Established 2005Guided by your goals. Informed by our experience. Achieved together.
Women's Aesthetic SurgeryLabiaplasty & Labia Reduction Surgery
Performed by Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Assoc Professor Peter Haertsch, at Aesthetica Image Centre in Armadale, Melbourne, at Cremorne Private Day Hospital. Every treatment plan is based on your individual anatomy and concerns, discussed openly and without pressure.
Medically reviewed by Associate Professor Peter Haertsch AM, Specialist Plastic Surgeon — Last updated 24 August 2026
Labiaplasty
May not be suitable for everyone who enquires — a non-surgical option may be more appropriate in some cases, and this will be discussed openly during your consultation.
Labiaplasty, also known as labia reduction surgery, reshapes or reduces the labia minora and, in some cases, the labia majora. Women seek advice about labiaplasty for a range of reasons — physical discomfort, irritation, asymmetry, or changes over time.
At Aesthetica Image Centre in Armadale, Melbourne, labiaplasty is performed by Associate Professor Peter Haertsch AM (FRACS), a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 40 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, including more than 30 years performing labiaplasty specifically, at Cremorne Private Day Hospital.
In Australia, "cosmetic surgeon" is not a protected title.
FRACS reflects a minimum of twelve years of accredited surgical training — a meaningful point of difference when choosing who performs your surgery. Every woman's anatomy and concerns are different, and every treatment plan begins with understanding your symptoms, assessing suitability, and explaining what approach may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Who May Consider Labiaplasty
Concerns can arise at different life stages, and may be influenced by genetics, ageing, childbirth, hormonal change, or individual anatomy.
- Discomfort or chafing in fitted clothing
- Irritation during exercise, cycling, or other physical activity
- Discomfort during day-to-day activities
- Asymmetry or excess tissue affecting comfort
- Ongoing sensitivity or irritation
Not every woman who enquires is a candidate for surgery — some concerns may be better addressed with a non-surgical approach, discussed during consultation.
Specialist Surgical Assessment
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure and should only be considered after consultation with an appropriately qualified surgeon. Professor Haertsch takes the time to understand your concerns, assess your anatomy, discuss your medical history, and explain what options may be suitable.
Not everyone who enquires about labiaplasty is suited to surgery. The consultation is designed to give you balanced information and answer your questions clearly, without pressure — including discussion of the procedure, recovery, risks, expected healing, and whether an alternative approach might be worth considering for your situation.
What Does Labiaplasty Involve?
Labiaplasty is a tailored surgical procedure designed to reduce or reshape labial tissue where this contributes to functional discomfort, asymmetry, or other individual concerns.
There is no single "normal" appearance of the labia.
Treatment planning is based on your anatomy and symptoms rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on your concerns, surgery may involve the labia minora, the labia majora, or related surrounding tissue where appropriate.
Techniques We Offer
The most appropriate technique depends on your anatomy, concerns and goals — Professor Haertsch will explain which approach may suit you during consultation.
Trim Method
Removes tissue along the outer edge of the labia minora. May be considered where excess tissue sits along the outer edge, creating a smoother contour in selected cases.
Wedge Method
Removes a V-shaped section from the central portion of the labia minora, preserving the natural edge and more of the existing contour in selected patients.
Clitoral Hood Reduction
May be performed alongside labiaplasty in selected cases, addressing excess tissue around the clitoral hood where it contributes to asymmetry or discomfort.
Labia Majora Reduction or Augmentation
Reduction may be considered where there is fullness or bulk; augmentation may be discussed where volume has been lost over time. Recommendations depend on individual anatomy and goals.
Your Consultation
Your journey begins with a personal consultation at Aesthetica Image Centre in Armadale, Melbourne. At your initial consultation, we will:
- Discuss your medical history and any current concerns, in a private and respectful setting
- Assess your individual anatomy and the factors contributing to your symptoms
- Explain which surgical technique, or non-surgical alternative, may be most appropriate
- Provide details about anaesthesia, recovery and realistic expected outcomes
- Offer a personalised written quote, including any potential Medicare rebate eligibility
Under current AHPRA guidelines for cosmetic surgery, a valid referral is required before your consultation, and a minimum seven-day cooling-off period applies between your consultation and booking a surgical date. As part of this process, all patients are screened for underlying psychological factors, including body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), to help ensure surgery is the right and safe choice for you.
The Procedure
- Performed as a day procedure at Cremorne Private Day Hospital
- Undertaken by Associate Professor Peter Haertsch, Specialist Plastic Surgeon
- Anaesthesia may involve a general anaesthetic or sedation, discussed during consultation
- Procedure duration is usually around one hour, depending on technique
- Dissolvable stitches are commonly used
- Most patients return home the same day
Risks & Considerations
All surgical procedures carry risks. Professor Haertsch will discuss these in detail during your consultation.
- Bleeding or infection
- Delayed wound healing
- Temporary, or occasionally longer-lasting, changes in sensation
- Asymmetry or irregularities in healing
- Scarring
- The possibility of revision surgery
Every effort is made to minimise risk through careful planning, appropriate technique and personalised aftercare. Following post-operative instructions closely supports healing and reduces the risk of complications. Individual outcomes can vary, and no specific result can be guaranteed.
Recovery
Recovery varies between individuals, depending on the procedure performed and your body's natural healing. Our surgeon and support team provide individualised aftercare, guidance and follow-up throughout, which may include LED and other treatments as part of post-procedure care where appropriate.
In the first few days it's common to experience swelling, tenderness and mild discomfort — this usually eases as healing progresses. Many patients return to light daily activities within one to two weeks, though this varies by individual and procedure. Guidance is provided on when it may be appropriate to resume exercise.
Recovery Timeline at a Glance
- First 48 hours — Swelling and mild discomfort are common. Ice packs and prescribed medication may help, and rest is important.
- Week 1 — Swelling and bruising are normal. Light walking around the home is encouraged; some patients return to work if their role isn't physically demanding; strenuous activity should be avoided.
- Weeks 2–3 — Many women return to their normal routine. Stitches continue to dissolve and swelling gradually subsides.
- Weeks 4–6 — Most swelling has resolved. Exercise and intimacy may gradually resume after your review appointment.
- 3–6 months — Tissues continue to soften and settle into their final shape.
Everyone heals at their own pace. This is only a general guide — recovery time varies between individuals, and we will provide you with personalised care based on your own healing progress.
Learn more about our structured Surgical Aftercare programme →
Seeing What’s Possible
We understand that seeing results can be part of feeling informed and confident in your decision. Given the personal nature of this procedure, we don't display before and after photos publicly on this page — but we're very happy to share educational examples privately, with patient consent, either during your consultation or if you reach out beforehand.
Ask Julie to send some through →
Our Gynae Rejuvenation Guide
For a closer look before your consultation, ask Julie for our "Gynae Rejuvenation Procedures" guide — a downloadable booklet covering labiaplasty and related procedures, written to help you make an informed decision at your own pace.
Your Labiaplasty Surgeon
Associate Professor Peter Haertsch AM
MBBS, FRACS, FRCS(Ed) · AHPRA MED0000996284Over 40 years' experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, including four decades with the Burns Unit at Concord Repatriation General Hospital, and more than 30 years performing labiaplasty specifically. Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to medicine. Performs labiaplasty at Cremorne Private Day Hospital.
Ask Julie
This is a personal topic, and it's normal to have questions before you're ready to book. I'm Julie Bates, Aesthetica's Patient Care Coordinator. Our online chat is answered by our friendly staff — no AI, no call centre — so you're always talking to a real person, at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost depends on the surgical technique required, complexity, anaesthesia and hospital facility fees. You'll receive a personalised quote during your consultation. Where there's a documented functional or medical indication, a Medicare rebate may apply — this isn't typically the case for labiaplasty performed for cosmetic reasons alone. Read our full cost breakdown →
"Cosmetic surgeon" isn't a protected title in Australia — it doesn't require completion of a specialist surgical training programme. A Specialist Plastic Surgeon holding FRACS has completed a minimum of twelve years of medical and surgical training, assessed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. For a procedure involving delicate anatomy like labiaplasty, this level of training is an important consideration. We'd encourage you to ask any provider you're comparing about their qualifications, training pathway, and whether surgery is performed in a registered hospital or day surgery facility.
The trim technique removes tissue along the labial edge; the wedge technique removes a central section to preserve the natural edge. The most appropriate method depends on your anatomy and goals, discussed during consultation.
Most women describe mild to moderate discomfort — often soreness or tenderness during early healing — rather than significant pain. This is usually managed with prescribed medication and aftercare guidance.
Many women return to work within 1–2 weeks, depending on their role and individual healing. Roles involving prolonged sitting or physical activity may need additional time.
Light activity can usually resume after around 2 weeks, with higher-intensity exercise generally delayed until 4–6 weeks. This depends on individual recovery and your surgeon's advice.
Yes — labiaplasty does not prevent pregnancy or childbirth. Future childbirth may affect your results, which we're happy to discuss during consultation.
Swelling is most noticeable in the first 1–2 weeks and gradually improves over several weeks. Subtle swelling can persist for a few months as tissue continues to settle.
Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended during early recovery, with most patients returning to fitted clothing after a few weeks. This depends on comfort and healing progress.
Temporary changes in sensation can occur during healing and generally return as tissue recovers. This is covered in detail as part of informed consent.
Results are generally long-lasting, though natural ageing, hormonal change and life events such as childbirth may influence outcomes over time.
This depends on your individual concerns, anatomy and goals, and is best assessed in person. A consultation with the surgeon is the most reliable way to determine whether a surgical or non-surgical option is right for you.
Considering Alternatives
In some cases, a non-surgical approach may be appropriate depending on your anatomy and concerns.
Read about non-surgical labia reduction →
Compare labiaplasty vs. non-surgical labia reduction →
See a full labiaplasty cost breakdown →
Why Aesthetica Image Centre
- Established in Melbourne since 2005, with labiaplasty performed by a surgeon with over 30 years' specific experience in the procedure
- Led by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS)
- Procedures performed at Cremorne Private Day Hospital
- Structured aftercare and ongoing support
- Warm, professional and respectful approach
- Respect for informed choice and individual comfort
- Convenient location in Armadale, Melbourne
Ready to Take the First Step?
From consultation through to aftercare, every step is designed around comfort, privacy and informed decision-making.
Book a ConsultationAesthetica Image Centre, 4 Northcote Road, Armadale VIC 3143. Full contact details and opening hours are below.
Get in touch
Consultations are available in person or by phone, and range from complimentary to $250.
Our Address
Aesthetica Image Centre
4 Northcote Road
Armadale VIC 3143
Call or text
(03) 9824 6134 or 0409 149 521
Online Chat
Ask Julie, reply to your online chat, no AI or call centre.
We look forward to your enquiry.
Since 2005, Aesthetica Image Centre has provided facial rejuvenation, aesthetic surgery and skin treatments to patients throughout Melbourne and Victoria.