How much does labiaplasty cost in Sydney?

While there is no way to determine an exact labiaplasty cost without a personalised consultation, the average procedure starts at about $4,000. Since every procedure is different, costs will be different too. Anaesthetist and hospital fees also need to be taken into consideration. In specific medical circumstances, labiaplasty can quality for Medicare and private insurance rebates. If this is something you want to take advantage of, speak to one of the top labiaplasty doctors in Sydney Dr Benjamin Norris about your options during your consultation.

What happens at the first consultation?

Plastic surgery is personal and everyone makes the decision to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure for different reasons. During your first consultation, Dr Norris will spend time finding out more about your concerns and what you hope to achieve with labiaplasty. Patients who are younger than 18 will need to attend the appointment with a parent or guardian as they will need to sign off on the surgery.

Next, Dr Norris will take you through the entire process, so that you know what to expect before, during and after your surgery. From there, you will be provided with a detailed quotation that will outline the costs of the surgery and what it includes. If you decide that you would like to go ahead with labiaplasty, a second consultation will be scheduled. During the second consultation, Dr Norris will explain how to prepare for your surgery and set a date for the procedure.

It is highly recommended that you stop smoking at least 2 months before your procedure.

How is labiaplasty performed?

Dr Norris only ever performs labiaplasty in fully accredited medical facilities. Prior to your procedure, you will be introduced to the anaesthetist who will administer your general anaesthetic. After which, Dr Norris will remind you about what will happen during and after the surgery.

Fortunately, labiaplasty is a short day procedure that can be performed in at little as an hour. During the procedure, one of the two techniques can be used. A trim technique will remove excess skin around the outer edge of the labia. If the wedge technique is used, a wedge shape will be removed from the widest point of the labia. From there, the edges will be stitched together to create the desired end result.

In some instances, a clitoral hood reduction is included in the procedure, but this is something you can decide on during your consultation. A clitoral hood reduction reduces any excess folds that decrease sensation or affects the overall appearance of the vagina.

Once the incisions have been closed up, patients are moved to a recovery room where they will be monitored for several hours before they’ll be discharged and sent to heal at home.

What happens after labial reduction surgery?

• Patients will generally need to spend about 4 hours in hospital after labiaplasty procedure so that they can be monitored and the effects of the anaesthetic can wear off.
• Since you won’t be able to drive, a friend or family member will need to collect you from the hospital and drive you home.
• You will remain in tight cotton support underwear and need to wash your wound daily with water until you see Dr Norris for a quick dressing change at day 3-5.
• Dr Norris will send you home with detailed aftercare instructions as well as a prescription for pain medication that will make your recovery much more comfortable. An antibiotic may also be prescribed.
• Daily showering is encouraged after surgery but patients can also choose to sit in a lukewarm salt bath, which is both soothing and good for healing.
• Sexual activity will be limited for the first 3 weeks to give the labia time to heal.
• After toileting, an ointment can be applied to create a barrier that will help prevent infection and enhance wound healing.
• The first 2 days after your surgery is when the most pain and discomfort will be experienced. However, the pain medication will keep this to a minimum. Using a soft cushion for sitting during the first week can also help alleviate discomfort.
• Bruising, swelling and tenderness are very common after this procedure but most of the swelling will be gone after 2 weeks.
• Patients can engage in light exercise such as walking two weeks after their surgery but your normal exercise can only be resumed after about a month. Dr Norris will provide you with more guidance on this.
• Patients are free to return to work 2 days after their surgery.
• You will need to see Dr Norris again 3 – 7 days after your surgery so that your wounds can be checked and your dressing changed.

Possible complications

• Infection – Infections are unpredictable and normally occur within the first 3 weeks after surgery. Infections should always be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible
• Haematoma – A collection of blood in the incision area, which is either naturally absorbed into the body or sometimes requires further surgical drainage. Symptoms include swelling, pain, bruising, hot to the touch, or itchy skin
• Scarring – If the necessary aftercare instructions are not followed, it is possible for patients to end up with unnecessary scarring following their procedure. Everything will be done to minimise scarring, including placing the incisions in the body’s natural folds. Dr Norris will also supply you with professional scar management advice