Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty Services Brisbane & Gold Coast

What Is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes or reduces the labia minora, the inner folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening. The size, shape, and symmetry of the labia vary widely between women and can change over time due to childbirth, ageing, hormonal changes, or menopause.

For some women, enlarged or asymmetrical labia may cause physical discomfort, such as rubbing, irritation, or pain during exercise, cycling, or daily activities. Others may experience reduced confidence or self-consciousness in intimate situations.

Labiaplasty is a personal and individual decision. When carefully considered and appropriately performed, it may help improve comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life.
Dr Sharon Li takes a thoughtful, conservative, and individualised approach, with a focus on comfort, function, and long-term vulval health.

Important: This information is general in nature. A consultation and physical examination with Dr Li are essential to determine whether labiaplasty is appropriate for you.

Why Choose a Gynaecologist for Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty involves delicate vulval tissue and can affect comfort, sensation, and long-term wellbeing. Choosing a specialist gynaecologist ensures your care is grounded in medical expertise rather than cosmetic appearance alone.

Specialist Training in Vulval Anatomy

Gynaecologists receive extensive specialist training in vulval and vaginal anatomy, including:

  • Nerve supply and sensation

  • Blood supply and wound healing

  • Tissue preservation and function

This knowledge is critical for performing labiaplasty safely while aiming to preserve sensation and achieve natural, balanced results.

Experience Managing Women’s Health Concerns

Many women consider labiaplasty for functional or medical reasons, not purely cosmetic ones. As a gynaecologist, Dr Li has extensive experience managing:

  • Vulval discomfort and chronic irritation

  • Changes following childbirth

  • Scarring from tearing or episiotomy

  • Menopause-related vulval and vaginal changes

This allows for careful assessment and honest advice about whether surgery is likely to be beneficial, or whether conservative management is more appropriate.

Focus on Comfort, Function, and Long-Term Health

A gynaecologist-led approach prioritises how the vulva functions in everyday life, not just how it looks. Surgical planning focuses on:

  • Comfort during walking, exercise, and daily activities

  • Sexual comfort and sensitivity

  • Healthy healing and long-term tissue wellbeing

The goal is a result that feels natural and remains comfortable over time.

Conservative and Ethical Care

Dr Li takes a conservative and ethical approach to labiaplasty, which includes:

  • Explaining the wide range of normal vulval appearance

  • Avoiding excessive tissue removal

  • Recommending surgery only when appropriate

  • Providing honest guidance, including when surgery is not necessary

Patient wellbeing and informed decision-making always come first.

Why Do Women Consider Labiaplasty?

Functional Reasons

Women may seek labiaplasty due to:

  • Discomfort or pain during exercise, cycling, or daily activities

  • Chronic irritation or chafing with clothing

  • Hygiene difficulties or recurrent infections related to labial hypertrophy

Aesthetic or Personal Reasons

Some women may feel self-conscious about:

  • Labial asymmetry

  • Length or protrusion of the labia

  • Overall appearance affecting confidence

Both functional and personal concerns are valid and deserve respectful, professional discussion.

Am I a Suitable Candidate?

You may be a suitable candidate if you:

  • Experience physical discomfort or recurrent irritation

  • Have realistic expectations about outcomes

  • Are over 18 years of age

  • Are in good physical and mental health

  • Understand the risks, recovery process, and post-operative care

Suitability is assessed during a comprehensive consultation.

Your Initial Consultation

Labiaplasty is a highly personal procedure. During your consultation, Dr Li will:

  • Take time to understand your concerns and goals

  • Answer your questions thoroughly

  • Perform a gentle examination to assess suitability

  • Explain the procedure, risks, recovery, and alternatives

Patients must be 18 years or older to proceed. Patients under 18 may attend for advice and assessment with a parent or guardian if preferred.

Clinic Locations – Brisbane & Gold Coast

Dr Sharon Li consults from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, allowing women to access specialist gynaecological care close to home. Please see below for location and details

Labiaplasty in Brisbane

Labiaplasty in Gold Coast

Labiaplasty Before and After

Please be advised that the following gallery contains graphic images intended solely for educational purposes. Access is restricted to individuals aged 18 years and over. By clicking “I Agree,” you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age. Viewer discretion is advised.

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Please note that individual results may vary. The images shown represent outcomes achieved by specific patients and are not necessarily indicative of the results all patients may experience. Factors such as individual anatomy, genetics, and adherence to post-operative care can influence healing and final results. All images have been used with patient’s consent.

 

Preparing for Your Appointment

  • Bring a list of questions

  • Shower prior to your visit

  • If possible, attend outside your menstrual period

  • A GP referral is recommended to allow review of your general, medical, and mental health history

This ensures your care is safe, appropriate, and tailored to your needs.

Potential Risks and Complications

All surgical procedures carry risks. While labiaplasty is generally safe, possible complications include:

  • Bleeding, swelling, bruising, or pain

  • Infection requiring antibiotics

  • Wound separation (the most common complication)

  • Visible or thickened scarring

  • Changes in sensation (temporary or permanent)

  • Asymmetry or unsatisfactory outcome

  • Over- or under-resection

  • Pain during intercourse

  • Need for further surgery

Dr Li will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation.

Preparing for Labiaplasty: Pre-Surgery Information

Shaving

Please shave the genital area two days prior to surgery to reduce infection risk and allow any skin irritation to settle.

Medications and Supplements

Certain medications and supplements may increase bleeding risk, including:

  • Blood-thinning medications

  • Vitamin C

  • Fish oil

  • Other supplements

Please discuss all medications with Dr Li prior to surgery.

Transport and Support

As this is a day procedure, you must arrange for a responsible adult to collect you and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Interstate Patients

If travelling from outside Brisbane or the Gold Coast, we recommend staying locally for at least two nights after surgery.

Recovery After Labiaplasty

Recovery varies between individuals. Most women experience gradual improvement over several weeks.

During recovery:

  • Swelling and bruising are common initially

  • Pain is usually managed with prescribed medication

  • Ice packs may reduce swelling

  • Shower twice daily with warm water and keep the area clean and dry

  • Wear loose clothing such as skirts or dresses

  • Avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks

Dr Li provides remote support via video consultation (WeChat) and schedules follow-up reviews at:

  • 6 weeks

  • 6 months

  • 12 months

Labiaplasty Options and Costs

Labiaplasty Under Local Anaesthetic (In-Clinic)

This is the preferred option for most patients and avoids general anaesthesia. The procedure is usually considered cosmetic and is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.

Costs typically include:

  • Surgical fee (Dr Sharon Li)

  • Assistant surgical fee

  • Local anaesthetic fee

Labiaplasty Under General Anaesthetic (Hospital-Based)

This option is available for patients who prefer general anaesthesia or are undergoing combined procedures. Labiaplasty itself is not Medicare-funded, though some associated procedures may be.

Costs may include:

  • Hospital theatre fees

  • Surgical fee

  • Assistant surgical fee

  • Anaesthetist’s fee

Dr Li will discuss the most appropriate option for you during your consultation.

As labiaplasty is an individualised procedure, we’re unable to provide a quote through the website enquiry form or over the phone. If you would like a quote, please call us on 07 3219 6868 to book a consultation with Dr Li. Following examination and discussion, if the procedure is suitable for you, a personalised quote will be provided. A GP referral is required for the consultation.

Labiaplasty FAQS

The most common request is to increase personal comfort. Irregular sized inner lips can cause discomfort during sexual intercourse or daily activities such as sports. It also becomes uncomfortable to wear any tight clothing.

It is also used to alter the inner lips for cosmetic reasons to enhance the appearance. Many women do not like how their vagina looks and are concerned that their lips are too big or hang lower than wanted.

This procedure can transform the appearance of the labia to increase comfort.

Labiaplasty surgery is generally safe, but with all procedures there are potential risks and complications. These may include:

  • Bleeding, pain and/or swelling, haematoma
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Wound infection
  • Asymmetry
  • Unacceptable scarring
  • Change in sensation or numbness
  • Over or under correction
  • Some complications may require further surgery

These risks will be discussed before your surgery and you will have an opportunity to answer any questions you may have.

Labiaplasty is performed as a day procedure and women go home the same day.

When scheduling the surgical procedure, you will need to notify Dr Sharon Li of any prescription or over the counter medications, as well as herbal preparations. You will also need to:

  • Shave the genital area prior to the procedure
  • Shower prior to the procedure
  • Dress in loose fitting clothing (we recommend a dress or skirt) and cotton underwear on the day of treatment

Following the surgery, you will need to know how to correctly care for yourself to avoid any complications. You will need to:

  • Gently cleanse the treated area with water, following the procedure (we recommend using a shower head attachment to rinse effectively)
  • Two post-partum ice packs will be provided to apply to the treated area. This will assist with pain relief and reduce swelling, we recommend to utilise the ice packs for 2 weeks.
  • The first 7-10 days can be a little uncomfortable and you should not wear any jeans, tight pants or other restrictive clothing during this time
  • No intercourse and reduction of physical activity for 6 weeks

It is highly recommended to spend most of the time resting in the first couple of days after the surgery. Most women take about 1-2 weeks off work following the surgery due to discomfort.

Mild discomfort, swelling, and tenderness are common in the first few days following the procedure. Most patients find the pain manageable with the pain relief Dr Li has prescribed. Dr Li uses gentle surgical techniques that aim to minimise trauma to surrounding tissue and support a more comfortable recovery.

Yes. Labiaplasty is often performed in combination with other procedures, such as clitoral hood reduction, vaginal prolapse repair, or vaginal tightening surgery, O-shot (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections, depending on your individual needs. During your consultation, Dr Li will take the time to understand your concerns and goals, and will guide you through the safest and most appropriate treatment options to support your overall wellbeing.

 

Yes. Labiaplasty does not affect your fertility or ability to have children. However, it’s important to be aware that future childbirth — especially vaginal delivery — may alter the shape or appearance of the labia over time.

Patients must be 18 years or older to undergo labiaplasty. There is no strict upper age limit, and suitability is assessed based on your overall health, personal goals, and any underlying concerns.

If you are under 18 and have questions about discomfort or changes in this area, you’re welcome to book a consultation with the support of a parent or guardian. Dr Li will offer advice in a respectful and caring environment, and if needed, guide you through appropriate next steps once you’re of age.

Loss of sensation after labiaplasty is very rare but possible. Most patients maintain normal feeling in the area after surgery. The procedure is performed carefully to preserve nerve function and minimise risks. If you have any concerns about sensation or other outcomes, please discuss these with Dr Li during your consultation. She will provide personalised advice based on your situation.

As labiaplasty is an individualised procedure, we’re unable to provide a quote through the website enquiry form or over the phone. If you would like a quote, please call us on 07 3219 6868 to book a consultation with Dr Li. Following examination and discussion, if the procedure is suitable for you, a personalised quote will be provided. A GP referral is required for the consultation.

Labiaplasty Services Brisbane & Gold Coast

To find out more about labiaplasty, or to book an appointment, please contact us.

Dr Sharon Li

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

MBBS FRANZCOG

AHPRA MED0001402739

All gynecological treatments come with potential risks and complications. We recommend seeking a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner before proceeding. The photos and videos on our website and social media are shared with patient consent. Individual outcomes, including risks and recovery times, vary based on factors such as genetics, health, and lifestyle. As a result, these images do not guarantee similar results for everyone. The information on our page is general and should not be taken as medical advice. For more specific guidance, please contact us directly.

It’s important to note that deciding to undergo exosome/morpheus8V treatment is a personal choice and should involve thorough consideration and consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes should be discussed thoroughly before proceeding with any surgical procedure.

At your initial consultation, Dr Sharon Li will discuss your specific concerns and aesthetic goals, and make every effort to ensure your concerns are fully understood. An examination will be performed during this consultation, and please note that you must be aged 18 or over to proceed with this procedure.

Please bring a GP referral, prior to attending your initial consultation, as this allows Dr Li to access information regarding your general health, past medical history, psychiatric history and suitability for the surgery.

If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation, please give us a call on 07 3219 6868.