Trim technique
The excess edge of the labia minora is removed along its length and the new edge is stitched.
- Incision line
- Along the new edge
- Often chosen when
- The edge is darker or irregular
Labiaplasty reduces or reshapes the inner labia (labia minora), sometimes with a clitoral hood reduction. It suits adults aged 18 or over who experience discomfort or self-consciousness. Plan 5–7 days in Istanbul.
Free medical review within 24 hours · No obligation · ★ 5.0 from 157 Google reviews
Editorially reviewed by the Vivid Clinic Surgical Board · Last reviewed September 2026

Labiaplasty, also called labioplasty, reduces or reshapes the labia minora, the inner folds of skin around the vaginal opening. Labia naturally vary in size, colour and symmetry, and a wide range is entirely normal. Surgery is for labia that cause physical discomfort or real distress, not for fitting a particular "ideal".

| Procedure time | Typically 1–2 hours |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia with sedation, or general anaesthesia |
| Hospital stay | Usually same day; an overnight stay is occasionally advised |
| Recommended stay in Istanbul | 5–7 days |
| Back to desk work | Around 1 week |
| Exercise | Light walking straight away; strenuous exercise after 4–6 weeks |
| Sex, tampons, cycling | Usually after about 6 weeks, once your surgeon confirms healing |
| Stitches | Fine dissolvable stitches |
| Final result | Visible as swelling settles; final shape at around 3–6 months |
| Results last | Long-lasting; ageing, childbirth and weight change can alter tissue |
The NHS advises that labiaplasty should not be performed on anyone under 18, because the labia keep developing into early adulthood. Vivid Clinic follows that limit.
Your surgeon recommends one technique after examining you. No single method suits everyone, and extra areas are only added when your anatomy and goals call for them.

The excess edge of the labia minora is removed along its length and the new edge is stitched.
A V-shaped section is removed from the thickest part and the remaining tissue is joined.
Reduces prominent skin folds above the clitoris so the result looks balanced.
A crescent of excess outer labial skin is removed, usually after weight loss or with age.
Labiaplasty changes the external labia. Vaginal tightening surgery addresses the vaginal canal and perineum after childbirth. For fuller outer labia rather than reduction, see our article on labia puffing and labiaplasty.
Excess labial tissue is removed and the edges are closed with fine absorbable sutures. The aim is a natural contour, preserved sensation and a discreet incision line.
Private examination; planned lines marked with you.
Local anaesthesia with sedation, or general anaesthesia.
Excess tissue removed; nerves and blood supply protected.
Fine dissolvable stitches, then a light dressing or pad.
Rest in recovery; usually back to the hotel that day.
Your surgeon checks healing before you fly.
Day 1
A VIP airport transfer takes you to your hotel. Your patient coordinator explains the plan; interpreter support is available.
Day 2
Private consultation, blood tests and surgery at a partner facility in Istanbul. Most patients return to the hotel that evening.
Days 3–4
Swelling peaks. Ice packs, loose clothing and simple pain relief help, and you can walk short distances.
Days 5–7
Your surgeon confirms healing is on track and clears you to travel. A soft cushion makes the flight more comfortable.
Share only what you are comfortable with. A plastic surgeon explains which technique may suit you, and whether labiaplasty is right for you at all. Free, no obligation.
Swelling, bruising and tenderness are expected at first. Contact your team promptly if you notice increasing pain, fever, unusual discharge or bleeding that does not settle.
Most patients notice relief from rubbing and irritation once initial swelling settles. Results are long-lasting, although childbirth, hormonal changes, weight change and ageing can alter tissue over time.
Minor asymmetry is common in the body and may remain. Small revisions are occasionally needed, which your surgeon discusses honestly beforehand.

We do not publish fixed prices for labiaplasty in Turkey. A responsible quote is only given after your surgeon has reviewed your details in a free, confidential consultation.
Typically covers:
Your price depends on
Prof. Dr. Özgür Pilancı reviewed the medical content of this page. Your consultation confirms which surgeon performs your labiaplasty.

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon
Labiaplasty is generally well tolerated, but every operation carries some risk. It is important to know the possibilities before you decide.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends reassurance about normal variation and careful counselling before elective genital surgery. We share that approach.
Plan around 5–7 days in Istanbul. You arrive on day 1, have your consultation and surgery on day 2 and usually return to your hotel the same evening. The following days are for rest while swelling peaks. Your surgeon checks the area before you fly, typically between days 5 and 7. A soft cushion and loose clothing make the journey home more comfortable, and follow-up continues remotely.
It depends on your anatomy and preferences. The trim technique removes the excess edge and suits labia with an irregular or darker edge you would like removed. The wedge technique removes a V-shaped section and keeps the natural edge and colour, but needs good blood supply and careful planning. Your surgeon explains both at consultation and recommends the one most likely to give a comfortable, natural result for you.
Most surgeons advise waiting around six weeks before sexual intercourse, tampons or menstrual cups, and only once your surgeon confirms the incisions have fully healed. Using pads during this time is recommended. The same applies to swimming and cycling, which put pressure on the healing area. If something feels uncomfortable when you resume, stop and contact your team for advice rather than continuing.
Yes, when it is needed. If the skin folds above the clitoris are prominent, reducing them during the same operation can create a more balanced appearance. The clitoris itself is not operated on, and sensation is protected by careful technique. Hood reduction is not added routinely; your surgeon assesses whether it suits your anatomy and discusses the benefits and risks with you first.
Labiaplasty does not involve the vaginal canal, so vaginal delivery remains possible afterwards. Stretching during birth can change labial tissue again, though. Most patients report no lasting loss of sensation, but temporary numbness or sensitivity is common while nerves recover. Permanent changes are uncommon and are discussed at consultation. If you plan more children soon, your surgeon may suggest waiting.
No. Labiaplasty changes the external labia, mainly the labia minora. It does not tighten the vaginal canal, and it is not a treatment for pain with an unknown cause. Vaginal tightening surgery, or vaginoplasty and perineoplasty, addresses the vaginal canal and the perineum after childbirth. Some patients benefit from both, others from only one. Our vaginal tightening page explains that procedure.
Yes. Vivid Clinic performs labiaplasty only on adults aged 18 or over. The NHS advises against labiaplasty for anyone under 18, because the labia keep developing into early adulthood. Labia naturally vary in size, colour and symmetry, and a wide range is normal. A private consultation first explores your reasons, so surgery is only planned when it is likely to help.
Your questions are handled confidentially. Share any information you are comfortable with through WhatsApp or the form. A plastic surgeon reviews it, free and with no obligation to book.
Free · No obligation · Reply within 24 h
Open a summary of this guide in your AI assistant.