For many women, the decision to consider labiaplasty surgery begins not with aesthetics, but with ongoing physical discomfort. Enlarged or asymmetrical labia minora can cause friction during everyday activities, interfere with exercise, or lead to persistent difficulties with hygiene and clothing. Understanding the medical context for labiaplasty surgery, and the surgical considerations involved, is an important part of making an informed decision.
Dr Jane Paterson is a FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeon based at Epworth Hospital in Richmond, Melbourne, with more than 20 years of experience performing labiaplasty. A GP referral is required for all consultations, and a 7-day cooling-off period applies before any cosmetic surgery proceeds.
What Does Labiaplasty Surgery Address?
Labiaplasty surgery is a procedure that modifies the labia minora, the inner folds of the vulva, and in some cases the labia majora. The aim may be to reduce excess or asymmetrical tissue that causes physical discomfort, or to address anatomical irregularities affecting daily comfort.
Women who consider labiaplasty for medical or anatomical reasons may experience one or more of the following:
- Chafing or friction during walking, running, or cycling
- Discomfort when wearing fitted clothing or swimwear
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse
- Difficulty with hygiene
- Asymmetry between the left and right labia minora
A clinical assessment is required to determine individual suitability. Labiaplasty surgery is not medically necessary for all women who experience these concerns, and all options should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified plastic surgeon before any decision is made.
Surgical Techniques Used in Labiaplasty
Dr Jane’s preferred surgical technique used in labiaplasty is the Trim Technique. Dr Jane will discuss this technique, your individual anatomy, the extent and location of tissue involved, and the clinical goals established during consultation.
Trim Technique
The trim technique involves removing excess tissue along the outer edge of the labia minora. This approach addresses labial protrusion along the border and is suited to patients where excess tissue extends beyond the natural contour.
The most appropriate technique for each patient is discussed and confirmed during consultation with Dr Jane Paterson, where individual anatomy and goals are assessed carefully.
Risks and Surgical Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, labiaplasty surgery carries risks that should be understood before proceeding. These include:
- Bleeding or haematoma formation
- Infection
- Bruising and swelling
- Changes in sensation
- Scarring
- Asymmetry in the final result
All risks and considerations will be discussed in full during your consultation and can be found on our risks page https://www.drjanepaterson.com.au/risk/. Individual outcomes cannot be guaranteed and depend on a range of factors, including healing response, anatomy, and the nature of the procedure. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Recovery Following Labiaplasty
Recovery after labiaplasty typically requires an initial period of rest. Most patients are advised to take two to three days of bed rest following the procedure, with swelling generally subsiding over one to two weeks. Return to light activities and work is usually possible within one to two week, although more vigorous exercise and intercourse should be avoided for approximately six weeks.
Post-operative care instructions are provided by Dr Jane Paterson, and follow-up appointments are arranged to monitor healing. The timeline for recovery varies between individuals, and patients are encouraged to contact our rooms with any questions during this period.
The Consultation Process
Every patient journey begins with a private, confidential consultation with Dr Jane Paterson herself. During this appointment, she will listen carefully to your concerns, conduct a clinical examination, review your medical history, and discuss the most appropriate approach for your individual anatomy and circumstances.
Labiaplasty surgery is not a uniform procedure. The consultation exists to ensure that every patient is fully informed, that expectations are realistic, and that all questions about the procedure, recovery, cost, and surgical technique are addressed with care before any decision is made.
A GP referral is required for all consultations with Dr Jane Paterson. Your GP can assist with the referral and answer preliminary questions about whether a surgical consultation is appropriate for your situation.
Taking the Next Step
For women in Melbourne and across Victoria considering their options, Dr Jane Paterson offers a supportive, confidential environment where decisions can be made with time and care. Her practice focuses exclusively on plastic surgery for women, and she consults personally with every patient.
To arrange a consultation, contact the practice at Epworth Hospital, Suite 8.4, 89 Bridge Road, Richmond VIC 3122, call (03) 9429 3343. Further information about labiaplasty and Dr Jane Paterson’s approach is available at www.drjanepaterson.com.au.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Dr Jane Paterson, MBBS(Hons), FRACS (Plast), Specialist Plastic Surgeon AHPRA Registration: MED0001141949 Member ASPS, ASAPS, ANZBCPS