Labiaplasty, sometimes known as labia removal surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce or reshape the labia minora (inner lips) or labia majora (outer lips) of the vulva by removing or adjusting selected tissue. In addition to aesthetic concerns, a protruding or asymmetrical labia can lead to distressing physical symptoms if left untreated. For this reason, patients often have both physical and aesthetic motivations for considering a labiaplasty.
At the CREO Clinic, all labiaplasty surgery is performed by Dr Omar Tillo, a GMC-registered Specialist plastic surgeon, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), and a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). Dr Tillo is the CREO Clinic’s medical director and an experienced body contouring surgeon who has performed hundreds of labiaplasties over the course of his career.
Surgery at a Glance
Treatments
1Results
12 WeeksAnesthesia
Local, General or SedationSurgery Time
1-2 HoursHospital Time
8 HoursMobility
8 HoursWashing
2 DaysOff-Work
10 DaysExercise
12 WeeksFull Recovery
12 WeeksWhy Patients Consider Labia Removal Surgery
There are multiple reasons patients seek labiaplasty, ranging from the personal and the aesthetic to the purely functional. For many patients, ongoing physical discomfort or practical limitations are the main motivations. The decision to undergo a labiaplasty should be made only after a one-to-one clinical consultation with an experienced surgeon.
Physical Discomfort During Daily Activities
For some, labial tissue can become twisted, pinched, or experience chafing during particular daily activities. For example, sitting in chairs for long periods or moving around in a dynamic workplace can lead to pressure or twisting of the labia that can cause chronic discomfort. Larger labial tissue may also lead to friction and pulling during sexual intercourse, which may put limitations on sexual activity in general.
Exercise, Clothing and Lifestyle Limitations
The impact of an enlarged labia can extend to the type of clothing and exercise you are able to enjoy. For example, gym work, running, or cycling may all cause chafing or painful movement of the labia. Fitted clothing, such as swimwear and activewear, may become difficult to wear without experiencing painful physical symptoms.
Changes Following Pregnancy, Ageing and Hormonal Changes
Many women’s anatomy changes over time due to the natural process of ageing, hormonal fluctuations, and life events such as childbirth. Changes to the labial tissue can lead to long-term discomfort that a labial reduction may help to relieve.
Concerns Around Symmetry, Proportion and Appearance
The appearance of the labia varies significantly between individuals, with no accepted standard. For some, the proportions and symmetry of their labia may not feel sympathetic to the surrounding area, which can cause personal concerns over time. Any patients with these types of concerns are welcome to discuss them at a consultation with Dr Tillo, who may be able to adjust the shape of the labia accordingly.
How Labiaplasty Works
The exact surgical approach used in a labiaplasty is typically tailored to the patient’s anatomy, as well as the nature and extent of the concerns they have about the shape of their labia. The approach chosen by Dr Tillo is determined via one-to-one clinical assessment alone.
What Happens During Labiaplasty Surgery?
During the labiaplasty surgery, a predetermined amount of excess labial tissue is removed to help reshape or resize the labial lips. Dissolvable sutures are then used to close the incisions, allowing for natural absorption over the coming weeks. The operation itself usually takes between one and two hours and is performed under local anaesthetic.
Labiaplasty Techniques and Surgical Approaches
You can find below some of the key labiaplasty techniques and surgical incisions used to alter the shape and size of the labia.
| Technique | What it involves | Best suited to | Advantage |
| Wedge technique | A wedge-shaped section of tissue is removed from the body of the labia, with the remaining edges sutured together | Patient is interested in preserving the natural edge, colour, and pigmentation of the labia as a priority. General labia minora reduction | Helps preserve the natural contour and appearance of the labial edge |
| Trim technique (edge excision) | Excess tissue is removed from the outer edges of the labia minora, reducing their overall length and size | Straightforward reduction of labial length and removal of the hyper-pigmented, wrinkled edge of labia minoras | Allows direct reduction of excess tissue along the labial edge, where appropriate based on individual anatomy and surgeon assessment |
| Epithelialisation | A selected area of surface epithelium is removed while the deeper tissue and natural labial edge are preserved. This can be used alongside the wedge or trim technique in selective cases where maintaining blood supply to the remaining tissue is a priority; often used for clitoral hood reduction. | Patients requiring a relatively modest labial reduction, or reduction of excess clitoral hood tissue, where preservation of the underlying neurovascular structures is important. | Supports healing by preserving the deeper tissue structure. |
Anaesthetic Options and Procedure Duration
A labiaplasty is generally performed under local anaesthetic, but may be performed under general anaesthetic or sedation where clinically appropriate. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours, according to the complexity of the technique used and if additional complementary procedures are performed concurrently.
Your Surgical Environment and Day Case Care
The surgery is typically a day case and is performed at one of London’s premier CQC-regulated surgical facilities. The majority of patients will be discharged within a few hours of the procedure’s end, following a period of monitoring by Dr Tillo and the clinical team. Some patients may require an overnight stay if deemed clinically necessary. After the surgery, a responsible adult will need to chaperone the patient home, as patients cannot drive after the procedure.
Patient Feedback and Outcomes
Is Labiaplasty Right for You?
Suitability for labiaplasty is always confirmed via individual consultation with our surgeons, during which your anatomy, health status, and treatment goals are assessed in detail. The points below are a general guide to suitability.
Who It’s For
Experience physical discomfort, chafing, or irritation during daily activities, exercise, or sexual intercourse that may be attributable to labial tissue
Are affected by the appearance or proportion of the labia in a way that causes ongoing practical or personal concern
Have noticed changes to the labia following pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes, or natural ageing
Have completed their family, as future pregnancies may affect surgical results
Are in good general physical and psychological health
Have a BMI within the recommended range for surgery (Usually 30 or below; use our BMI calculator to check)Â
Do not smoke, or are willing to abstain from all nicotine products for at least four weeks before and after surgery
Have clear, realistic expectations of what labiaplasty can achieve, including an understanding that some asymmetry between the two sides may remain and that final results take several weeks to become fully visible
Physical and Functional Considerations
Sexual intercourse may also be uncomfortable or painful where tissue is significantly enlarged. Some patients additionally experience difficulty maintaining adequate hygiene, leading to issues such as intertrigo or fungal infections.Â
Who It May Not Be Right For
Are pregnant or planning pregnancy in the near future, as childbirth can alter the results of surgery
Are under 18, as the labia continue to develop into early adulthood and surgery before this is generally not appropriate
Have active infections, skin conditions, or unresolved gynaecological concerns in the treatment area
Smoke or use nicotine products and are not in a position to stop for at least four weeks before and after the procedure
Have unrealistic expectations, including expectations of a specific appearance or perfect symmetry
Are seeking labiaplasty primarily in response to external pressure or influence, rather than personal and clinically grounded concerns
Have conditions that may impair wound healing or increase surgical risk
Procedure Options and Related Treatments
There are various options for labiaplasty surgery, adapted to the specific concerns of the patient as assessed during their initial consultation. Below are some of the more common reduction types we perform at the CREO Clinic.
Labia Minora Reduction
Labia Majora Reduction
Clitoral Hood Reduction
Combined Intimate Surgery Procedures
Monsplasty, clitoral hood reduction, and majoraplasty are all surgeries frequently performed alongside labiaplasty, as well as lipofilling via fat transfer to make targeted adjustments to the size and shape of the labia. All these surgeries can be performed as part of a labiaplasty treatment plan, provided they are deemed clinically appropriate and in the best interests of the patient’s treatment goals.
Benefits of Labiaplasty
There are numerous potential benefits to labiaplasty surgery with relation to both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Below are some of the key benefits reported by labiaplasty patients, although results and benefits vary between individuals.
Reported benefits are:
- Reduced chafing
- Increased comfort during exercise or physical activity
- Increased comfort wearing tight-fitting clothing or swimwear
- Improvements to symmetry and proportion
- Increased confidence in personal and intimate situations
As all labiaplasties are tailored to the patient’s individual needs, the benefits they experience are typically specific to their concerns. As a result, the potential benefits of labiaplasty tend to vary between individuals.
The CREO APEX Recovery System
Our APEX Recovery System for Faster Healing
Every procedure our surgeons perform comes with Creo Clinic’s APEX Recovery System – a unique recovery protocol built and refined on years of specialised expertise.
This three-stage system combines pre-surgical optimisation, advanced anaesthetic techniques, and a post-operative strategy designed to eliminate the need for strong pain management.
These treatments are thoughtfully integrated into every step of your plan, ensuring your recovery is supported, refined, and medically guided. We don’t make any compromises when it comes to care … and you shouldn’t either.
What to Expect: Before, During and After Surgery
Understanding each stage of labiaplasty treatment makes it simpler to prepare and approach recovery with realistic expectations of that recovery timeline. The stages below outline the journey beginning from preparation through to the point where results become fully visible.
Preparing for Surgery
Stop nicotine completely: All nicotine products, including cigarettes, vapes, and patches, should be stopped at least four weeks before surgery. Nicotine reduces blood supply to healing tissue and increases the risk of wound complications
Limit alcohol: Reduce alcohol intake in the two weeks leading up to surgery, as it can interfere with healing and affect how anaesthesia works
Review all medications and supplements: Let your surgeon know about everything you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and supplements such as aspirin, fish oil, or vitamin E. Do not stop any prescribed medication without first consulting your GP
Arrange your journey home: Labiaplasty is a day case procedure, and you will not be able to drive after surgery. Have a responsible adult available to take you home and stay with you for the first few hours following discharge
Wear comfortable clothing: Choose loose, soft clothing for your appointment that will not create friction or pressure on the treatment area once you are discharged
The Day of Your Procedure
The procedure usually takes between one and two hours, depending on the surgical technique and whether any additional procedures are required. Following surgery, you will be monitored by the clinical team before discharge. Most patients return home the same day, once they are medically fit to leave, accompanied by a responsible adult. An overnight stay may be required in some cases. The precise admission, monitoring and discharge arrangements will be confirmed by CREO Clinic before surgery.
The First Few Weeks of Recovery
Keeping the area clean and following wound care instructions as directed is an important part of the early recovery period. Dissolvable sutures are used throughout and are typically absorbed within three to four weeks, with no removal appointment required.Â
Strenuous exercise, sexual intercourse, and wearing tight or restrictive clothing should all be avoided for six to eight weeks, allowing the tissue adequate time to heal without placing pressure on the incision sites. Recovery timelines vary between patients and are influenced by the extent of the procedure, individual healing response, and adherence to post-operative guidance.
Returning to Work, Exercise and Intimacy
General exercise should be avoided for at least six to eight weeks. Light walking can resume gradually from around two weeks, but anything that generates friction, impact, or pressure in the treated area (including cycling, running, gym sessions, or swimming) should wait until the tissue has healed fully. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for a minimum of six to eight weeks. All timelines are assessed individually, and guidance may be adjusted at follow-up appointments.
When Final Results Become Visible
The results of a labiaplasty are generally long-lasting, but future pregnancies may have an impact on long-term results. For this reason, we suggest undergoing labiaplasty only after all planned pregnancies have been completed.
Risks, Limitations and Considerations
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure with recognised risks and potential complications, even when performed by an experienced surgeon. Outcomes vary between patients depending on tissue anatomy, the technique used, and individual healing.
Potential risks and considerations include:
- Asymmetry in the final result; some degree of natural variation between the two sides is common and may persist after surgery
- Scarring at the incision sites
- Changes to sensitivity or temporary numbness in the treated area, which may resolve as healing progresses but can sometimes persist
- Infection
- Wound breakdown or delayed healing
- Haematoma or seroma formation
- Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
- Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result
- Need for revision surgery
Not all limitations are related to surgical complications. In some patients, the underlying tissue anatomy, degree of asymmetry, or individual healing characteristics may affect the final outcome independently of surgical technique.
Temporary numbness or altered sensation can occur following labiaplasty as a result of swelling and tissue healing. Although these changes may improve over time, persistent changes in genital sensation are also a recognised potential complication. Surgical technique and careful anatomical assessment can help manage these risks but cannot eliminate the possibility of nerve injury or longer-term sensory changes. The likelihood of specific risks varies according to individual patient factors, medical history, and the procedure performed. During consultation, Dr Tillo will explain the risks and expected outcomes relevant to your individual circumstances to support informed consent and a considered decision about whether surgery is appropriate.
Labiaplasty Cost and Finance Options
The cost of labiaplasty at the CREO Clinic depends on the technique required and the complexity of the individual case. A personalised, all-inclusive quote is provided following consultation with one of our surgeons once the most appropriate treatment plan has been agreed.
How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost?
At the CREO Clinic, labiaplasty starts from £5,900. The final cost is influenced by the technique used, whether additional procedures such as clitoral hood reduction or majoraplasty are included, and the overall extent of correction required. Final pricing depends on clinical assessment and the confirmed treatment plan. Below you can find a table that outlines the prices according to the variation of the procedure.
| Procedure | Starting From |
|---|---|
| Labiaplasty | £4,500 |
| Labiaplasty with Clitoral Hood Reduction | £5,250 |
| Majoraplasty (Lipofilling) | £4,500 |
| Majoraplasty (Excisional) | £4,500 |
What’s Included in Your Treatment Fee?
All CREO Clinic surgical fees are all-inclusive and cover:
- Surgeon, anaesthetist where applicable, and nursing fees
- Use of CQC-registered surgical facilities
- Pre-operative assessments
- Post-operative dressings and wound care
- Follow-up appointments with Dr Tillo
- Manual lymphatic drainage massage and laser scar management treatments as part of the APEX aftercare programme, where clinically appropriate and included in the agreed treatment plan
- The CREO recovery kit, where included in the agreed treatment plan, which may contain immune-supportive vitamins, Hibiscrub, absorbent pads, silicone tape, and Bio-Oil
Because every treatment plan is adapted to the individual patient’s needs, a final, personalised quotation is confirmed following consultation with Dr Tillo.
Finance and Payment Options
Where appropriate, financing options may be available through CREO Clinic’s external finance partner, Chrysalis Finance, including interest-free loans over a 12-month period, with longer-term plans available at increased rates of interest.
Financing arrangements are discussed separately following consultation and are subject to approval and eligibility criteria. Financing should be considered only after the clinical suitability of the procedure has been established.
Why Choose CREO Clinic?
All labiaplasties at the CREO Clinic follow treatment plans designed by Dr Omar Tillo, following approaches adapted to the patient’s individual needs as assessed via one-to-one clinical consultation.
Specialist Surgeons, Not Generalists
The CREO Clinic surgeons are assigned for their experience in a particular specialism. Dr Tillo is a specialist in surgeries from the neck down, giving him experience in the treatment of skin and tissue in the torso and lower body. He has performed many labiaplasty surgeries and understands the appropriate techniques necessary to work towards each patient’s individual goals.
Surgeon-Led Treatment Planning
Surgical planning decisions at the CREO Clinic are made purely by the surgeon, according to assessments made through the initial one-to-one consultation and further preoperative consultations. These initial clinical conversations allow Dr Tillo to assess appropriate techniques and the staging of treatments, carefully weighing the patient’s treatment goals and clinical needs to make safe and effective treatment choices.
Boutique Clinical Care and Patient Support
All clinical care at the CREO Clinic puts patients first by only recommending procedures that are suitable for the patient’s Clinical and cosmetic needs. Where procedures are indicated, patients are supported throughout their surgical journey with regular consultations before and after the procedure to monitor and support them until their cosmetic goals have been achieved.
Comprehensive Aftercare Included
The CREO Clinic fully integrates aftercare into all of its treatment plans using its APEX aftercare system. This system was designed by Dr Tillo to create structured support throughout your recovery, using regular check-ins and adapted supported treatments, such as manual lymphatic drainage massage and laser scar therapy, as soon as is clinically appropriate. The type of aftercare provided and its staging varies according to procedure and individual healing.
