Anyone had Labiaplasty?

I've been searching the web more and more about this topic recently.  I am 23 years old and seriously considering this surgery.  When I was in high school my labias were uneven.  One was inside and the other one stuck out a little.  I remember folding it inside to be comfortable while working out and when wearing tight fitting clothing.  However, a good 5 years later I feel that the same labia has stretched out even more probably due to me "tucking it in" or folding it over.  It's gotten to the point where its extrememly uncomfortable for me to run and to the point where I don't even like to work out anymore because of the extreme discomfort.  It also sticks out forward so that it rubs against my clit while I'm walking not in a way that makes me turned on but in a way that makes me feel like someone is touching me when I don't want to be touched.  I've never had an issue about what guys have said about it.  Although, some guys have been suprised or curious when they see it.  From what I've noticed they seem to be aware that some girls have longer labia lips and not too worried about it.  However, for me there is some discomfort when it almost gets caught on my thigh or smushed when they thrust during sex where I feel like I have to adjust it for my own comfort which does get quite annoying when I want to be able to just enjoy the moment.  Basically I'm posting because I don't feel like I want this surgery because I feel like there's something wrong with the way I look.  I want this surgery so I can stop feeling so in pain when I'm walking and I want to be able to enjoy running again without feeling like I constantly have to adjust my underwear or go to the bathroom to basically adjust myself.  I just recently brought up how I'm feeling to my mom and she seems to think I want to get this surgery because of what boys think of me.  However, it is truely a surgery I want because of discomfort.  I'm wanting to hear opinions from women who got this surgery because of pure discomfort and pain they had from their labias because I feel like most posts talk about women wanting this because of concerns of their physical appearance "down there."  I'm also wanting advice about how I can possibly get my mom to understand my issue so that she can see where I'm coming from because I want her support.  I'm really feeling like its coming to the point where the discomfort has gotten to an all time extreme where I feel like I have to sleep with a pillow between my legs just so I don't feel constant chaffing on my labia.  I just feel like this issue is affecting my every day life and putting me in a bad mood because it feels like someone is constantly pinching me where this is something I really need to resolve.  I'm also wondering about all these post about nerve damage and such because obviously more discomfort is not the point of me getting this surgery.  The more and more I research this topic I wish I was simply born with a slightly different shaped labia that didn't bother me so much.

Lia

aww lia bless you - i know exactly wot u are going through and how u feel- except took me 20 years to get the surgery. no-one can understand the discomfort side of things unless they have labia that hangs outside the outers - i used to wear panty liners as even my knicker lining irritated me, so know how you feel. i can only speak from personal experience that having the op was the best thing i ever did.- so wish id done it years ago and not had to put up with all this discomfort all these years - but also hated the way i looked, as felt like a freak - but the main reason for me was just the same reasons as u, i told my mum who agreed i should have the op - sadly, as your mum hasnt got this 'problem' there is no way she can appreciate how u feel. y dont u show her your post - if she sees it in black and white she mite think differently. best of luck to u in your decision x

I had this done over a year ago and it is better than I imagined, no more problems, I do love the new look, and as far as nerve damage...I am actually more sensitive now as the long side had lost sensitivity over the years because of the constant rubbing on clothes etc.

Hi everyone! I had labiaplasty two months ago. I was in the same position as many of you.. large, uncomfortable labia. It was very embarrassing and something that I did not know what to do about. Not only with sexual partners, but even something as simple as wearing yoga pants or a bathing suit was an embarrassment. Even though people could not see it through these clothes, I constantly felt the need to close my legs and hide my body. When I first heard of Labiaplasty I spent hours looking it up online. On many of these reviews and websites there are horror stories that almost steered me away from the surgery. I would read them and try to convince myself that it wasn't worth surgery and that if I met the right person they would accept my body for how it is. That is obviously easier said than done and I realized it was a problem that I wanted to be fixed for myself, not for anyone else. Eventually I told my doctor I was interested in the surgery and they again, tried talking me out of it. Even so, my doctor recommended a surgeon to me. I met with this doctor and she seemed very excited to do it. She told me it would be a very quick, easy procedure and she could do it in her office under local anesthesia so it would be cheaper. Then came a HUGE red flag.. I asked her how many of these surgeries she had completed (every website says to MAKE SURE you see before/after pictures) and she told me SHE HAD NEVER DONE THE SURGERY BEFORE! I knew right then I did not feel comfortable with this woman doing the surgery. It is very very important to find a surgeon that has done hundreds of these surgeries because it is such a sensitive area and important to realize surgery cannot be undone. EVENTUALLY I found the perfect surgeon!! Dr. Edward Jacobson is the surgeon that completed my surgery. He has an office in Greenwich, Connecticut. I really cannot even express how happy I am that I had the surgery done. I was very reluctant to get it done and was extremely nervous that it would not be the right choice and the recovery period would be terrible. The recovery was MUCH better than I expected. RIght after the surgery I slept for the rest of the day (obviously drugged up too) and the next day I slept and stayed in bed most of the day too. It is important to listen to the dr's orders and take it easy, because I honestly felt way better than I expected to. I was able to move around (althoguh it was sore and sensitive to touch for a few weeks) and still do everyday activities. I really just can't even express enough how happy I am that I went through with the surgery. I am pleased with the results and still have to keep reminding myself that I actually had it done because it seems so surreal. If anyone wants more details about the surgery and the recovery process please let me know! I was in the same boat as many of you just two months ago so I know exactly how most of you feel. Just remember, make sure you find the right surgeon to do something so invasive as this surgery !!! :) Goodluck !

I'm 22 from the UK and seriously considering having this procedure. I think I'm in the same situation as you Lia, my reasons for wanting the surgery are not aesthetic, its purely due to the daily discomfort of uneven labia. I know that this surgery would be the right thing for me personally as its got worse and worse over the past couple of years (i dont know why), perhaps due to the constant adjustments. I don't really know how to go about it, I don't want to go to my doctor's surgery because my mum is friends with one of the GPs there and I kind of want to keep this a secret and not sure I even want my mum finding out! (we dont really talk about anything like that although shes a nurse haha). I was wondering if anyone knows if i could get a referral from my local sexual health clinic at the hospital? I've been there a couple of times and the female doctors are very easy to talk to so I think I'd be more comfortable telling them as I've never spoken to anyone about this before. I literally couldn't be talked out of doing this, I know it's the right decision I'm just not sure how to go about it and im worried about being able to keep it a secret when I've seen people post on here about walking like a duck! My parents go away for 3 weeks this summer and ideally I'd get it done while they're away but that's probably a longshot! Judging by what people have said about how difficult it is to get labiaplasty on the NHS I'm worried I may not be entitled at all even though it causes me so much discomfort! I would like to say thanks to all the people who have posted about their experiences on here, I'm so glad I'm not the only one and you've made me feel like less of a freak.

Kat

aww kat thats sad you cant tell your mum, and honestly with patient confidentiality there is no way any doctor could disclose any information wotsoever regarding any consultation! i can tell u now, depending on your area i doubt v v much whehterh u would get this on the nhs - the cut backs are happening thick and fast and 18 months ago i was one of the last ones to have this op performed via nhs! it doesnt matter that u are in discomfort etc, as sadly too many girls have had it done purely for cosmetic purposes and the nhs can no longer fund it - so wrong, as unless u have this problem u cant possibly understand. i seriously woudnt go thru the op without telling your mum - even if u tell her its a cyst removal op - just in case, god forbid anything goes wrong and u have to go back into hospital. also if by any chance u are granted nhs funding, u cant pick and choose wen u have the op. u will only get referred by your gp - cant u c a different doc? female preferably. just be prepared for them to talk u out of it. let us know how u get on, any questions please ask x

Hey
So it's been a while, and the swelling is definitely gone. I'm a lot happier in terms of feeling, it doesn't rub anymore, but  there's still more there than I would like from an aesthetic point of view. I'm a little bit sad about it because a part of the reason I wanted this surgery is so that I wouldn't feel so embarrassed. I haven't had sex since the surgery because of it so I can't really say wether the pain during sex has stopped or not. 

Please please dont get it, i had the op nearly 2 years ago and i am still in constant pain and have swelling , leaking fluid and i am medically depressed! I was so paranoid about my labia that i was a virgin, i now have a bf and we cant even have sex because i have been left with such bad scarring! If only i could turn back time! So please please dont ruin your life too. X

i really feel for you, however, with all ops there are good and bad experinces, so u just have to weigh it up. i personally wish i had had it done 20 years ago, but i would absolutly say to anyone do as much research as u can, do not have this done purely cos u dont think u look right - this is a major thing to go thru and shouldnt be done on a whim. princessm who on earth butchered u this way - is there nothing that can be done to correct it?

Hi, i read everyone's comments and replies, and i'm stuck on whether i want to get this done.. my hood alone is 1 cm PAST my clitoris, and 2cm total, and the labia is 5, so it all looks like one long blob of yucky mess going from top to bottom.. im not afraid of losing clitoral sensation because actually, due to the lack of contact because of the hood, any stimulation is painful because i'm so sensitive, i actually want to lose some sensitivity but i dont want there to be problems as well. i don't want my clit touched, just the hood and labia, it's so painful to wear anything, and if anything is even REMOTELY tight, i get a camel toe and it's extremely embarrassing.. and on top of that.. the entire thing just looks so disgusting to me that it makes me cry to think about it. I feel so self conscious around MYSELF when i take a shower or go the bathroom.. i showed my mom about 2 months ago and she said i wasn't born this way but it was like this as far as i can remember. She got really concerned and made me go to the obgyn, even though i kept telling her that it was normal, because i knew what it was, but it was still gross. But,  i have a memory from when i was 4 or so of me climbing the back of a basketball goal, and upon doing so i slipped and literally busted my crotch and i was bleeding. The obgyn told me that the inner labia acts as a way to protect the inner vagina, i didn't tell her about the incident, but after i thought of what she had said i guessed that since that happened, my body reacted to protect my inner walls and whatnot, creating bigger labia... I'm nearly 16, i'm young, yes, but i REALLY want this done, when i found out about this surgery i was so happy, i didnt think it was possible.. it's so painful to even attempt clitoral stimulation and because of my sub conscious insecurity, i can't orgasm any other way either, i have to force myself. And i hate nearly crying everytime i go to the bathroom or shower, even when i change.. Also, i can't wear so many clothes because most hurt or just make me feel uncomfortable.. And on top of all that, it highly effects my vaginal hygiene, i've gotten several yeast infections since i started puberty when i was 8, which is really gross.. I hate being this way and i just want to be happy.. i'm self conscious. NO ONE should be self conscious around THEM SELF. But through all of this, i'm so scared to get it done. I'm looking into it and have been for 6 months now, i've done research and know it can cause many problems but could also make you very happy, depending on the doctor. I want to start saving up when i get my job soon so that i can get it done asap if i do.. But i need advice of where i should go and who i should have do it.. i'm willing to travel to another country when i'm older if that's what i must do. I HATE living like this. It puts mental and physical stress on me and it just adds to the pile of everything else in my life and i'm just so exhausted.. currently i'm working on gaining a few pounds, (i weight 86 pounds.. sitting and laying down hurts my bones and i bruise easily ><) getting rid of my acne, trying to do 2 school years at once because i failed last year due to being sick so much and having insomnia because of stress so i missed too much school, trying to get a job to help support my family, teaching my younger sister, hearing my parents fight about wanting to get a divorce after about 28 years, plus dealing with my boyfriend getting mad everyday because of complications we had in the past.. it's never fun to have your boyfriend live with you after history of cheating on each other.. no matter how changed you guys are, until a year or so later it's a bad idea.. gives you too much to argue about. I don't mean to rant i'm just really distraught and i'm crying right now. someone PLEASE suggest me to some doctors that you've had successful results with, and who ever has had bad results, please let me know as well for future reference. I'm not TOO worried about price, cause i have some years to save up, and i'm not getting it done right when i turn 18. 

hi there- and bless u, know exactly how u feel - can assure u the pole incident has nothing to do with how you look down there - u sound exactly the same as i was re how gross it was, discomfort etc etc. im shocked your mum took u to the docs - u are beleive it or not completley normal - i know u dont beleive that, but if you can somehow see other photos of ladies vaginas u will see they all cum in different shapes n sizes - thats not to say u arent happy with wot u have as neither was i - but u are normal. u have soo many stresses in your life right now, no wonder u are so depressed. for me personally it was the best decision ever made- but my darling it took me 20 bloody years to pluck up the courage to go thru with it - and being from england it was free as our health service paid for it. my heart goes out to u as u are so young to be worrying about yourself. has your b/friend ever said anything?

Hi Fox,
i totally understand what you are going through!
I think it is wise to wait until you're 18! And be careful of what doctor you chose!

Here is my personal experience:

I have wanted labiaplasty ever since I learned about it a few years ago.

I had long dark labia that really bothered me.
It was painful, ugly and made me feel so self conscious.
I have been with only my ex boyfriend and after breaking up with him, I wanted it more than ever!

I live in Asia and i was not aware they performed it in my country, I thought I would have to save up for years and finally get it done abroad!
But thankfully I found out they did it here and I immediately ran to the clinic haha.

Day of surgery:
The procedure was done under local anesthesia, shots to the labia.
It stung and pinched quite a bit, but I was ready for anything!
The procedure itself didnt take long, it was 30-40 minutes at the most!
My left side hurt quite a bit, but I gritted my teeth and prayed it would end soon lol.
After it was complete, i went into a recovery room and rested for 10 minutes.
The pain was very numb dull aching kind of pain. Nothing that would make you scream or cry but still painful.
I think of myself of having a pretty high pain tolerance.

I went home by taxi, it was hard to sit. So I basicly sat on my back haha on the edge of the seat.
I got it done at a gyno clinic, which has a good reputation.
And it was very cheap, 150 US dollars.
I know some of might be shocked at the price, but surgery in Asia is pretty cheap compared to the US Or other places.

I got home took paracetamol and iced the area. It was hurting by then!
I highly recommend icing!
It numbs the pain so well!
Spent the rest of the day lying down and relaxing.
Walking was awkward but nothing that bad.
No sitting though! My doctor said not to sit on the stitches!

Day 1:
I slept fine, which was a pleasant surprise!
I woke up had a light breakfast and took the antibiotic the doctor gave me. After a while took paracetamol just in case it would get painful since I planned to run errands.
I know I need to be on bed rest for the first few days but I did not telly my parents I was getting this done.
Asian parents are crazy!
I went out at 10 am and ran a lot of errands until about 3 pm.
No major pain except for the uncomfortable rubbing of the pads.
And it would pinch kind of painful, but it went away fast enough.
Had lunch with family, was wondering how on earth was I gonna sit through the meal.
But i sat at an angle, it was fine.
Spent all day in the car sitting in weird positions so as not to touch the stitches.
Walking was better today.
But got painful-ish at the end of the day.
Got home and washed it with liquid Safeguard soap. My doctor told me to wash it with antibacterial soap.
Iced for a while and now resting in bed.

When I looked in the mirror, it was scary to be honest. But I dont have two flaps hanging down!
It is amazing!!
Left side is way more swollen and the right looks tiny as if its completely gone, but I know it is just the swelling.

Hopefully I will rest on the weekend and it'll heal nicer.

Is anyone has questions, feel free! :D

oh my god i cannot believe u have done all that on day one!! for gods sake be careful not to pull your stitches undone! after my surgery i basically did nothing for the 1st 5 days - and wasnt ready to go back to work until 10 days (sitting down job, only 5 hours). it is vital you keep the area as clean as possible as the 1st few days are when u could get infected - i used warm salty water over the area every time i went to the toilet - do not have a bath for the 1st 7 days - shower is fine. i found using a rubber ring to sit on was wonderful for taking pressure off the stiches. how on earth have u gone thru this surgery and not told her your parents!! totally agree about the joy of not having anything hanging out now - but i waited 3 weeks until i daared look! good luck with your healing - anything u want to know from me who had it done 2 years ago please ask x

Thanks emzone!
Are you satisfied with your results?
How long does it take the swelling to go down until it looks fairly normal?
And when will sitting be comfortable?(as well as walking)


That rubber ring sounds like a dream! I am avoiding sitting!
I am washing gently with warm water after using the restroom and washing it with antiseptic soap three times a day.

I have been taking today (day 2) easy.
Been in bed for most of the day. I iced once as of now, will ice in the evening.
Since the pain is almost non existent, i havent been taking painkillers.
Walking around the house was fairly uncomfortable, hopefully it'll be better tomorrow.
Been going commando under loose pj pants and a long night gown.
But my period should come soon, not looking forward to the underwear and pads rubbing!

I suggest getting this op done way before you expect your period!
Because it may be more of a hassle.

funny you should mention period - on the morning of the op i came on! how unlucky was i. so no way could i go comando! like u i had near enough no pain - only needed 2 pain killers, but it is uncomfortable, not pain as such, but a kind of dragging sensation.

re satisfied with results, hmmm, if i could turn back the clock i would have shown surgeon a foto of what i wanted, as apart from an inch from the hood down -which i said do not touch she took the rest off compleltey - so im left with 2 scars and an inch from the top if that makes sense - but, do i regret it - hell no! just wish id done it years ago, and not gone through years of feeling like a freak let alone the discomfort etc etc of having inner labia hanging out gross!

re when feel comfortable - we are all different, we all heal differently. for me i would say 2 weeks- once the stitches disolve that really makes a difference. dont keep looking down there!! leave it another week before u look again and u will notice a big difference. u are doing all the rite things in terms of recovering - apart from not taking it as easy as you should! keep me updated with how u get on x