Labiaplasty

[Sparklykittycat]

Not AIBU however, I’m just curious if anyone has had the labiaplasty procedure and how it went for them? I have had issues with self esteem over this since I was 16 years old and have wanted it done for 12 years now. I experience painful chaffing, cycling and it getting stuck, pulled and swollen in certain underwear or clothing. I have been quoted extortionate prices however that was maybe 10 years ago so I’m thinking this may have changed. I’m also considering going abroad for the procedure if I have to.

If you had have it done was it worth it? Has it healed properly/caused any implications? I’ve read some horror stories about losing sensation or permanent scarring etc.

Apologies if this thread goes against the mumsnet rules, I really just want to hear from those that have had it so I can weigh up the pros and cons. Thank you!

I have had labiaplasty as a teen, due to ambiguous genitalia as an intersex person.
My vagina had fused closed and had to be opened at age 9, at age 12, and again at age 16, i had surgery to create "labia" that protects the vaginal cavity from bacteria etc.
Nowadays "labiaplasty" has become a surgical procedure for women who are unhappy with the appearance of their labia. Often after birth the labia can become a different shape, and often can lead to discomfort when wearing jeans of tight clothes. Some have self esteem issues if they believe the labia is excessive.
My comments?
YOU need your labia to protect you vagina, DO not be tempted to get it "cut" - it can lead to worse problems. Seek a professional surgeon who does what is known as "V" cut, --- which removes a section of labia, and sews it back up, neatly, NOT just a cut / trim, which can lead to MORE discomfort and painful intercourse - and issues if you want to have more children.

ONLY do if serious discomfort, DO not do for self esteem - PLEASE ..
I have seen some horror stories and sadly surgeons are not held to account...

I've only ever seen two labiaplasties but each one healed really well and there seemed to be minimal discomfort from the women

yes if done well it can resolve problems, but there is a risk, as it can't be undone, and once trimmed etc it is done.
I needed labiaplasty to even menstruate, so it can be very key surgery, .. i am just wary if for cosmetic reason ONLY

The same can be said for many cosmetic surgeries. I wouldn't underestimate the mental health side of this. It's just as important as the physical discomfort if not more.

If its purely because its perhaps rather large and getting caught painfully, then I'd consider surgery but I've seen some programs where women have had it removed too much and they've needed complex surgery to help relieve the problems incurred through 'neatening'.

You've got to be super careful.

I do not underestimate the mental issues, believe me!
I have ambiguous genitalia, and had to live as a female from age 9 to 19, with so much fear, i DO understand more than u can ever imagine.
Even now! not happy with my genitalia i 40+ years..
could not use female changing rooms as was so teased - and now - living as male, can't use male facilities as my body is too female.. would shock -
SO i DO understand... i just warn about making sure correct procedure is used, do not rush to cheapest option etc... seek REAL testimonials from other women or intersex ppl

indeed, if too much is taken, it can lead to so many issues, we need labia, and labia MUST be free to cover entire vaginal entrance -
so yes just be wary -
I do understand that discomfort issues, - hence do not do just for dream of having "porn type" labia -

You said don't do it for self esteem issues which seemed pretty dismissive of the mental side of things. I'm glad you didn't mean it like that then.

Had it done on the NHS as a teen as I experienced chafing and it getting caught when I wore right jeans etc.
It was fine - recovery was quick although I wasn’t sexually actively then.

I had one in my teens as one labia was excruciating and would bleed after sex.

It’s the best thing ever. I now have a neat vulva and can ride horses and bikes with comfort.

i did not mean to be dismissive - believe me, i am just wary of cosmetic surgery on vaginal area - if for vanity -
Sadly have had too much surgery down there, and sadly wary -

that is great to read, and a success - with got result -

yes it can be a common issue, and if serious discomfort it can be a solution if done correctly

sadly yet another topic of stigma, -

Pubic hair ( i have none being Androgen insensitive)
Labia appearance
Leg hair
Periods
Being intersex

We seem to avoid discussion about these issues

Thanks everyone for your replies. I finally plucked up the courage to speak with my gynecologist who mentioned that it could be one of the reasons causing reoccurring UTI’s throughout the past 10+ years. She has stated that males tend to be circumcised for the same reasons.

Great that you have found good advice from a medical professional who understands.
I am sure you will find a resolution - good luck -
No need to go abroad I hope. NHS should be able to do, especially is a cause of UTI issues -
But do mention the procedure, i believe it is called "V" cut - - has the best results. I had that as a teen - and has been ok.

@sam2112 thank you for the advice, I’ll definitely research more into it before making my decision!

@Sparklykittycat I’m thinking of having this procedure done as mine are uncomfortable and feel very long.

Good on you. I had one five years ago and I wish I’d had it as a teenager. I was very self conscious as it protruded a lot , it was also very uncomfortable riding bikes, wearing jeans, riding horses and it would chafe badly. Pick a registered, experienced surgeon and go for a natural looking (not barbie) type labiaplasty. I think you’ll love it . I just so regret waiting to have it done until I was in my 30s

@alwaysgrey I’m still researching mine but not sure how long it could take but I felt so relieved to even have the conversation with my gynecologist as it was something I was embarrassed to talk about for years

@ihatehashtags I hope I’m not being too personal but did you go private or have it done on NHS? I’m thinking if I save and pay privately, the results might be better than going through the NHS to a doctor who may not carry out as many of these surgery’s compared to a doctor who’s trained and only does this type of surgery

I went privately but in Australia.

I think people jump on this as vanity without understanding how sodding painful it is. I hate mine, in appearance and the constant pain, rearranging, discomfort in certain clothes, chaffing, getting caught, the wrong combination of jeans and pants can lead to a day of utter misery. This shouldn’t be taken lightly, it bloody hurts. I know here are women who have it done purely for appearance but for some of us it could be life changing.

I’m planning mine this year op, I don’t think I’d go abroad. The real self website has lots of very honest reviews, procedure diaries with photos etc.

My surgeon has advised a v cut, with further scaring removed from the the hood area.

@Redcherries can I ask who your surgeon is?

Mine makes me very uncomfortable. The lips get twisted together and bunch up. It’s not a vanity thing definitely as I’m not overly bothered about looks which people who met me can probably tell and my mum can attest to as it really bothers her.

This and the slight bald patch on the front of my head both really bother me.