WOW! I'm so sorry for anyone here who had a horrible experience. I'm only 12 days post op and not happy with what I have right now, but I'm hopeful because of what everyone on here has said that it can take months to get a final result. I've searched the different types of labia through images online. Mine were hanging nearly an inch past my outer labia and EXTREMELY embarrassing! The doc removed the clitoral hood---which I didnt ask for---but I can live with it because I know there was a LOT of skin over it. Right now I look as if I've been through a meat grinder and the swelling hasn't gone down.
My thing is, I've been married 9 years and my husband has never touched me or seen me down there! AND we have 4 children!!! So, you can imagine this was taking over my life and I had to get this done for myself! I suggest anyone who is thinking of getting it done to go see a doctor twice before the actual procedure and be thorough! Have all of your questions written down on paper and bring in photos of how you want to look! My labia were trimmed off and sewn onto my outer labia......so basically I have no inner labia at all......I would not suggest this, but it's a preference. Just make sure you're smart about this and take time and get knowledgable about the procedure before you just trust a doctor........they are human and make mistakes too.
Good luck to anyone out there.
Also, would love some more feedback and support that I still have hope in this turning out ok. I know I'm only 12 days post op, but I'm still very sore and the stitches look horrible! The swelling, or firmness hasn't gone down much. Also, part of my clit is covered by the swelling, I'm hoping that's not permanent. One more thing, down near the vaginal opening seems to be a bulge of skin that looks like stitch could've come loose on the inside? The doc said that this is normal and eventually it'll go down and be flush with the rest of the labia. Anyone else had this happen? Or had the stitches kinda ripple the skin and cause bumps?
I hear this is all normal, but I'd like to hear someone who's experienced this. THanks
My thing is, I've been married 9 years and my husband has never touched me or seen me down there! AND we have 4 children!!! So, you can imagine this was taking over my life and I had to get this done for myself! I suggest anyone who is thinking of getting it done to go see a doctor twice before the actual procedure and be thorough! Have all of your questions written down on paper and bring in photos of how you want to look! My labia were trimmed off and sewn onto my outer labia......so basically I have no inner labia at all......I would not suggest this, but it's a preference. Just make sure you're smart about this and take time and get knowledgable about the procedure before you just trust a doctor........they are human and make mistakes too.
Good luck to anyone out there.
Also, would love some more feedback and support that I still have hope in this turning out ok. I know I'm only 12 days post op, but I'm still very sore and the stitches look horrible! The swelling, or firmness hasn't gone down much. Also, part of my clit is covered by the swelling, I'm hoping that's not permanent. One more thing, down near the vaginal opening seems to be a bulge of skin that looks like stitch could've come loose on the inside? The doc said that this is normal and eventually it'll go down and be flush with the rest of the labia. Anyone else had this happen? Or had the stitches kinda ripple the skin and cause bumps?
I hear this is all normal, but I'd like to hear someone who's experienced this. THanks
Hi
I had a Labia reduction on the NHS on Tuesday 29th April 08. So 5 days ago, I haven't had any pain whatsoever, from the moment I woke from the general to now, it is starting to prickle abit, but that is just from the healing. I'm visiting my dr on tues just to check all is well, but if anyone is desperately wanting this done, then I would say definately do it, as I have had no problems at all. Also do ask your Dr, they can only say no. I actually took a snippet from a magazine that had a dr speaking about labia reduction and that it could be performed on the NHS, I think this helped my case.
Good Luck
I had a Labia reduction on the NHS on Tuesday 29th April 08. So 5 days ago, I haven't had any pain whatsoever, from the moment I woke from the general to now, it is starting to prickle abit, but that is just from the healing. I'm visiting my dr on tues just to check all is well, but if anyone is desperately wanting this done, then I would say definately do it, as I have had no problems at all. Also do ask your Dr, they can only say no. I actually took a snippet from a magazine that had a dr speaking about labia reduction and that it could be performed on the NHS, I think this helped my case.
Good Luck
Hi, im 20 and for years i have been uncomfortable with my vagina. my lips hung down about an inch below my outer labia, and when i stood up they could clearly be seen. i started to work as a lap dancer and noticed that most of the other girls had "perfect" vaginas, all neat with nothing sticking out, except maby 2 or 3. This made me decide to have labia reducation.
The op was done under local ansthetic with a numbing cream first so i wudnt feel the needles goin in. Clamps were used and my lips were trimmed and stitched with disolovable stitches. No pain was felt at all during the operation, but about one hour later i was in COMPLETE agony! I felt like someone had butchered my entire vaginal area. It burned and stung, I cried in pain. After taking some much needed pain killers, the pain died down. I cudnt walk or stand up, and lay with my legs apart for hours before finally attempting to stand. I dreaded the thought of having to urinate, but was relieved when I discovered that it actucally helps. I had a few sleepless nights, and no underwear for a week. i didnt wear jeans, just long skirts.
For the first few days i was walking strangely. it was uncomfortable. My vagina swelled, and the stitches from my op were sticking into me quite alot. I was a little worried, it looked as though it had gone drastically wrong! they seemed thicker and more dissiglthy than before the op!
I bled for about 3days, not heavily, just a little from the stitches. After 5 days i insisted on having the stitches removed, and what a relief it was. I was able to walk normally again and within 4days i was almost perfectly healed, apart from a little swelling. Two weeks later i have no pain at all, still minor swelling, and just a much awaited and appreciated neat designer vagina, lol. The pain was the most difficult part, but well worth it. i would do go through it all again in a second, i have much more confidence, in the bed room, in work, and in general. I would advise anyone who is considering it to have it done.
The op was done under local ansthetic with a numbing cream first so i wudnt feel the needles goin in. Clamps were used and my lips were trimmed and stitched with disolovable stitches. No pain was felt at all during the operation, but about one hour later i was in COMPLETE agony! I felt like someone had butchered my entire vaginal area. It burned and stung, I cried in pain. After taking some much needed pain killers, the pain died down. I cudnt walk or stand up, and lay with my legs apart for hours before finally attempting to stand. I dreaded the thought of having to urinate, but was relieved when I discovered that it actucally helps. I had a few sleepless nights, and no underwear for a week. i didnt wear jeans, just long skirts.
For the first few days i was walking strangely. it was uncomfortable. My vagina swelled, and the stitches from my op were sticking into me quite alot. I was a little worried, it looked as though it had gone drastically wrong! they seemed thicker and more dissiglthy than before the op!
I bled for about 3days, not heavily, just a little from the stitches. After 5 days i insisted on having the stitches removed, and what a relief it was. I was able to walk normally again and within 4days i was almost perfectly healed, apart from a little swelling. Two weeks later i have no pain at all, still minor swelling, and just a much awaited and appreciated neat designer vagina, lol. The pain was the most difficult part, but well worth it. i would do go through it all again in a second, i have much more confidence, in the bed room, in work, and in general. I would advise anyone who is considering it to have it done.
i had the op two days ago and so far so good, I had one labia that was normal, one that was about four times the size and had hated them for YEARS, since I was 12 and I'm now 32.
i had it done at a BUPA hosp and paid £2,000 and I think it was money well spent, although dont want to speak too soon.
It is uncomfortable but to be honest having my wisdom teeth out was more painful.
My surgeon told me to let air get to it, keep the area clean and use ice to stop swelling and bruising.
I also took arnica tablets for a few days before the op, this stops bruising and so far i have been lucky with that.
I've had a look and it's not looking too hot, but better than it was before and I'm hoping when the swelling goes down it will be all good.
It was nowhere near as horrific as I expected.
i had it done at a BUPA hosp and paid £2,000 and I think it was money well spent, although dont want to speak too soon.
It is uncomfortable but to be honest having my wisdom teeth out was more painful.
My surgeon told me to let air get to it, keep the area clean and use ice to stop swelling and bruising.
I also took arnica tablets for a few days before the op, this stops bruising and so far i have been lucky with that.
I've had a look and it's not looking too hot, but better than it was before and I'm hoping when the swelling goes down it will be all good.
It was nowhere near as horrific as I expected.
Hi,
Just wanted to say I had the op at a BUPA hosp in the UK two weeks ago and am now fully recovered, well apart from still being a bit tender and swollen.
I had a very good experience, I know that isn't the case for everyone on here, but just wanted to post my experience.
I had one labia that was much bigger than the other and had the method where they trimmed.
It was pretty sore straight after surgery once the anaethetic wore off but I was given really good painkillers, co-codomol and ibuprofen and it was bearable.
I went home the next day and was unable to sit down so basically lay on the sofa for a week which was actually quite good.
I was told to put ice on it and vaseline, and I used salt water to cleanse the area after i went to the loo, and after the first week it was pretty much healed.
I drove after a week and was back to work after 10 days but could have gone back sooner.
I was petrified before my op which is why i am posting. I had mine done at a BUPA hosp, i paid for it myself and was treated really well and would defo recommend.
Just wanted to say I had the op at a BUPA hosp in the UK two weeks ago and am now fully recovered, well apart from still being a bit tender and swollen.
I had a very good experience, I know that isn't the case for everyone on here, but just wanted to post my experience.
I had one labia that was much bigger than the other and had the method where they trimmed.
It was pretty sore straight after surgery once the anaethetic wore off but I was given really good painkillers, co-codomol and ibuprofen and it was bearable.
I went home the next day and was unable to sit down so basically lay on the sofa for a week which was actually quite good.
I was told to put ice on it and vaseline, and I used salt water to cleanse the area after i went to the loo, and after the first week it was pretty much healed.
I drove after a week and was back to work after 10 days but could have gone back sooner.
I was petrified before my op which is why i am posting. I had mine done at a BUPA hosp, i paid for it myself and was treated really well and would defo recommend.
Am falling into a depression because it's been one week since my surgery and it looks like the doctor did a botched up job. one labia looks bigger and bunched up and then on the bottom looks like it's missing! Then the other side on the bottom looks like it's cut up into three little pieces. I missed my post op appt. and frankly am scared to talk to the doc cause i feel she'll try to get money out of me anyway and tell me it is supposed to look like that. I thought she would be good at this procedure because she is an OBGYN. I don't even know if anything can be done to fix this now. Does anybody know what my next step should be? I am going to set up an appt. with another gyno to get a second opinion.
Bethlyn, I know what you're going through. I had surgery on the nhs on July 1st this year and within days I could see that it had gone horribly wrong. My stiches came apart almost immediatley and I also had an infection which my GP failed to trea. I ended up back in hospital 2 weeks later on IV antibiotics for 2 days. I have a deep, painful tear on the left labia which has not healed and on the side where it has healed I look as if an alsation chewed it! They both still protrude a lot too. I've been off work for 6 weeks up to now because I have to apply sterile dressings to the wound which have to be done all over again whenever I use the toilet. I have had 3 weeks of antibiotics and as a result have thrush which further complicates the healing process. I am also on my 2nd water infection!
I have needed to see a therapist as I have been so traumatised by the whole thing, and it's been really difficult to stand up for myself and demand a second opinion. My post op appointment was scheduled 8wks after the surgery so my consultant hasn't even seen me yet. I don't want to go back there anyway. My GP has referred me to a plastic surgery unit for reconstructive surgery but the appointment is still a month away. I have booked in with a private consultant to get a proper assessment of what can be done, as the nhs have just left me to it with no follow up care other than weekly appointments with the district nurse. No one up to now has given me any idea of how long the healing will take or what further surgery I will be offered. I'm looking into litigation, people keep telling me i have a strong case, but fighting feels like such an effort right now.
It's been worse than a nightmare. I can't say i wish i could go back to the way i was because I hated my huge labia for 30 years and experienced a lot of disconfort - I just wish things had gone better and the whole ordeal was behind me. These risks were not explained to me, i was just told they could not guarentee a perfect shape.
I have needed to see a therapist as I have been so traumatised by the whole thing, and it's been really difficult to stand up for myself and demand a second opinion. My post op appointment was scheduled 8wks after the surgery so my consultant hasn't even seen me yet. I don't want to go back there anyway. My GP has referred me to a plastic surgery unit for reconstructive surgery but the appointment is still a month away. I have booked in with a private consultant to get a proper assessment of what can be done, as the nhs have just left me to it with no follow up care other than weekly appointments with the district nurse. No one up to now has given me any idea of how long the healing will take or what further surgery I will be offered. I'm looking into litigation, people keep telling me i have a strong case, but fighting feels like such an effort right now.
It's been worse than a nightmare. I can't say i wish i could go back to the way i was because I hated my huge labia for 30 years and experienced a lot of disconfort - I just wish things had gone better and the whole ordeal was behind me. These risks were not explained to me, i was just told they could not guarentee a perfect shape.
Hi im having my op done in 3 weeks time, really scared i can cope with pain but just hope it looks good. Im having it done on the NHS its probally taken 4 months from seeing my doc to having the op. Ill let you all no how i get on.
Hi,
Its really made me feel a hell of a lot better about my problem after reading posts from all of you going through the same thing.
I'm 22 and I've known for about a year now that my labia was a bit different from what is considered the "norm". I have always experienced pain during sex and as a result I can't have sex for too long before I have to stop, which men don't understand and think they are doing something wrong. It sounds silly but it didn't actually occur to me that it could be down to my labia until recently. I also didn't know that its possible to get surgery for the problem on the nhs. The surgery I go to, the doctors are mostly of the opinion that they won't refer you for anything they consider to be cosmetic. Which is why I've never done anything about this before. I completely understand what you are all going through. I too have had comments in the past from men, the one that sticks out in my mind is "I've never seen one like yours before". That really hurt, although I know he didn't mean it that way. And it really does affect your sex life, especially after a comment like that, you become so self concious and I find that I can't orgasm during oral sex either anymore as I am so worried about what he is thinking about the appearance of my labia and how different I look.
Anyway I would like to ask if anyone knows of or can recommend a good surgeon in the West Midlands, UK, specifically the Birmingham area. It'd be great to hear of anyone's experiences as I am considering getting this operation done now, I just have to get up the guts to see my GP. And hope that they will refer me as I don't have £3000 spare to pay for the surgery!
Also, I do have private healthcare with a police healthcare scheme (my dad is a policeman), does anyone know if it's possible to get referred by your GP to a private hospital for this procedure without having to pay, or will I have to go on the NHS?
Any advice would be really appreciated!
Thankyou
Jemma
Its really made me feel a hell of a lot better about my problem after reading posts from all of you going through the same thing.
I'm 22 and I've known for about a year now that my labia was a bit different from what is considered the "norm". I have always experienced pain during sex and as a result I can't have sex for too long before I have to stop, which men don't understand and think they are doing something wrong. It sounds silly but it didn't actually occur to me that it could be down to my labia until recently. I also didn't know that its possible to get surgery for the problem on the nhs. The surgery I go to, the doctors are mostly of the opinion that they won't refer you for anything they consider to be cosmetic. Which is why I've never done anything about this before. I completely understand what you are all going through. I too have had comments in the past from men, the one that sticks out in my mind is "I've never seen one like yours before". That really hurt, although I know he didn't mean it that way. And it really does affect your sex life, especially after a comment like that, you become so self concious and I find that I can't orgasm during oral sex either anymore as I am so worried about what he is thinking about the appearance of my labia and how different I look.
Anyway I would like to ask if anyone knows of or can recommend a good surgeon in the West Midlands, UK, specifically the Birmingham area. It'd be great to hear of anyone's experiences as I am considering getting this operation done now, I just have to get up the guts to see my GP. And hope that they will refer me as I don't have £3000 spare to pay for the surgery!
Also, I do have private healthcare with a police healthcare scheme (my dad is a policeman), does anyone know if it's possible to get referred by your GP to a private hospital for this procedure without having to pay, or will I have to go on the NHS?
Any advice would be really appreciated!
Thankyou
Jemma
Hi jemma i first went to my GP the middle of may this year, i advise seeing a lady doctor as there more sensetive. She first said its not that bad and that a lot of women have it and tried to explain that i should except my body the way it was. I explained to her the discomfort i felt as, as a horse rider wearing tight jodpurs became very uncomfortable and i was frequently having to adjust myself, (if you know what i mean). She then referred me to my local gyno who i saw on the 2nd of june at Frenchay in Bristol and he tried to reassure me aswell but once i explained everything he was very understanding.
Im booked in to have my op on 26th Sept, its a day case so i wont have to stay in overnight thank god.
Here is my email if i can help any further ******
Good luck Jo
Im booked in to have my op on 26th Sept, its a day case so i wont have to stay in overnight thank god.
Here is my email if i can help any further ******
Good luck Jo
listen all.
i think half your problems are state of mind.
you worry far too much it will go wrong so you pick out every little detail that seems 'wrong'.
I had labia reduction on friday and today is monday and everything seems just fine. Because I wanted this so badly.
yeah there's a tiny bump on my left labia, i can see a stitch, i can even see the line where he has cut down my labia, it is swollen and puffy and doesn't looks too great at the moment.
i wanted this and needed it. if you really want or need this done then you will appreciate ANY change... like i do.
stop worrying about the pain or swelling or itchiness. It's the healing process, be patient.
Remember we have just had our fannies 'cut up'... it's not going to feel nice or look nice. it doesn't mean it's gone wrong.
oh well. it's only my third day after the op. and i shall keep you all posted!
chowzin. Jadie. xx
i think half your problems are state of mind.
you worry far too much it will go wrong so you pick out every little detail that seems 'wrong'.
I had labia reduction on friday and today is monday and everything seems just fine. Because I wanted this so badly.
yeah there's a tiny bump on my left labia, i can see a stitch, i can even see the line where he has cut down my labia, it is swollen and puffy and doesn't looks too great at the moment.
i wanted this and needed it. if you really want or need this done then you will appreciate ANY change... like i do.
stop worrying about the pain or swelling or itchiness. It's the healing process, be patient.
Remember we have just had our fannies 'cut up'... it's not going to feel nice or look nice. it doesn't mean it's gone wrong.
oh well. it's only my third day after the op. and i shall keep you all posted!
chowzin. Jadie. xx
Hi,
im 25 and im been looking in to labia reduction, but have been to embarresed to see my doctor about it.
i first noticed it when i was roughly 14 thinking i was abnormal. I now know that i am normal and there is somthing that i can do about it, i cannot aford to pay for it, it is causing discomfort in tight clothing and during sex also.
Is it quite easy to get it on the Nhs.
thank you
debi
im 25 and im been looking in to labia reduction, but have been to embarresed to see my doctor about it.
i first noticed it when i was roughly 14 thinking i was abnormal. I now know that i am normal and there is somthing that i can do about it, i cannot aford to pay for it, it is causing discomfort in tight clothing and during sex also.
Is it quite easy to get it on the Nhs.
thank you
debi
Hi,
I had labia reduction 5 days ago. I'm 44 and it has been a pain for years - embarrassing, uncomfortable, re-adjustment... in the way during sex.. I decided finally to have it done when I split up with my husband. I have been thinking about it for years. I had the procedure done under local anaesthetic - it took a while for it to work, but it eventually did. My surgeon was very compassionate and experienced. I trusted him instantly. I drove home afterwards (3hr) and didn't have any pain at all. It just feels uncomfortable now, but I have kept on pain killers and Brufen in order to keep swelling to a minimum. It has began to itch! And it is a bit lumpy around the clitoris at the moment. However, there seems to be more sensation - not less. It feels very strange having 'something missing' - but I am SO glad that I did it and wished I had years ago - when you are young, you heal faster. I expected it to hurt more - as after childbirth it was painful - but it's nothing like that at all. I don't think I look 'perfect' yet - but I do compared to what it was! I am soooo pleased and looking forward to making a full recovery. My Surgeon gave me 2 types of antibiotics to take - to prevent infection - I'm glad. i also have some topical cream. Good luck to anyone that has it. I'm so pleased I did it.
I had labia reduction 5 days ago. I'm 44 and it has been a pain for years - embarrassing, uncomfortable, re-adjustment... in the way during sex.. I decided finally to have it done when I split up with my husband. I have been thinking about it for years. I had the procedure done under local anaesthetic - it took a while for it to work, but it eventually did. My surgeon was very compassionate and experienced. I trusted him instantly. I drove home afterwards (3hr) and didn't have any pain at all. It just feels uncomfortable now, but I have kept on pain killers and Brufen in order to keep swelling to a minimum. It has began to itch! And it is a bit lumpy around the clitoris at the moment. However, there seems to be more sensation - not less. It feels very strange having 'something missing' - but I am SO glad that I did it and wished I had years ago - when you are young, you heal faster. I expected it to hurt more - as after childbirth it was painful - but it's nothing like that at all. I don't think I look 'perfect' yet - but I do compared to what it was! I am soooo pleased and looking forward to making a full recovery. My Surgeon gave me 2 types of antibiotics to take - to prevent infection - I'm glad. i also have some topical cream. Good luck to anyone that has it. I'm so pleased I did it.
Hi,
I'm 17 years old and I really want this operation but I don't know how to tell anyone about it. I live in the countryside (the only local doctors are men) so I'll probably need to tell my mother about it. I know she'll brush the subject off and tell me not to be ridiculous. However one side of my labia hangs down more than the other (normal) side. Can this be done on the NHS? It does not cause me any pain or physical discomfort, only emotional discomfort and I'm extremely embarrassed.
I'm 17 years old and I really want this operation but I don't know how to tell anyone about it. I live in the countryside (the only local doctors are men) so I'll probably need to tell my mother about it. I know she'll brush the subject off and tell me not to be ridiculous. However one side of my labia hangs down more than the other (normal) side. Can this be done on the NHS? It does not cause me any pain or physical discomfort, only emotional discomfort and I'm extremely embarrassed.
hi,
i've been reading your posts and they're really helpful. Im convinced that i want the reduction after incredibly painful sex for over a year with my boyfriend, and just general discomfort on a daily basis (the doctors say that theres nothing wrong with me medically or physically) and boyfriend loves me the way i am - but im not happy with down there at all (i dont think ive ever been happy with it - even before i compared myself to others).
harleymonster-86 - how did your reduction go? I live in Bristol like you, so once i get referred i may be a frenchay. How long did it take for you to get referred? did you get the results you wanted? was it local or general anaesthetic? hope you're happy and ok. If you could let me know how you got on that would be great.
i've been reading your posts and they're really helpful. Im convinced that i want the reduction after incredibly painful sex for over a year with my boyfriend, and just general discomfort on a daily basis (the doctors say that theres nothing wrong with me medically or physically) and boyfriend loves me the way i am - but im not happy with down there at all (i dont think ive ever been happy with it - even before i compared myself to others).
harleymonster-86 - how did your reduction go? I live in Bristol like you, so once i get referred i may be a frenchay. How long did it take for you to get referred? did you get the results you wanted? was it local or general anaesthetic? hope you're happy and ok. If you could let me know how you got on that would be great.