Labiaplasty (Labial Reduction Surgery) in Bristol

Labial reduction surgery, otherwise known as a labiaplasty, is a procedure to reduce the size and prominence of the vaginal lips. The procedure is designed to decrease the size and degree of protuberance of the labia minora, or ‘inner lips’ of the vagina.

Why you might need labial reduction surgery

The most common reason for women to request this operation is because the labia are perceived to be too large and aesthetically un-pleasing. A small number of women state that the large size of their labia make them noticeable in tight clothing, or make sports such as cycling uncomfortable. Women can become self-conscious about the size and shape of their labia over time, and also after childbirth when the labia can change.

Assessment for a labiaplasty

Before deciding if this surgery is right for you, it’s important you understand exactly how the surgery works and what you can expect post surgery. Mr Sherif Wilson MB, ChB, MS, FRCS (Plastic Surgery) will meet you personally during a consultation where he will talk you through the operation step-by-step. He will be happy to answer any questions and provide honest answers backed up by his vast plastic surgery experience.

What does this procedure involve?

A labiaplasty is a relatively simple operation, which normally takes no more than two hours to complete. Depending on the level of surgery required as advised by Mr Wilson, you may be put under general anaesthetic whilst the operation takes place. The majority of labiaplasty procedures though are performed under local anaesthetic. During the operation, Mr Wilson will trim any area within the labia that protrudes or is uneven, and will close any open areas with dissolvable stitches to prevent unnecessary scarring.

Going home after labia surgery

In most cases, you are able to return home the same day as a labiaplasty, with no need for an overnight stay in hospital. However, it is likely you will experience some pain and swelling for at least a few days after the operation. After a labiaplasty you are advised to wear a sanitary towel for around a week as there may be a small level of bleeding. You should avoid exercise for at least two weeks following the labia surgery and sex for at least six weeks. The dissolvable stitches will be gone after two to three weeks.

What are the risks of a labiaplasty?

As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications with labia surgery, although these are rare. If you experience bleeding in the labia after the operation, you may need to return to theatre for the blood (haematoma) to be removed. An infection is also a possibility, and whilst extremely rare, painful scars can remain but usually settle within six weeks.

How much is a labiaplasty?

Depending on the type of procedure you require, the cost of surgery can vary.

These are guide prices and are subject to change following an initial consultation with Mr Wilson, where a bespoke quote will be provided, specific to each patient.

At Nuffield Bristol Hospital
From £3,800

At BMI Bath Clinic
From £4,100

At Winfield Hospital (Gloucester)
From £4,000

At St Josephs Newport
From £3,600

Where can I get a labiaplasty?

Mr Wilson can perform labia reduction surgery in Bristol, Bath, Gloucester or Newport. Please get in touch to discuss which clinic suits you best, Mr Wilson may also need to advise you on the best hospital for your surgery. All locations that Mr Wilson operates from are state-of-the-art, modern medical facilities where you will be in the very safest of hands.

Testimonials

Sherif invites his clients to leave a review about the service he provided on Google (Bristol and Gloucester), as well as Doctify, RealSelf and I Want Great Care.

Please visit the Testimonials page for the very latest, or click on the links directly below this contact form.

Labiaplasty FAQs

If you are considering booking a Labiaplasty, it’s likely you’ll have many questions in mind before making your final decision. Mr Sherif Wilson is one of the UK’s leading plastic surgeons and is a leading consultant for plastic breast reconstruction for North Bristol NHS. He will be happy to answer any of your questions if you wish to meet him for a consultation, or please read his list of frequently asked questions about labia reduction surgery.

Labial reduction is not considered to be a particularly painful surgical procedure. However, there will likely be some swelling and soreness for up to 2 weeks after the operation. It should be around 4 weeks until you have completely healed, during which time sitting or going to the toilet may be uncomfortable. It’s always important to always follow any advice from your plastic surgeon to speed up the healing process and avoid any painful complications. 

You should avoid strenuous physical activity for around 4 weeks after Labial reduction surgery, this includes having sex. Gentle walking should be fine unless your surgeon tells you otherwise. Avoid swimming and baths or any immersion of your body water for long periods of time for at least six weeks post-surgery. 

A small amount of bleeding is completely normal after this procedure. Absorbable sutures are used, and these will drop out around 2-3 weeks post-surgery. You are advised to get some comfy pants and wear some sanitary towels for the first couple of days, for protection, comfort and to absorb any blood.

You can sleep in any position that your find comfortable but it is a good idea to try and sleep with your legs separated and avoid pressure the healing for at least two weeks.  You can place a pillow between your legs if this adds comfort.

Labiaplasty is not usually offered on the NHS, especially if it is required for cosmetic reasons, as it is considered non-essential surgery. However, in some cases of abnormalities or to repair damage caused by childbirth or cancer, labia surgery may be offered on the NHS.

Whether you should get a labiaplasty or not is an entirely personal decision. If you are suffering with concerns about the appearance of your labia, such as the size or shape, then it may be worth considering speaking to a plastic surgeon about a labiaplasty. It’s perfectly normal to have excess skin around the vagina, and feeling pressured by other people, society or social media should never be an influencing factor. If you would like to arrange a consultation with Sherif Wilson, he will be very happy to speak to you about your options and expectations and help you decide if labia surgery is something you need. 

Labia surgery should never affect nerves as part of the procedure, however in some rare cases, nerve damage can occur, especially if the surgery is not performed correctly. If you choose an experienced and well respected surgeon such as Sherif Wilson then you can be assured you are in the best possible place to safely receive this procedure.

Mr Wilson does not operate on the clitoral hood (hoodectomy) which is where most of the nerves are in this area; he uses the trimming technique to remove the excess skin on the labia. 

You should not drive immediately after labia reduction surgery, so please arrange for someone to drive you home after the operation. It’s not recommended to drive for at least 4-5 days following your surgery, especially if you are on pain medication or it is uncomfortable to sit. 

Labiaplasty takes around 1-2 hours, and in most cases, you will be able to return home the same day as the surgery. You will likely be put under local anaesthetic rather than general anaesthetic, but this will depend on the complexity of your individual procedure and the recommendation of your surgeon. Sherif Wilson usually performs labia reduction under a general anaesthetic, but it can be done under local anaesthetic if this is specifically requested by the patient.

A Labiaplasty should not be performed on girls younger than 18 due to the fact that the labia continues to develop even after puberty. Any cosmetic procedures are not advised for patients under 18 years old unless due to medical reasons. There may be exceptions for cases where there is a medical need for the procedure, such as in cases of congenital abnormalities or significant discomfort.

It’s essential to book a consultation where you’ll meet your surgeon to decide if they are right for you, once you meet them, if you don’t feel happy then always look elsewhere.

You can ask your surgeon about previous operations they’ve performed. You should research their qualifications and reviews (a good plastic surgeon will have a lot of positive reviews.) You should also check to see what after care you will receive. 

If you are considering Sherif Wilson for Labiaplasty, you can be assured that he has an excellent reputation as a plastic Surgeon amongst NHS and private practices in Bristol, Bath, Newport and Gloucester. 

Mr Wilson believes that patient satisfaction is paramount, and he will look after you through every step, including pre and post-operative care and support. 

Mr Wilson has excellent reviews from his patients, which you can read here. If you choose Sherif Wilson for your labia reduction surgery, you will be safely in the hands of one of the most well-respected and experienced plastic surgeons in the UK.

Enquire about Labiaplasty with Mr Wilson

Mr Sherif Wilson MB, ChB, MS, FRCS (Plast)
Mr Sherif Wilson MB, ChB, MS, FRCS (Plast)
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Jen MooreJen Moore
10:12 01 Jun 23
I recently underwent a surgical procedure at Spire Clinic on 21st March 2023, under the expert care of Mr Wilson, and I am delighted to share my overwhelmingly positive experience. From the moment I walked through the doors of the clinic until my complete recovery, the service I received was nothing short of exceptional.First and foremost, I must express my sincere gratitude to Mr Wilson. His professionalism, expertise, and compassionate approach were evident from our very first meeting. He took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure, addressing all my concerns and ensuring I had a complete understanding of what to expect. His calm and reassuring demeanor put me at ease, instilling confidence in his abilities as a surgeon.The facilities at Spire Clinic were outstanding. The clinic's clean and welcoming environment helped alleviate any pre-operative anxieties I had. The staff members were friendly, approachable, and always ready to assist me with any questions or requests. From the receptionists to the nurses and support staff, everyone demonstrated a high level of competence and professionalism.Throughout my stay, the nursing team provided attentive care, ensuring my comfort and well-being at all times. They were highly knowledgeable, offering post-operative support and guidance that played a crucial role in my smooth recovery process. Their commitment to patient care was evident in their prompt response to any concerns or discomforts I experienced, making me feel valued and reassured.The post-operative follow-up care I received was exceptional. Mr Wilson regularly checked in on my progress and provided detailed explanations about the healing process. His willingness to address any post-surgery concerns, no matter how minor, further underscored his dedication to ensuring my complete recovery and satisfaction.The administrative staff at Spire Clinic also deserve commendation. They efficiently handled all aspects of my stay, including scheduling appointments, coordinating with my insurance provider, and addressing any billing inquiries. Their professionalism and attention to detail contributed to a seamless and hassle-free experience.In summary, my experience at Spire Clinic, under the care of Mr. Wilson, was exemplary. The clinic's commitment to excellence, paired with Mr. Wilson's expertise and compassionate care, made a significant impact on my overall satisfaction with the service I received. I would highly recommend Spire Clinic and Mr. Wilson to anyone in need of surgical care, confident that they will provide the same exceptional level of service that I was fortunate enough to experience.Thank you, Spire Clinic and Mr. Wilson, for your unwavering commitment to patient well-being and for exceeding my expectations at every step of my journey!!
Millie TaylorMillie Taylor
09:06 17 May 23
There are so many options when considering surgery, it can be a bit overwhelming as it's such a huge decision. Sherif was recommended to me by a friend of a friend, who talked very highly of him and his work. My first consultation with Sherif was informative and relaxed, there was no pressure to progress with the surgery and I felt I was in good hands. I was given time and space to make my decision, and felt comfortable asking any further questions. The surgery itself went smoothly, I felt safe and well looked after. My recovery went better than I'd imagined and I was comfortably back at work within 2 weeks. I'm now 11 weeks post op and I'm loving the results - it really is life changing, and I'm so glad I did it, and chose Sherif to do it. Huge thanks to him and his team.
lauren priestleylauren priestley
21:56 01 Aug 22
At my first consultation with Mr Wilson he made me feel comfortable and after explaining how specific I wanted my surgery to look, he took so much time explaining the procedure and answered all my questions and advised me on what my best option was.I am so pleased with the results.Him and all his lovely team were highly professional, helpful and very supportive during my surgery and during my post surgery follow up appointments.I cannot express enough how talented Mr Wilson is and I would highly recommend him.
Charmaine GriffinCharmaine Griffin
11:16 28 Jul 22
The service received from Mr Wilson and his secretary has been amazing. Kim has always been prompt and professional with all of our contact. At the initial consultation with Mr Wilson, he made me comfortable and at ease. Mr Wilson has always been so kind and considerate and made sure that he explained the options available to me and what each option would include. Mr Wilson was clear about what the results of each option would likely provide and the risks involved. On the day of my surgery Mr Wilson came to see me prior to the surgery to check that I was happy. The results of the surgery were better than I could ever have imagined. I got a small infection a couple of weeks after surgery and Mr Wilson got me in to see him the same day, provided me with antibiotics and it cleared up right away. I'm now 7 weeks post surgery and feeling right back to normal.
Ashleigh GoodwinAshleigh Goodwin
22:12 04 May 22
Wow, I honestly don’t even know where to start. I guess a MASSIVE thank you to Mr Wilson, he has quite frankly changed my life. From the moment I met him I knew that he was the surgeon for me, he listened to what I wanted, was very understanding and caring, he was honest with the outcome and explained everything perfectly. I knew that I had to have him as my surgeon for my Breast Reduction, the minute I left the consultation I booked my surgery, I only had 7 weeks to wait, I was beyond excited. About a week before the surgery I came to see Mr Wilson again just to settle my nerves, and he did just that. My surgery went incredibly well, I felt amazing and just so excited to see the results, I had no complications whatsoever and pain was minimal, the heeling process was so so smooth too. One year on and I am still on cloud nine, the scars are basically non existent and my new breasts are PERFECT. I’m not over exaggerating when I say Mr Wilson has changed my life, he really has done just that, and I will be forever grateful. Will recommend Mr Wilson over and over again to anyone wanting ANY surgery with him. He is incredible!
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