The Public Health Authority’s rules and recommendations to doctors and practitioners for patients looking to have female genital surgery has led to a Medicare report that there has been a 28% decline in the number of subsidised labiaplasties performed in the last financial year. These recommendations include having patients look at pictures of other labia minoras to understand that everyone is different and there is no “perfect” vagina. Regardless, many would argue in fact that the number of women undergoing female genital surgery is increasing exponentially in the private sector due to labiaplasty being considered an “in” procedure. Don’t forget; whilst plastic surgeons have to keep detailed reports and data regarding numbers of surgeries, cosmetic surgeons and private practitioners do not – the real number of labiaplasties and other genital surgeries being performed is anyone’s guess.

Whilst we have a major issue with young girls growing up in a world where an element of society might lead you to believe your female bits might not look how they “should”, we are also aware that there are many ladies out there with valid concerns and real issues.

Earlier this year we posted a real story on a lady whose lifestyle was compromised because of her larger labia minora. Not only did it cause her discomfort from a young age, but especially as she got older it also caused her embarrassment. She researched and looked into the procedures and it certainly improved her quality of life to have it done. Read the full story here.

You do need to realise this is a procedure with very real risks. Performing surgery in such a sensitive area where outcomes can include less function and feeling where it is the opposite you are hoping for can seem like a bit of a gamble. That’s why we want to remind you how important it is to choose a surgeon who has extensive experience and training in this particular area, should you decide it necessary for you. There have also been reports that patients are being “upsold” into having a labiaplasty when it is completely unnecessary by private clinics and practitioners. This is why we cannot stress enough how important it is for you to choose a fully qualified Plastic Surgeon.

One of our featured surgeons, Dr Scott Turner FRACS, Plastic Surgeon from Sydney, says labiaplasty is actually now one of his most commonly performed cosmetic procedures. Dr Scott Turner has spent many years refining his technique and offers his patients a wealth of knowledge and experience that only comes with someone with Dr Turner’s extensive training. “Due to the intimate nature of the problem, so many women are embarrassed and hesitant to seek help. The media attention on labiaplasty has seen this procedure grow in popularity as women are now more empowered to have the surgery.”

Dr Turner specifies some of the benefits of a labiaplasty:

• Decrease pain and discomfort
• Correct uneven labia minora
• Improve the appearance of the external genitalia
• Ability to wear tight clothing comfortably
• Improve exercise tolerance
• Minimise discomfort with sexual intercourse
• Minimise recurrent infections

So, as you can see, there are a variety of reasons why you might feel a labiaplasty is for you. Whilst we encourage you to really do your research as to whether the benefits outweigh the risks in your individual case, if you make the choice to undergo the surgery make sure you choose a qualified Plastic Surgeon with relevant experience to minimise any of those risks.

If you are located in Sydney or Newcastle or even if you are prepared to travel from further afield, and are considering a labiaplasty or any other cosmetic genital surgery, we recommend you have a consult with Dr Scott Turner. Receiving excellent reviews and having spoken to several happy patients, Dr Turner is definitely worth considering for this procedure or any others. Read more about Dr Turner here, or contact his surgery directly on 1300 437 758. If you feel more comfortable sending an email for your initial enquiry, you can email Dr Turner’s surgery at [email protected].

Trish

Trish is a plastic surgery blogger. She is passionate about wellbeing, health and beauty, and doesn't mind a little bit of 'help' from the amazing cosmetic and beauty procedures that are available today. Trish spends her days talking to women and men who are looking for suggestions and advice on procedures that are available to them. Cutting through the sales pitch and hype, a down-to-earth response on general information is what you will get.