Labia reduction is a very sensitive and personal subject and many women often do not dare to talk about it or make a consultation appointment for a long time, which is why they often carry the problem with them for many years.
The size and shape of the labia minora varies from woman to woman. Many women find it unaesthetic when the labia minora are enlarged or flaccid and not covered by the labia majora. In addition to the aesthetic component and restrictions in intimacy, large labia can also lead to pain and discomfort in everyday life, during sports such as horseback riding or cycling, or when wearing tight pants.
Labia reduction, also called labiaplasty, can eliminate the discomfort and the feeling of shame that often exists and lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life.
In a trusting atmosphere and in a woman-to-woman conversation, Dr. Lüdi will address your concerns and advise you in detail on the subject of labia reduction.
Consultation regarding labia minora reduction
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Lüdi specializes in intimate surgery and has experience in labia reduction. In an initial detailed consultation in a calm and trusting atmosphere, Dr. Lüdi will take the time to address your concerns, analyze the findings together with you and advise you on treatment options. Furthermore, Dr. Lüdi will explain the surgical technique and the exact incision of a labia reduction with the help of pictures and drawings and discuss the aftercare as well as possible risks and complications with you. It is very important to us that you are well informed about the procedure, that all open questions are answered and that your wishes are taken into account.
On the day of surgery for labiaplasty
Our team of women will welcome you in a pleasant, discreet and quiet atmosphere in our clinic. Approximately 20 minutes before the operation, an anesthetic cream will be applied to the labia region, so that afterwards the fine punctures for the local anesthetic will no longer be felt as painful. You will then be prepared for the upcoming operation and accompanied to the operating room.
The operation - how does a labia operation proceed?
Labia reduction plastic surgery (labia minora surgery) is performed in our clinic's own operating room in Basel on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia (if desired, also under twilight sleep or general anesthesia). After precise marking of the excess tissue, the excess skin is removed and the remaining tissue is symmetrically tightened. The edges of the wound are precisely sutured together with fine, self-dissolving sutures so that the scars are very fine and hardly visible after healing. In certain cases, a tightening of the clitoral mantle can also be performed in the same operation for an aesthetic result.
Immediately after surgery
After the operation, you will rest in our beautiful patient room with a view of the Rhine and the pubic region will be cooled. Already about an hour later you can go home and be picked up by a trusted person if necessary.
The aftercare after labiaplasty
- Take it easy for the first 3 to 4 days.
- To reduce swelling, we recommend regular cooling of the pubic region during the first days.
- Showering is allowed from the first postoperative day.
- A disinfectant spray should be applied to the labia after each visit to the toilet.
- A bandage is not necessary. We recommend that you put a sanitary napkin in your underwear for the first few days after surgery.
- The sutures used are self-dissolving, so no suture removal is necessary.
- For a problem-free healing process, you should observe physical rest during the first 4 to 6 weeks after the operation and avoid friction in the intimate area, sports, sexual intercourse as well as sauna and bath visits.
Labia reduction - risks and complications
Adverse events and complications are very rare after labia reduction. Temporary swelling of the pubic region is to be expected in the first days after the operation. In isolated, rare cases, secondary bleeding, wound healing problems or infection may occur.
Labia reduction costs
The costs for a labia reduction in Basel depend on your wishes, the type and extent of the operation and the type of anesthesia. During a consultation, Dr. Lüdi will put together a treatment tailored to you personally and provide you with an individual cost estimate.
As a rule, the health insurance does not cover the costs of reducing the labia, as the procedure is mainly considered aesthetic. In rare, extreme cases, the health insurance company may cover part of the costs of the operation after a prior request for cost approval.
Frequently asked questions
Read also our Journal article "Intimate surgery from woman to woman".
Simona Lüdi, MD, will be happy to welcome you for a personal consultation for labia reduction at our clinic in Basel. We look forward to seeing you.