penetration.

This will not have any impact on your ability to deliver a baby naturally (vaginal delivery). However, it is part of your gynaecological history and should be mentioned during your ante-natal appointments. Of course, tears or episiotomy scars may go through the labia minora.

No, Mrs Raina Rodrigues has a very strict no nicotine policy. You must be nicotine free for6 weeks before the labiaplasty surgery and 6 weeks after. This includes smoking cigarettes, vaping using nicotine or second hand smoke. Each patient is tested immediately before surgery and the procedure will be cancelled. This will incur a loss of funds paid and other financial implications depending on the operating theatre facility's terms and conditions.

Yes, nicotine (whether from smoking, patches, vaping or second hand smoke) constricts blood vessels and impairs wound healing, which raises the risk of poor healing, infection, and scarring. Raina Rodrigues requires stopping for a 6 week period before and after labiaplasty surgery so it's something to flag with the surgeon upfront.

Yes, Raina Rodrigues is a consultant plastic surgeon, dually qualified in Europe and in the UK, and on the specialist register for plastic surgery in the UK (GMC 6157214) an din Malta (2974). Further to her plastic surgery qualifications, she has undergone extensive further training in cosmetic facial surgery and cosmetic gynaecology and also holds an Msc in aesthetic plastic usrgery and a PhD in Plastic surgery and complex wound healing.

Yes, the consultant plastic surgeon Raina Rodrigues will see you during your consultation and will perform the labiaplasty surgery herself.

No, a 14 day cooling off period is mandatory. This is because we want to ensure that permanently altering the anatomy of your vulva is the correct decision for you. We leave time for a second (complimentary) consultation, to have all questions and concerns addressed and to put measures in place to facilitate an uneventful recovery.

Yes, absolutely. This make no difference to the surgeon. Just let her know. You will be asked to remove your tampon immediately prior to the labiaplasty procedure. You will be asked not to use tampons for up to six weeks following labiaplasty surgery.

Labiaplasty surgery is a safe minor surgical procedure. It is associated with a high satisfaction rate. However, as with any surgery, risks exist and are discussed in full at consultation. These risks include bleeding or haematoma formation, wound infection; wound breakdown, altered or reduced sensation in the treated area, a small degree of asymmetry, scarring that may more visible than expected, under- or over-correction, rarely, chronic pain at the scar site and displeasure with the cosmetic outcome.

There really isn't much to do by way of preparation. But two pairs of soft cotton (not lycra) breathable leggings and a pack of 5 cotton underpants. These should not be expensive as they may get ruined by the antibiotic ointment that is used following the surgery. Plan our your two week recovery period so you don't get bored while needing to take it easy during recovery. Plan transport to and from the clinic to ensure punctual arrival. Ensure you are completely nicotine free for a minimum of.6 weeks prior to the surgery. If you undergoing labiaplasty surgery under general anaesthetic, you will be asked to avoid anything to eat or drink for 6 hours before the surgery or from midnight the night before.

A few main things to follow post-op: keep the area clean by gently showering daily with warm water and pat it dry with a saft towel (rather than rubbing). Apply the prescribed ointment as advised. Avoid driving and prolonged periods of standing or sitting for two weeks. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, cycling, and horse riding are to be avoided for 4 weeks. Avoid sexual activity, tampon use baths and swimming or around 6 weeks. Don't smoke or vape, or use any form of nicotine since that impairs healing throughout recovery. Watch for signs of infection, increasing redness, swelling, discharge, or fever, and contact your surgeon if any of these appear. It also helps to rest for the first few days, use wrapped ice packs intermittently for swelling, wear loose cotton underwear, and use a doughnut cushion when sitting.

Yes, Raina Rodrigues takes great pride in providing natural looking results for labiaplasty surgery using her signature embroidered edge technique. She makes it a point to hide the scars in the free edge of the labia minora and to create the natural gently undulating soft frilled border. She makes it a point to leave enough tissue (a 10mm margin of the free edge) for this to look natural but not to protrude from the labia majora.

As yet, we don't have an accurate description of the ideal vulva. However, as plastic surgeons we aim to reduce the projection of the labia minora such that they sit within the labia majora without protruding. To ensure natural looking results 10mm of residual labia minora margin is left in situ.

The fees broken down into surgeon's fee, anaesthetic fee and facility (clinic or hospital) fee . The surgeon's may vary depending on the specific procedure required, its complexity or whether it is revision surgery. There would be an additional fee if sedation or general anaesthetic are required. The different facilities in which we operate have different fees. After your consultation, you will be given a quote. This quote is valid for 6 months. Should labiaplasty surgery be requested solely for cosmetic reasons, VAT will be added to the fee.

We asvise to wait a minimum of 4 weeks after labiaplasty surgery to resume exercise. Even then, exercise should be re-introduced gently ad gradually.

Yes, the tissue removed during labiaplasty does not grow back. The result is permanent. Future vaginal childbirth can stretch the remaining labial tissue which may also tear, thereby altering the results. Hormonal changes will also cause minor changes to labial tissue over time. However, the structural reduction achieved by surgery is maintained.