Age:26.
I have always felt a way about the length of my labia minora, probably the last 7/8 years. I have been researching about the procedure for the last 4 years, with the last year and a half being a bit more intense than the others. I have fortunate enough to have not been told anything insensitive during sex and my issue has mainly been with my labia minora getting caught in my knickers and having to tuck it in to avoid any pain.
I finally booked in for a consultation in July 2019 with Dr Rohit Seth (based in the UK) and had the surgery on the 4th September 2019. Surgery was done under local anaesthetic. Didn't feel a thing during the procedure. I also drove home straight after the surgery with no issues.
I didn't have any issues with Dr Seth, made me really comfortable during the surgery however if there was anything I could suggest; it would be to provide a concise and clear pre and post surgery guide.
Updated on 7 Sep 2019:
Here are some before and after pictures. I’ll update as the recovery journey continues. 2nd and 3rd day following surgery have been very up and down in terms of discomfort and swelling - minimal pain though. Started using arnica pills which have helped however the swelling fluctuates depending on what I’ve been doing throughout the day. Trying to rest as much as possible and keep my hips elevated however that gets uncomfortable after a while and I end up tossing the pillows away. Can’t wait for the swelling to reduce.
Updated on 7 Sep 2019:
I first met with Dr Seth in July 2019 for a consultation and upon meeting him, he was really relaxed and welcoming. He listened to everything I had to say and my reasons for wanting a labiaplasty and then proceeded to show me before and after pictures of his work. He also explained why he uses different methods rather than one particular method (all dependant on the individual and what will work best for them). Following the consultation, communication with him and his team have been great - timing of responses have been good.
Moving forward to the surgery which was in September, I started becoming anxious as I felt that I didn't have all the information in a timely manner such as the location address however I simply emailed the team days prior and got a response immediately. The surgery went well and I felt calm. Due to how my legs had to be positioned during the procedure, they would hurt after a period of time. Dr Seth allowed me to rest my legs occasionally and tried to help relieve the discomfort where he could, which I really appreciated.
Overall my experience has been good and to date, I'm happy with my choice.
Updated on 9 Sep 2019:
I was honestly getting fed up with the recovery period (although I know it’s essential - it just became very boring). I’m still swollen however the discomfort had decreased greatly and I can finally see the right side of my labia minora. I drove with no issues today as well - sitting down for more than 20 minutes at a time. I also went for my 1st post surgery check up wit Dr Seth. Everything seems to be healing well with no signs of infection which was great to hear. I have a suture which has decided to be a pain (literally) however Dr Seth said he didn’t want to snip it just yet as it’s still early days. Was advised to give it another week and either snip it myself (if I can) or to arrange for Dr Seth to do it.
Updated on 12 Sep 2019:
Still swollen. No longer feeling any discomfort which means no longer using pain killers. Iced the area again for the first time in 3 days and didn’t use arnica pills today as I had done so for 7 days already. Will probably start using again in the next 2 days.
Updated on 18 Sep 2019:
14 days since surgery. No pain or itching. Been wearing leggings and jeans with no discomfort. Recovery still seems to be going well.
Updated on 17 Jan 2021:
Thought it would be helpful to show an update after a year however the pandemic had pushed this to the back of my mind. I was due to see my surgeon as well in Sept’ 20 - but again, straight to the back of my mind.
Overall, I’m very pleased with the outcome. My main issue was the discomfort and that has completely gone since the op. The appearance has generally been the least of my concerns as there is no one way for our vulvas to look.
Just to add as I cannot recall if I ever mentioned it prior but my clitoral hood is quite thick as well and therefore would factor into how everything looks on the outside.
Hope this has been helpful to someone!!!