Labiaplasty & Clitoral Hood Reduction Sydney

Labiaplasty and/or clitoral hood reduction

Labiaplasty is surgery to reduce or reshape the labia minora, the inner lips of the vulva. Clitoral hood reduction addresses excess tissue over the clitoris, and the two are often planned together so the result is proportionate. Dr Maryam Seyedabadi, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, performs both under general anaesthetic in accredited Sydney hospitals, usually as day surgery.

Labia minora differ widely between people in length, thickness, colour and symmetry, and there is no single normal appearance. Patients raise labiaplasty for practical reasons: tissue catching or dragging in underwear, chafing during exercise or cycling, recurring irritation, or difficulty keeping the area clean and comfortable. Others are bothered by asymmetry, by appearance, or by changes that followed childbirth or a shift in weight. Each of these is a reasonable reason to ask the question.

Dr Maryam may also tell you that your anatomy sits within a normal range and that surgery is not the right option for you. That is a legitimate result of a consultation, and you should expect a plain explanation of the reasoning.

Who it may suit

• Labia minora that extend beyond the labia majora and catch, pull or chafe in underwear, swimwear or activewear
• Discomfort with cycling, running, horse riding or sex
• Recurring irritation, moisture or difficulty with hygiene between folds of tissue
• Noticeable asymmetry between the two sides, present since puberty or developed later
• Changes after childbirth, weight loss or gain, or hormonal change
• Excess clitoral hood tissue that remains prominent, on its own or once the labia minora are reduced

What labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction involves

The operation is done under general anaesthetic and often takes around an hour, longer when both areas are treated. Most patients go home the same day.

1. Dr Maryam marks the tissue to be removed with you awake, so the plan matches what actually bothers you.
2. Excess labia minora tissue is removed, either by trimming along the free edge or by a wedge technique that preserves the natural border, chosen to suit your anatomy.
3. Where indicated, excess clitoral hood tissue is reduced in the same operation. The clitoris itself is not altered.
4. Tissue is closed in layers with dissolving sutures. Drains are not used.
5. You are observed in recovery, given pain relief and written aftercare instructions, then discharged with an adult to take you home.

Recovery

Recovery varies with the technique used, how much tissue was removed and whether anything was combined with it. The following is a general guide rather than a fixed schedule.

• Swelling, bruising and oedema are expected for roughly the first one to two weeks, and residual swelling can take several weeks or months to settle.
• Many people take about a week away from desk-based work, and longer if their job is physically demanding.
• Ice, loose clothing, cotton underwear and rinsing with water after using the toilet are usually recommended in the early period.
• Exercise, cycling, swimming, tampons and sexual activity are generally restricted for around four to six weeks, on Dr Maryam’s advice.
• The settled shape usually becomes clear over about three to six months as tissues soften and scars fade.

Risks and considerations

Risks include bleeding, haematoma, infection, separation of the wound along the suture line, delayed healing, and scarring that may be firm or tender for a period. Sensation is often altered temporarily, and in uncommon cases a change in sensation persists. Removing too little or too much tissue, or residual asymmetry between the two sides, can occur, and revision surgery is sometimes needed.

General anaesthetic carries its own risks, including nausea, and less commonly clotting or chest complications. Risk is higher if you smoke, have diabetes, carry excess weight or take medicines that affect bleeding. Dr Maryam will go through the risks relevant to you and how a complication would be managed. No outcome can be promised.

Your consultation with Dr Maryam

Consultations are private, at the rooms at 2c Heeley Street, Paddington. Dr Maryam Seyedabadi is a female Specialist Plastic Surgeon, MBBS FRACS, AHPRA registration MED0001341746, which many patients considering genital surgery specifically look for. A chaperone is available for any examination, you may bring a support person, and photographs are taken for your medical record as part of planning.

Australian rules require a referral from a registered medical practitioner before your consultation, and a GP referral is preferred because your general practitioner knows your history. A cooling-off period of at least seven days applies between consent and surgery, and at least three months for patients under 18, who must also be assessed by an appropriate registered health practitioner. Fees are quoted after your consultation, once the plan is settled. Call 1300 067 668 to arrange an appointment.