Labiaplasty & Vaginoplasty
Vaginoplasty - Vaginal Reshaping & Tightening Surgery
Medically reviewed by The Harley Medical Group Clinical Governance Board, Chaired by Simon Smith (Medical Director & Consultant Surgeon) on 5th March 2020.
Cosmetic Gynaecology is one of our fastest growing surgical procedures, with women increasingly realising that they don’t have to simply accept something that’s making them unhappy. We meet women every day who have either always been unhappy with their vagina or have become unhappy due to natural changes from childbirth, ageing or weight loss.
Also known as Vaginal Reshaping & Tightening Surgery and Vaginoplasty, our specialist gynaecological surgeons can perform surgery on the outer areas of the genitalia - the pubis mound and labia minora - and on the inside if the surgeon is tightening the area. Women can also change the way their labia and surrounding vaginal tissue look with the help of Vaginoplasty, significantly reducing embarrassment or discomfort.
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Vaginoplasty (Vaginal Reshaping & Tightening)
Cosmetic Gynaecology, especially Vaginal Tightening & Reshaping (Vaginoplasty), a.k.a. 'Designer Vagina' surgery, has become increasingly popular over the last few years, particularly with new mums as the vaginal muscles can be left loose and weak after child birth.
Some women experience specific problems, such as lack of sensation and satisfaction during intercourse. The Vaginal Tightening and Refashioning procedure improves the way your vagina looks, feels and functions; and can have dramatic results in terms of restoring your confidence and self-esteem.
Vaginoplasty can also be performed alongside a number of other procedures, such as a labiaplasty.
Labiaplasty (Labial Reduction)
A Labiaplasty (often known as Labial Reduction surgery) is a surgical procedure that reshapes and reduces the labia Minora/Majora, the inner and outer of the ‘lips’ that surround the opening of the vagina.
Women can have Cosmetic Gynaecology to change the way their labia and surrounding vaginal tissue look with the help of Vaginoplasty. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your genitalia, or if it is causing you embarrassment or discomfort, book in for a consultation with one of our experienced nurses or surgeons to see how this surgery could help you regain your body confidence.
Clitoral Hoodoplasty
The clitoral hood, or prepuce, is the tissue that naturally drapes and conceals the clitoris to protect against over-stimulation. This sheath naturally retracts during sexual intercourse leaving the clitoris exposed. However some women with excess prepuce find they cannot climax as the surplus tissue limits stimulation.
Hoodectomy or hoodoplasty removes the excess tissue allowing the clitoris to become more easily exposed enabling women to experience improved sexual sensitivity.
Fourchette (frenulum of labia minora) Reconstruction
During childbirth the fourchette may be torn; to limit damage to the woman's body the midwife may perform an episiotomy, deliberately cutting from the fourchette and continuing back along the perineum toward the anus. The incision can, on occasion over-repair itself leaving a raised area within the vagina that can become sore and cause pain during intercourse.
Fourchette Reconstruction or re-fashioning is a procedure that removes the rigid scar tissue enabling you to be more comfortable with your body.
Perineal Refashioning
Perineal Refashioning is a procedure to improve the appearance and the muscle tone of the perineum area which has been damaged by an episiotomy or tear during childbirth. Excess scar tissue Is excised, and the perineal body reconstructed, thereby restoring the appearance of the vulva, and the tone at the fourchette.
Meet our expert consultant
Professor Isaac Manyonda
Isaac Manyonda is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at St George’s University of London and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at St Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
In 1982 Professor Manyonda qualified as a Doctor after completing his medical studies at St. George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London and has since had 25 years of experience at consultant level.
He has undertaken ground breaking obstetrical and gynaecological research, much of which has been published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals. He has also written books and contributed to chapters in books in this subject area. His current clinical interests are cosmetic gynaecology, the menopause, recurrent miscarriage and complex gynaecological surgery especially involving fibroids. He is also an accomplished key-hole surgeon.
During his free time, Professor Manyonda enjoys reading, especially Russian literature and is also a keen football player.
Professor Manyonda will be performing the following procedures for The Harley Medical Group:
- Labial reduction
- Vaginal tightening
- Hoodectomy
- Vulval puffing
Vaginal Reshaping & Tightening Surgery
The benefits of having Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening Surgery with The Harley Medical Group
- Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
- Ability to wear jeans or a swim suit and a wider range of clothes
- Feel more feminine and attractive
- Rejuvenation of the female genitalia
- To enhance the feelings of sexual gratification
- Highly qualified surgeons and nursing staff
- Full aftercare packages and finance options available
The procedure for Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening Surgery
Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening surgery differs from patient to patient depending on exactly which area of the genitalia is being operated on. For instance, surgery can be performed to reduce the length or change the shape of the labia minora (the inner lips of the vagina).
For some people, the pubis mound can appear larger than they would like it to and this is particularly noticeable when naked or when wearing lingerie or swimwear. The mound can be reduced quickly and easily, simply by removing the excess fatty tissue and reshaping the area above the vulva.
We can also tighten the vagina itself in order to enhance the feelings of sexual gratification or simply to return your vagina to the way it was before childbirth. This is achieved by reconstructing the outer third of the vagina, the internal diameter and the vaginal opening.
Remember, you are not alone in wanting to alter the appearance or shape of your vagina and our surgeons understand the many different reasons why women want to undergo Vaginoplasty.
Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening prices
There is no set price for Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening surgery as every single patient is different and treated on an entirely individual, case-by-case basis. In order to get a quote that is specific to you, find your nearest clinic and please book in for your free consultation with one of our nurses to discuss your requirements in complete confidence.
The price you are given will include everything from the procedure itself, to the cost of your overnight stay and after care appointments - there are no hidden costs.
Labial Reduction Surgery
Reasons for having Labial Reduction with The Harley Medical Group
- Enlarged and elongated labial, causing discomfort when wearing certain clothing
- Discomfort during activities such as cycling, walking or during sexual intercourse
- Your labial's appearance that makes you feel unhappy or self-conscious
- Change in shape or size from childbirth leaving you feeling self-conscious
The procedure for Labial Reduction
Labial Reduction is the term used to describe a range of surgical procedures that reduce the size, shape and prominence of the labia.
Labial Reduction takes between one and two hours and can be performed under local anaesthetic, which means you will be awake but the area will be completely numb, or under a general anaesthetic which means you are asleep during the procedure. Any cuts that are made are carefully placed to prevent scarring along the rim of the labia and are closed with dissolvable sutures.
You can expect mild discomfort and swelling for a few days after the operation which usually disappears completely after 3-4 weeks. This can be managed by taking painkillers. A week after surgery you should be able to return to work, and be able to resume normal daily activity after 2-3 weeks. However we advise against sexual activity for 4-6 weeks following surgery, and tampons should not be used during the first six weeks.
In the first week after surgery the area is likely to be swollen and bruised. An ice pack or bag of frozen peas can be used to alleviate the discomfort and reduce the swelling but make sure that the ice does not come into direct contact with the skin. Wrap the ice pack with a soft towel to protect the skin. You will be given a leaflet that explains fully how to look after the vulval area in the week following surgery.
The labial incisions usually heal quickly and are rarely noticeable.
Labial Reduction prices
There is no set price for Labial Reduction surgery as every single patient is different and treated on an entirely individual, case-by-case basis. In order to get a quote that is specific to you, find your nearest clinic and please book in for your free consultation with one of our nurses to discuss your requirements in complete confidence.
The price you are given will include everything from the procedure itself, to the cost of your overnight stay and after care appointments - there are no hidden costs.
Clitoral Hoodoplasty Surgery
Reasons for having Clitoral Hoodoplasty with The Harley Medical Group
- Dissatisfied with the exterior appearance of the vagina
- Clitoral hood has drooped or is redundant (possibly linked to ageing and childbirth)
- The excess skin can cause irritation when wearing clothes or exercising.
- Decreased sexual stimulation due to excess skin leading to reduced ability to orgasm
The procedure for Clitoral Hoodoplasty
The clitoral hood, or prepuce, is the tissue that naturally drapes and conceals the clitoris; it is the most forward extension of the labia minora, and is lifted out of the way for clitoral exposure during Clitoral Hoodoplasty.
The Hoodoplasty is performed under anaesthesia to ensure patient safety and comfort and generally takes less than one hour to perform even when combined with a Labiaplasty, as it is a relatively straightforward procedure. The technique used is bilateral excision of the tissues covering the clitoris .When the clitoral hood is being reduced, the clitoris and nerves are not actually being affected. This is not a circumcision procedure.
Patients experience minimal recovery time and are able to return to work in 3-5 days and resume exercise and sexual activity within approximately 3-5 weeks. Some swelling and minor discomfort should be expected during the healing phase. Sitting for long periods may be painful and this includes driving (which should be avoided temporarily). Strenuous exercise and lifting has to be temporarily suspended until swelling is reduced and healing is complete.
The visual enhancement will be noticeable immediately after surgery and improvements will continue for the first three weeks, as swelling resolves.
Clitoral Hoodoplasty prices
There is no set price for Clitoral Hoodoplasty surgery as every single patient is different and treated on an entirely individual, case-by-case basis. In order to get a quote that is specific to you, find your nearest clinic and please book in for your free consultation with one of our nurses to discuss your requirements in complete confidence.
The price you are given will include everything from the procedure itself, to the cost of your overnight stay and after care appointments - there are no hidden costs.
Fourchette Reconstruction
Reasons for having Fourchette Reconstruction with The Harley Medical Group
- Enlarged labia extending to the posterior fourchette
- The perineum has rigid scar tissue remaining following an episiotomy during childbirth
- The vagina can become sore and cause pain during intercourse.
The procedure for Fourchette Reconstruction
The procedure is a commonly performed operation in which any scar tissue that hasn't healed satisfactorily is removed. In the procedure, this scar tissue is cut out and then the edges of the new incision are placed together and re-stitched. The surgery is done on healed a tissue (which is why such an operation is usually left until at least six months after childbirth); it is much easier to place the edges together accurately and to avoid any mismatches of tissue edges that can lead to a painful scar.
Fourchette Reconstruction is usually performed under general anaesthetic as a day case procedure. An overnight stay in the hospital can sometimes be advised.
It is important to make sure that you have plenty of rest after your surgery and take 1-2 weeks off work to fully recover. You should avoid driving for 1 to 2 weeks; heavy lifting for 2-3 weeks and sexual activity for 6 weeks following surgery
Fourchette Reconstruction prices
There is no set price for Fourchette Reconstruction surgery as every single patient is different and treated on an entirely individual, case-by-case basis. In order to get a quote that is specific to you, find your nearest clinic and please book in for your free consultation with one of our nurses to discuss your requirements in complete confidence.
The price you are given will include everything from the procedure itself, to the cost of your overnight stay and after care appointments - there are no hidden costs.
Real Life Stories
Hannah had Vaginal Tightening with The Harley Medical Group
“Strangely it doesn’t seem like such a taboo subject to me anymore, now I tell all the mums so they know they’re not alone!”
After having two healthy sized children Hannah noticed that her vagina wasn’t as it used to be before the birth of her girls. She became self-conscious and this in turn started to affect her physical and then emotional relationship with her partner. Increasingly Hannah started to feel there was no-one she could really talk to about such a sensitive matter, how could she bring it up and would they understand?
“It wasn’t something I could talk to the other mums about over coffee and friends who aren’t mums certainly didn’t want to hear about it over a glass of wine! I thought it was something I would just have to get over, which was easier said than done”
Hannah visited her local Harley Medical clinic with the thought of getting laser hair removal, but felt so comfortable with her nurse counsellor she started opening up about other things that were bothering her.
“Lisa made me feel so at ease that I felt I could talk to her about anything from the treatment I was getting that afternoon to the thing that was really bothering me. She was a nurse after all, was there really anything I could tell a nurse that she hadn’t heard before? Lisa listened to me and understood where I was coming from, I finally felt that I wasn’t abnormal, many women feel this way but no-one wants to talk about it”
After meeting with The Harley Medical Group’s specialist gynaecological surgeon Hannah knew going ahead with cosmetic gynaecology to tighten her vagina was the right decision, and is one that she looks back on without any regrets.
Prices
Cosmetic Gynaecology Prices
| Vaginal Tightening | £4,450 | £5,100 |
| Labial Reduction | £4,100 | £4,800 |
| Labial Reduction - Minora and Majora | £4,900 | £5,600 |
| Clitoral Hoodectomy | £3,900 | £4,800 |
| Fourchette Reconstruction | £4,100 | £4,750 |
All prices quoted are complete, there are no hidden extra costs.
We understand finance availability can sometimes be a barrier to undergoing a Cosmetic Surgery procedure, with manageable payments, we can provide a feasible solution to suits your needs. We have a range of finance options available to help you pay for your procedure, ask at your Free consultation and your counsellor will be happy to take you through these.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening surgery right for me?
Choosing to have Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening surgery
There are many reasons why people choose to have Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening surgery, including:
- To improve the appearance and to feel more feminine and attractive
- To be able to wear tighter fitting clothes such as jeans or a swimsuit
- Rejuvenation of the female genitalia, to feel more youthful
- To enhance the feelings of sexual gratification
Who should have Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening surgery
The final decision will be made between you and your Cosmetic Surgeon. The procedure is ideal for new mothers who find that the appearance of their genitalia has changed due to childbirth, for women who are unhappy with the appearance of their genitalia, or if it is a cause of embarrassment or discomfort.
The Harley Medical Group has been committed to providing excellence in Cosmetic Surgery and Laser & Skin Treatments in the UK since it was established. During this time, we have developed a full understanding of the many reasons why people choose to have Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening surgery and how it can improve how they feel about themselves.
What happens when I have my surgery?
The day of your Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening surgery
If you are a smoker, or take aspirin or any other medication, your Cosmetic Surgeon will wish to discuss this with you at your consultation. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise you when you are to discontinue and/or resume these activities.
The surgery is carried out as a day case, either under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation. Women may experience some mild discomfort and swelling, which usually disappears completely after one to two weeks. After the procedure you will wear a panty liner and the sutures or stitches will dissolve on their own so there is no need for physical removal.
Going home after your Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening
Depending on the operation you choose, your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise you as to when you can recommence exercise and sexual intercourse. Recovery is relatively fast and around a week after surgery you should be able to return to work.
It is very important that you attend the appointments that have been made for you to care for your wounds and to see your Cosmetic Surgeon post-operatively. You will have your own personal Nurse Counsellor both before and after your procedure to support you and answer any questions that you may have.
Recovery from Vaginal Reshaping and Tightening surgery
Recovery from each different type of Cosmetic Gynaecology is different and your surgeon will advise you on what to expect during and after the procedure. Vaginoplasty surgery is usually carried out as a day case so you will not usually have to stay in hospital overnight.
It will be performed either under local anaesthetic with sedation or under general anaesthetic and dissolvable stitches will be used so there will be no need to have them removed.
It is completely normal to experience mild discomfort and some swelling after the surgery but the area should return to normal one to two weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on when you can return to work (it is usually after around seven days) and when you can have sexual intercourse and start exercising again.
Follow-up appointments are really important so that your surgeon can ensure that everything is healing as it should be. It is during these appointments that the surgeon will be able to judge when you will be fit to return to all normal daily activities.
What should I consider before undergoing cosmetic gynaecology?
Things to consider
It is important that your decision to have a Cosmetic Surgery procedure is considered carefully.
There are many points that should be considered before deciding to have any type of Cosmetic Treatment or Surgery. There are also some possible risks, as with all surgical operations, which your Cosmetic Surgeon will talk through and explain to you at your consultation, answering any questions you may have. This is your opportunity to discuss your intended surgery in order for the Cosmetic Surgeon to ascertain your expectations as to what can realistically be achieved.
Every Cosmetic Surgeon who performs reshaping and tightening of the female genitalia surgery for The Harley Medical Group belongs to a relevant professional organisation, is fully accredited to practice in the UK as a specialist in Plastic Surgery, and has specific training and experience in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Our nurses advise that you consider the following things before your surgery:
- Child care and post surgery activities including sleeping arrangements
- That you have the necessary post-operative garments
- How long the effects of treatment keep you away from your usual activities
- At what stage you will be able to judge the results of the procedure
- How long the results last
- When you can return to work
Our Cosmetic Surgeons are among the most skilled, qualified and experienced in the Cosmetic Surgery field and our fully qualified Cosmetic Surgery Nurses are specially selected for their expertise and approachability. It is your body so naturally you will want to place it in safe and trusted hands.
Book your free consultation with The Harley Medical Group today
What are the aftercare considerations?
To ensure a swift recovery with optimum results we have recommended aftercare guidelines including:
- You will return from theatre with a sanitary pad in place, you must wear one of these continuously until your post-operative appointment.
- You will not be permitted to drive for 1 week following surgery; therefore arrangements must be made for you to be collected.
- You must start to shower twice daily upon your discharge – DO NOT use soap directly on the area for the first 7 days.
- You must drink between 2 – 3 litres of water for the initial 2 weeks following surgery.
- Avoid wearing thong underwear for 6 weeks following surgery.
You practitioner and surgeon will be able to advise you on your complete Cosmetic Gynaecology aftercare guidelines