Labia reduction from woman to woman

Associated terms:
Labia correction, labiaplasty, labia reduction, labia reduction, nymphoplasty, intimate surgery, intimate surgery

Dr Michaela Montanari has been one of the "Focus Top Doctors for Intimate Surgery" since 2017 and has been one of the experts in this category in the special edition of stern magazine "Gute Ärzte für mich" since 2022. She will advise you sensitively and in detail on intimate surgery and intimate aesthetics. You can expect an all-female team that you can open up to at any time.

Labia - what is normal?

When it comes to the genital area, there is still a great deal of uncertainty among our patients. What is normal? Am I right to feel uncomfortable? Can I be helped at all? The answer is: If you don't feel comfortable in your own skin, then you can be helped.

Anatomically speaking, the labia majora normally cover the labia minora, which are not visible. However, in the case of a malposition or due to childbirth and the normal ageing process, the labia minora may protrude over the labia majora. This is not only an aesthetic problem for those affected, but can also lead to functional disorders. In particular, wearing tight trousers, thongs or bikinis, going jogging, cycling, horse riding or even sexual intercourse can lead to pain and inflammation.

In addition, the sense of shame of those affected should not be underestimated. Sauna, nudism or even undressing in front of your partner can quickly lead to further psychological problems.

Brief overview of labia reduction:

Operation duration:
1-2 hours

Anaesthesia:
Anaesthesia or twilight sleep, combined with a local anaesthetic

Follow-up treatment:
Sitz baths, ointments

Restrictions:
1 - 2 weeks

What happens during a labia reduction?

The labia minora can be harmoniously reduced in size with a minor procedure under short or local anaesthesia. With the various techniques, it is important that as few superficial scars as possible are created, as these can lead to pain to the touch after the operation and later to scarring. The sensitive region of the clitoris remains completely untouched. As self-dissolving stitches are used in this outpatient surgical procedure, there is also no need for stitches to be removed after the operation.

Are there any complications or risks?

Complications in the form of secondary haemorrhaging, inflammation or slight asymmetries are possible, but occur very rarely. As the area is well supplied with blood, the wound usually heals quickly and the scar is barely visible later on.

Will the intimate get-together be affected?

There is no impairment of intimacy, as sensitivity is not restricted.

What needs to be considered after a labia reduction?

As after almost every surgical operation, you should take it easy for a few weeks after a labia reduction. In the case of medically indicated procedures, you will also receive a private certificate of incapacity to work for approximately one week. We also advise you to take a few days off work. We will also give you a mild painkiller to take home and explain to you exactly how to take it.

You should also wear comfortable underwear and bandages for about a week after the operation and avoid wearing tight jeans and trousers. We will give you an ointment for the wound for aftercare, which you should apply carefully every evening from the second day onwards. The wound may also swell, but this should subside after a few days. We will carry out a wound check in the practice on the first day after the operation.

You can shower the day after the operation. Please do not use soap or any special cleanser for the genital area. It is sufficient to wash your genital area with normal tap water.

After the operation, you should refrain from sexual intercourse for six weeks so as not to impair wound healing.

No sport should be practised for six weeks. In particular, sports that involve direct contact with your genital area and generate too much friction, such as horse riding, cycling or running, are taboo for six weeks.

How much does a labia reduction cost?

The prices depend on the individual findings and the chosen surgical technique. In our practice, these are between EUR 1,800 and EUR 4,000.

When does health insurance pay for labia reduction?

The health insurance company only pays the costs of labia reduction in very rare cases if there is a clear medical indication - in other words, it must be medically necessary.