From humble beginnings in 1983 female genital cosmetic surgery has become more and more popular particularly over the last decade. Reasons for the increasing popularity include growing social acceptance, the accessibility of genital images on the internet and hair removal procedures which increase the visibility of the genitalia.
Labia minora (inner lips of the vaginal entrance) elongation is a natural phenomenon which takes place over time and may be present naturally from the teenage years or may be exacerbated by pregnancy and subsequent childbirth. The changes that can occur to the labia include increase in length and width and also an increase in pigmentation making the labia appear darker and also more prominent with respect to the labia majora (outer lips).
Common symptoms include discomfort and pain with sporting activities and difficulty wearing underwear. This can be corrected surgically with a resolution of symptoms and a 95% satisfaction rate. The operation involves the careful and conservative removal of excess tissue. The surgery is performed as a day case under general anaesthetic in an approved hospital setting.
