Labiaplasty in Istanbul

What is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty reduces the size of, or reshapes, the labia minora. It can address enlarged, asymmetric or elongated labia that cause discomfort, and is sometimes combined with clitoral hood reduction for a balanced result. The labia majora (outer lips) can also be reduced or augmented, but this is a different procedure.

The size, shape, colour and symmetry of the labia vary widely, and labia that extend beyond the labia majora are common and normal. ACOG and RCOG advise that women considering labiaplasty are counselled about normal variation, and that the evidence base for cosmetic genital surgery is still developing. Labiaplasty is generally not advised for girls under 18, whose genital anatomy is still developing.

Who may be suitable?

• Adult women with labia that cause twisting, chafing, irritation or discomfort
• Women who experience discomfort during cycling, horse riding, exercise or intercourse
• Those self-conscious about labial asymmetry or size after thoughtful consideration
• Women in good general health with no active vulval infection or skin condition
• Non-smokers, or those able to stop before and after surgery
• Women with realistic expectations who have made the decision for themselves

What can this procedure address?

• Enlarged or elongated labia minora
• Asymmetry between the two sides
• Physical discomfort, rubbing or irritation in clothing or during activity
• Hygiene difficulties related to labial size
• Changes in labial shape after childbirth or ageing

Consultation & assessment

Most women begin with a confidential online assessment. You describe your concerns and medical history, and if you wish, send photographs through a secure, private channel. The surgeon can then explain whether labiaplasty is likely to help, which technique may suit your anatomy and what results are realistic.

Surgery is confirmed only after an in-person examination in Istanbul. The surgeon examines the labia, clitoral hood and surrounding tissues and discusses how much tissue to remove, as over-resection can be difficult to correct. Your motivations, psychological wellbeing and expectations are discussed openly, and you are encouraged to take time before consenting.

How the procedure is performed

There are two main techniques. In the trim (edge resection) technique, the excess edge of the labia is removed along its length, which can also remove darker edges. In the wedge technique, a V-shaped section is removed from the thickest part and the edges are brought together, preserving the natural edge.

The choice depends on your anatomy, goals and the surgeon's experience. Fine dissolvable stitches are used, and the surgeon aims for a natural, symmetrical appearance while avoiding excessive tissue removal.

Labiaplasty may be combined with clitoral hood reduction if the hood is also prominent, or with other intimate procedures. Your surgeon will discuss whether combining treatments is appropriate.

Anaesthesia

Labiaplasty is commonly performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, although some surgeons prefer general anaesthesia, especially if procedures are combined. An anaesthetist will assess you and explain the options. Local anaesthetic placed during surgery helps with comfort in the first hours afterwards.

Recovery timeline

1. Days 1–3

   Swelling, bruising and tenderness are at their peak. Rest, use cold packs wrapped in cloth as advised and take prescribed pain relief.

2. Week 1

   Swelling begins to settle. You can walk comfortably and attend your follow-up examination before flying home. Loose clothing is more comfortable.

3. Weeks 2–3

   Most women return to normal daily activities. Stitches dissolve, though some swelling and asymmetry remain while healing continues.

4. Weeks 4–6

   Many women are cleared for intercourse, tampons, swimming and more strenuous exercise, including cycling, once healing is confirmed.

5. 3–6 months

   Residual swelling resolves and the final shape becomes clear. Scars soften and fade.

What to expect during the first week

• Wear loose cotton underwear and loose clothing
• Rinse the area gently with water after using the toilet, then pat dry
• Apply cold packs wrapped in cloth for short periods if advised
• Avoid sitting for long periods; a soft cushion can help
• Do not use tampons, have baths or go swimming
• Contact your surgeon if swelling is severe, bleeding persists or you have a fever

Scars

Scars sit along the edge of the labia (trim technique) or within the labia (wedge technique). The genital skin heals well, and scars usually become very difficult to see once mature, although this varies. Firmness along the scar line usually softens over several months.

Results

Many women find that discomfort and irritation improve, and that they feel more at ease in clothing and during exercise. Results vary between individuals. During consultation, consented before and after photographs may be reviewed privately to illustrate a realistic range of outcomes rather than an ideal.

Results vary between individuals. Consented before-and-after images of similar cases may be reviewed with your specialist during consultation — before & after

How long do results last?

The results of labiaplasty are generally long-lasting. Further childbirth, hormonal changes and ageing may alter the appearance of the labia over time.

Potential risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and individual risks with you before you decide whether to proceed.

• Bleeding or haematoma
• Infection
• Wound separation (dehiscence), particularly with the wedge technique
• Over-resection, which can be difficult to correct
• Asymmetry or an irregular edge
• Altered, reduced or heightened sensation
• Painful or tight scarring, or pain during intercourse
• Prolonged swelling
• Need for revision surgery
• Dissatisfaction with the appearance

Choosing a surgeon

• Choose a plastic surgeon or gynaecologist with specialist training and specific experience in labiaplasty
• Confirm registration with the Turkish Medical Association and membership of relevant professional societies, and verify these credentials independently rather than relying on marketing material.
• Ask which technique the surgeon recommends for you and why
• Ask to review consented before and after photographs privately during consultation
• Confirm hospital privileges and a clear written aftercare plan, including remote follow-up

Our specialists

Labiaplasty in Istanbul

Most women stay in Istanbul for around 5–7 days for labiaplasty, allowing time for the in-person consultation, surgery, early recovery and a check before departure. Combined procedures may need a longer stay.

Women travel to Istanbul for labiaplasty because of the city's experienced specialists, modern private hospitals and coordinated international patient care, as well as the privacy of having treatment away from home. Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals.

The cost of labiaplasty in Turkey depends on the surgeon, hospital, type of anaesthesia, complexity, whether clitoral hood reduction or other procedures are combined, and your accommodation. A personalised written quote follows your assessment. Choose your surgeon and hospital based on medical quality, not price alone.

Costs depend on your surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity and any combined procedures — see treatment costs in Turkey.

Your hospital

Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals. Your written treatment plan confirms the hospital before you travel. Hospitals & Facilities

Aftercare when you return home

• Continue gentle hygiene and wear loose underwear until healing is complete
• Send follow-up photographs to your surgeon if requested
• Arrange a local GP review for any concern about wound healing
• Seek prompt medical care for spreading redness, fever or significant bleeding
• Be patient with residual swelling, which can take several months to settle

Our aftercare pathway