Dr. Sangeeta Thakurani

Labiaplasty

A labiaplasty is surgery to reduce the size of the labia minora – the flaps of skin either side of the vaginal opening.

It should not be done on girls younger than 18 because the labia continues to develop beyond puberty into early adulthood.

Some women want a labiaplasty because they do not like the look of their labia. But it's completely normal to have noticeable skin folds around the opening of your vagina. In most cases, it does not cause any problems, which is why labiaplasty is rarely available on the NHS.

What to think about before you have a labiaplasty

Having a labiaplasty is a big decision that you should think about carefully. It can be expensive and carries a number of risks.

There's also no guarantee you'll get the result you expected, and it will not necessarily make you feel better about your body.

If you're thinking about having a labiaplasty, discuss it with your GP first.

You may have a condition that's causing discomfort, which can be treated. Or there may be a reason why the operation is not suitable for you.

Your GP may advise you to speak to a counsellor or psychologist before committing to surgery.

How much does a labiaplasty cost?

In the UK, a labiaplasty costs about £2,000 to £4,000, plus the cost of any consultations or follow-up care that may not be included in the price.

You cannot usually get a labiaplasty on the NHS

A labiaplasty is not usually available on the NHS. But it may be offered in some circumstances – for example, if the vaginal lips are abnormal, to repair tears after childbirth, or to remove cancerous tissue if a woman has vulval cancer.