What is labiaplasty and who is it for?
Labiaplasty is a minor surgical procedure that trims and reshapes enlarged or asymmetric labia minora. It suits women who feel chafing during exercise or sex, irritation from clothing, hygiene difficulty, or discomfort with appearance after childbirth or aging. In Seoul it usually takes 1–2 hours under local anesthesia, most women return to light activity within a few days, and full healing takes 4–6 weeks.
- Procedure time 1–2 hours
- Anesthesia Local ± sedation
- Back to light activity A few days
- Full recovery 4–6 weeks
- Typical cost (KRW) ₩1.5M – 3.5M
What is labiaplasty?
The labia minora are the inner folds of skin that protect the vaginal opening. Their size and shape vary naturally, and there is no single “normal.” When one or both sides are long, thick or uneven, they can twist inside underwear, rub during cycling or running, or be pinched during intercourse.
Labiaplasty removes or reshapes only the excess tissue, keeping the sensitive edge and natural color transition. At our clinic it is performed with a laser-assisted technique that limits bleeding and supports neat healing. When the clitoral hood has excess folds, it can be refined in the same session with a clitoral hood reduction so the result looks balanced.
Who might consider labiaplasty?
- Chafing, pulling or pain during exercise, cycling or long walks
- Discomfort or pinching during intercourse
- Irritation, redness or hygiene difficulty from skin folds
- Asymmetry or enlargement after childbirth, hormonal change or aging
- Self-consciousness that affects clothing choices or intimacy
Labiaplasty is not recommended during an active infection, pregnancy, or if expectations are not realistic. Women who are unsure can start with a private consultation — there is no obligation to proceed.
How the procedure works
- Private consultation & exam Dr. Jeong listens to your concerns, examines the area and shows you which tissue would be adjusted. A pelvic health check can be added if you have not had one recently.
- Design The new contour is marked to preserve the natural edge, color and sensation — the goal is “comfortable and natural,” not an over-trimmed look.
- Laser-assisted reshaping Under local anesthesia (sedation on request), excess tissue is removed and closed with fine dissolvable stitches. Most procedures take 1–2 hours.
- Same-day discharge You rest briefly and go home or back to your hotel the same day with written aftercare instructions.
Recovery timeline
| Days 1–3 | Swelling and soreness are expected; oral pain relief, cool compresses and rest help. |
|---|---|
| Days 4–7 | Most women return to desk work and light walking. Wear loose cotton underwear. |
| Weeks 2–3 | Dissolvable stitches soften and fall away; swelling settles gradually. |
| Weeks 4–6 | Full healing for most patients. Intercourse, cycling, swimming and tampons are usually resumed after your follow-up check. |
International visitors often plan about a week in Seoul so the doctor can check healing before the flight. Your exact schedule is confirmed at consultation.
Labiaplasty cost in Seoul
In Korea, labiaplasty generally costs between ₩1,500,000 and ₩3,500,000 KRW. The final fee depends on whether one or both sides are treated, whether a clitoral hood reduction or labia majora refinement is combined, and the anesthesia chosen. You receive a clear written quote after the consultation — no hidden extras.
Why women choose Second Spring for Labiaplasty
- Female specialist, start to finish Your consultation and procedure are performed by Dr. Seonhwa Jeong, a board-certified OB/GYN — not handed off to a rotating team.
- 10+ years · 20,000+ procedures An established Apgujeong clinic focused on women’s health and aesthetic gynecology.
- English & private Discreet, foreigner-friendly care with English support via WhatsApp and KakaoTalk.
- Same-day plan (QPP) Our Quick Premium Process lets many visitors consult and receive a treatment plan on the same day.
About the doctor who reviewed this page
Dr. Seonhwa Jeong (Jung Sun-hwa), MD
Director, Second Spring Women’s Clinic · Board-certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
- OB/GYN residency and board certification at Severance Hospital (Sinchon), Seoul
- Former clinical instructor, Korea University Ansan Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital
- Full member, Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (KSOG)
- Academic board member, Korean Association of Genital Plastic Surgery
Labiaplasty FAQs
How much does labiaplasty cost in Korea?
Most labiaplasty procedures in Seoul cost ₩1,500,000–₩3,500,000 KRW. The price depends on the amount of tissue, whether both sides are treated and whether a clitoral hood reduction is combined. A written quote is given after your consultation.
Is labiaplasty painful?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, with sedation available, so you should not feel pain during surgery. Afterwards, mild to moderate soreness and swelling for a few days are normal and are usually controlled with oral pain relief.
How long is recovery after labiaplasty?
Most women return to light activity and desk work within a few days. Full healing usually takes 4–6 weeks, after which intercourse, cycling and swimming can generally be resumed once your doctor confirms healing.
Will there be visible scars?
Incisions follow the natural edge of the labia and are closed with fine dissolvable stitches, so scars typically become very hard to notice as healing completes. Results vary from person to person.
Can labiaplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is commonly combined with clitoral hood reduction, and some women also consider vaginoplasty or labia majora augmentation. Combining procedures can mean a single recovery period.
Is the consultation private and in English?
Yes. Consultations are one-to-one with a female OB/GYN, and our team supports international patients in English via WhatsApp and KakaoTalk before and after your visit.
Talk to a female doctor — privately
Send a message in English. We usually reply within 24 hours with availability and next steps for your labiaplasty consultation.
- ACOG Committee Opinion 795: Elective Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery
- NHS: Labiaplasty (vulval surgery)
This page is for general education and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. Individual results vary.
