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Concierge cosmetic gynaecology · UK

Labiaplasty, the way it should be done.

A BAAPS-registered plastic surgeon or BSCCP gynaecologist, a CQC day-case theatre, and a mandated cooling-off period between consult and surgery. Honest advice on technique, expectations, and whether it is the right step at all.

See indicative pricing
A radiographer guides a patient onto the bed of an advanced 3 Tesla MRI scanner in a London imaging suite

Why patients choose us

  • 01

    A BAAPS or BSCCP surgeon, in a CQC theatre

    Not a cosmetic clinic and not a training room. A named plastic surgeon or gynaecologist, a proper day-case theatre, and the anaesthetic that suits you.

  • 02

    A cooling-off period, honestly enforced

    Regulator guidance requires informed consent and written information. We insist on a proper interval between consult and surgery — not a same-day booking.

  • 03

    Independent, and free

    We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial. If we think you should not proceed, we say so.

Indicative pricing

What a private labiaplasty costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.

In short

A labiaplasty of the labia minora in our network: £2,500–£5,500, home the same day.

Procedure Indicative range
Labiaplasty minora (edge or wedge) £2,500–£5,500
Labiaplasty + clitoral hood reduction £3,500–£6,500
Labia majora reduction or fat-transfer £3,500–£6,500
Composite (wedge + partial trim) £3,000–£6,000
Revision labiaplasty £3,500–£7,000
Consultation only (with photographs) £200–£400

Prices vary by clinic, by surgeon, by the anaesthetic chosen, and by whether a clitoral hood reduction or majora work is added at the same visit. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.

The problem

The right surgeon, the right technique, and a proper cooling-off period.

Labiaplasty is one of the most heavily marketed cosmetic operations in the UK — often to women who have never been told what the natural spectrum looks like, or that a wedge is not the same as a trim. We fix all three problems before you commit.

  • Not sure it is needed?

    Natural labial length varies from 20 to 100mm+. Discomfort is a good reason to consider surgery — appearance alone deserves a much longer conversation.

  • Worried about technique?

    Wedge vs edge vs composite matters. We insist on a surgeon who discusses all three, with photographs, before you commit.

  • Want it done properly?

    A named BAAPS or BSCCP surgeon, a CQC day-case theatre, and a cooling-off period between consult and booking.

The journey

From enquiry to recovery — what happens, in order.

One clinician from first message to your 3-month review — including a mandated cooling-off period between consult and surgery.

  1. 01

    Before

    You tell us what is going on

    A short, confidential form. Whether the discomfort is functional (cycling, exercise, sex, tight clothes) or cosmetic, and how long it has been on your mind.

  2. 02

    Before

    We come back with a recommendation

    Within one working day: the right surgeon, the right technique (edge, wedge, composite), the anaesthetic, and an indicative price. If we think it is not the right step, we say so.

  3. 03

    Before

    Consultation and cooling-off

    Face-to-face consultation with photographs, written information, and a mandated interval before booking. Your health, cycle timing and expectations are all discussed.

  4. 04

    On the day

    Arrival at the day-case unit

    Arrival, consent and a chat with the surgeon and anaesthetist. Surgical marking is done with you standing or in lithotomy — never on the trolley.

  5. 05

    On the day

    The procedure itself

    30 to 90 minutes in a proper day-case theatre. LA plus IV sedation for most, GA for some. Fine absorbable 4-0 or 5-0 sutures, no packing.

  6. 06

    On the day

    Home the same day

    A short recovery, written aftercare, ice packs and saline wash-out instructions, and home within a few hours. With sedation or GA you will need someone to collect you.

  7. 07

    After

    Recovery and review

    Swelling settles over 2–4 weeks. No sex or tampons for 6 weeks. Final result at 3–6 months. A review is arranged at 6 weeks and 3 months.

Typical end-to-end: 3–4 weeks from enquiry to procedure (including cooling-off). Full result: 3–6 months.

When it helps

When labiaplasty is the right step — and when it is not.

The situations we see most, alongside the ones where a responsible surgeon should decline.

  • Chafing and irritation

    Discomfort with cycling, running, yoga, or tight clothing — the commonest functional reason for surgery.

  • Discomfort with intercourse

    Persistent tugging, pain or interference with sex from protruding or asymmetric labia minora.

  • Marked asymmetry

    One side noticeably longer or bulkier than the other — congenital, or acquired after childbirth or menopause.

  • Congenital hypertrophy

    A wide natural spectrum (20–100mm+). Surgery is for genuine functional or long-considered cosmetic reasons — not to reach an imagined norm.

  • Post-childbirth changes

    Stretch, tearing or asymmetry after vaginal delivery that has not settled, and is causing physical discomfort.

  • Considered cosmetic request

    A long-considered personal choice, with realistic expectations and a cooling-off period — never a same-day decision.

  • Gender-affirming adjunct

    As part of feminising genital surgery. See our dedicated page for the full pathway.

  • When we say no

    Adolescence, active body dysmorphic disorder, or an expectation of “perfect symmetry” — all reasons we do not proceed.

Technique options

Not every labiaplasty is the same operation.

What each technique on the table actually involves — and which fits which anatomy.

  • Edge (trim) labiaplasty

    Direct excision of the protruding labial edge. Simpler and faster, but removes the natural pigmented labial border.

  • Wedge (V-plasty)

    A V-shaped wedge is removed and edges reapproximated. Preserves the natural pigmented edge — more technical and the option most surgeons prefer where feasible.

  • Composite (wedge + partial trim)

    A wedge on the bulkiest area combined with a modest trim elsewhere — for pronounced or uneven redundancy.

  • De-epithelialisation

    For very mild redundancy: the surface is removed, the labial edge preserved intact. Only suitable for select anatomy.

  • Clitoral hood reduction

    Reduces excess skin around the clitoral hood that often accompanies labial hypertrophy. Frequently combined with a labiaplasty.

  • Labia majora surgery

    Fat transfer to augment deflated majora, or surgical reduction of bulky majora — chosen case by case.

  • Revision labiaplasty

    A corrective procedure where a previous operation has left over-resection (irreversible), under-resection, or persistent asymmetry.

  • Consultation only

    An honest discussion of whether surgery is right at all, and which technique fits — with photographs and a cooling-off period. No obligation.

Our vetted UK network

A small panel of surgeons, we picked them.

BAAPS and BAPRAS plastic surgeons and BSCCP-registered gynaecologists across London and the home counties. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.

Selection criteria

How we choose every surgeon in our network.

A modern UK day-case theatre set up for cosmetic gynaecology
Consultant-led cosmetic gynaecology
  • BAAPS / BAPRAS plastic surgeons, or BSCCP / BritSPAG-registered gynaecologists

  • CQC-registered day-case theatres with a consultant anaesthetist for sedation and GA

  • Written information, photographs and a mandated cooling-off period before booking

  • No surgery on under-18s except in exceptional functional cases with full safeguarding

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards — honestly.

Reported patient satisfaction is high (85–95%) for functional cases and for cosmetic cases with realistic expectations. But the risks are real — meticulous technique, strict post-op care, and honest conversation matter more than any single figure.

  • Wound dehiscence is the main concern

    Around 5–15% of patients get partial wound separation. Meticulous closure and strict post-op care (no bath, no cycling, no sex) are how we minimise it.

  • Bleeding, haematoma and infection

    Small bleeds and bruising are common. Significant haematoma or infection is uncommon and the team is prepared for both.

  • Over-resection is irreversible

    Taking too much cannot be undone and looks worse than the starting point. A conservative surgeon is the safer surgeon.

  • Asymmetry after healing

    Natural asymmetry is the norm, and some residual asymmetry after healing is expected. Revision is possible after 6 months if it is bothering you.

  • Altered sensation — usually temporary

    Reduced or altered sensation for weeks is common and almost always recovers. Persistent sensory change is rare with careful technique.

  • No sex, tampons or gym for six weeks

    The single biggest cause of stitch failure is early activity. Six weeks is not negotiable, however tempting.

  • Scars soften over months

    Fine absorbable sutures dissolve in 2–4 weeks. Scars are pink and firm at first, then fade over 3–6 months. Keloid is rare and skin-type dependent.

  • Realistic expectations are essential

    The surgeon-patient conversation matters as much as the technique. If you cannot accept residual asymmetry or a scar, we say so before you book.

  • Red flags

    Fever, spreading redness, heavy bleeding, or wound gaping after surgery are not normal — call the clinic or A&E the same day.

Reading your operation note

Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.

Whichever technique was used, the note the surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.

A UK consultant surgeon reviewing a patient’s operation notes

A quiet reminder

Surgical language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.

If you would like us to talk you through the note before your review, just ask.

  1. 01 Header

    Indication and technique chosen

    Why the procedure was done — functional, cosmetic, or a combination — and which technique (edge, wedge, composite) was agreed with you.

  2. 02 Technique

    Anaesthetic and surgical detail

    Whether it was under LA + sedation or GA, the technique used, suture material (usually monocryl or vicryl rapide 4-0/5-0), and any concurrent clitoral hood reduction.

  3. 03 Findings

    Intra-operative findings

    Baseline measurements, degree of asymmetry, any incidental findings, and the extent of tissue removed on each side.

  4. 04 Impression

    Recovery, no-sex window, review timing

    Read this first: expected recovery, when it is safe to return to sex, tampons, cycling and gym, and when your 6-week and 3-month reviews are booked.

Recognised by major UK insurers

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Insurance cover for labiaplasty is limited — usually only for genuinely functional cases, and often not at all. Cosmetic requests are self-pay. We confirm cover before booking.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about labiaplasty.

Quick answers on technique, cost, recovery, and when a responsible surgeon should say no.

  • Why do women have a labiaplasty?

    Most commonly for functional discomfort — chafing with exercise or cycling, irritation from tight clothing, or interference with sex from protruding or asymmetric labia minora. Some choose it for long-considered cosmetic reasons. It is also sometimes an adjunct to gender-affirming surgery.

  • Which technique is best — edge or wedge?

    Neither is universally better. The wedge (V-plasty) preserves the natural pigmented labial edge and is what most surgeons prefer where anatomy allows — but it is technically harder. The edge (trim) technique is simpler and faster, but loses the pigmented border. Your surgeon should discuss both with photographs, not just pick one for you.

  • Is labiaplasty painful?

    During surgery you feel nothing — the area is fully numb or you are asleep. Afterwards there is mild to moderate discomfort for 5–10 days, controlled with paracetamol and an NSAID. Ice packs and saline wash-outs help. Swelling settles over 2–4 weeks.

  • How much does a private labiaplasty cost in the UK?

    Roughly £2,500–£5,500 for a labiaplasty of the labia minora, and £3,500–£6,500 if a clitoral hood reduction is added. Revision surgery is £3,500–£7,000. NHS provision is very limited, per Individual Funding Request, and only for genuinely functional cases.

  • Will the NHS pay for a labiaplasty?

    Very rarely. NHS commissioning is limited to genuinely functional cases, agreed via an Individual Funding Request through your GP and a gynaecology or plastic surgery specialist. Most patients pay privately.

  • When can I have sex or use tampons after surgery?

    Not before six weeks, for either. Sex, tampons, cycling or the gym before six weeks is the commonest cause of stitch failure and delayed healing. It is not negotiable, however inconvenient.

  • How much time off work do I need?

    Most women take 5–10 days off. Desk-based work can resume within a week; jobs involving standing, cycling or heavy lifting need 2–3 weeks. Final result is at 3–6 months.

  • Is labiaplasty appropriate for teenagers?

    Almost never. Regulator and specialist guidance is to defer until after 18, because labial anatomy continues to develop through adolescence. The only exceptions are severe functional problems, with parental involvement and full safeguarding — and even then, thorough psychological assessment first.

  • What if I have body dysmorphic disorder?

    Active BDD is a contraindication. A responsible surgeon will decline to operate and recommend psychological assessment first — surgery in the presence of BDD reliably makes things worse, not better.

  • When should I contact the clinic urgently after surgery?

    A fever, spreading redness around the wound, heavy bleeding, or the wound gaping open are all reasons to call the clinic or attend A&E the same day.

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