Pictures Dr. Robert H. Stubbs

If you are uncomfortable with the size or shape of the inner lips of the vulva, a labia reduction may offer the solution.

Labia minora – inner lip - reduction surgery is a very often preformed procedure at the Wellness Kliniek.

You can decide about the size of your labia yourself. However, it is important to remember the biological function of the labia minora. They protect the vaginal orifice when spreading the thighs. Therefore, over correction is best avoided. A short protective rim of labia is usually left in place, covered by the greater lips.

During the procedure, the inner lips of the vulva are reduced or made to look more symmetric. Although the procedure is usually aesthetic, in order to improve vaginal self-image, it may also be indicated because of pain during intercourse, cyc1ing or sport.

Sometimes abnormalities need to be corrected such as severe overgrowth, asymmetry or scarring. We focus on the aesthetic appeal of the labia minora. Scars are minimal and normally only visible to the trained eye. Sensitivity is normally not interfered with: psychological and relational components of dysfunctional vaginal experience can neither be caused, nor treated by surgery.

Procedures

• Labia reduction: Most patients are happy after simple removal of the redundant labia.
• Labioplasty: A more complicated technique preserves some of the outer, dark brown skin, by removing more of the internal skin.
• Clitoral hood reduction: When desired, redundant skin protruding from the clitoral area can be surgically removed.

Please note that clitoral surgery is done solely for the personal benefit of the individual patient. We absolutely do not do any form of female circumcision or genital mutilation, regardless of one's cultural beliefs.

Aftercare

Most patients feel fine immediately after surgery. However, the most common complication is after bleeding in the first few hours after surgery. Therefore we urge you to stay at our clinic, or in the area, for at least four hours after surgery.
After the procedure you wear a panty liner. A daily bath or gentle shower ensures quick healing.
The sutures dissolve spontaneously so there is no need for physical removal. Normal activity can be recommenced after 2 weeks in case of labia reduction or 4 weeks in case of labioplasty.

Most patients are very happy after labia reduction. They often wish to have had surgery much earlier. Their regained comfort and self esteem significantly improves their quality of life.

In our clinic Plastic Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery is combined with specialised Gynaecology: Our specialist surgeons are working together in a multi-disciplinary setup under ISO 9001 controlled Quality.