From beginnings in 1983, female genital cosmetic surgery has evolved. Reasons for this may 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 takes place over time and may be present from the teenage years or may be exacerbated by pregnancy and subsequent childbirth, along with other factors. 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. The operation involves the conservative removal of excess tissue. It is always performed as a day case under general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital setting.
It is important to remember, any invasive procedure carries risks and individual results may vary depending on factors, not limited to but including age, genetics, diet, lifestyle and existing medical conditions. Before any surgery, we recommend you consult a qualified health practitioner who should discuss with you at length these risks including possible complications and recovery/aftercare instructions specific to your procedure. If unsure, always seek a second opinion from a specialist plastic surgeon.
