Hannah’s Diary : Labia minora reduction operation
I wanted to write this to share with other women who are considering labiaplasty surgery. Hopefully this will answer some of their questions/worries.
I think I was about 14 when I noticed I was “different” down there. It was something that always played on the back of my mind but I was far to embarrassed to talk about it. None of my boyfriends
ever said anything to me about it but I was self conscious. I’d be paranoid in a bikini, not go to a waxing salon, worried somebody would say something. So aged 27, I decided to do something about it. I started doing my research. I’d known about the procedure for years after seeing it on “Embarrassing Bodies” and I knew it was something I wanted done. Yet I had never told anyone because I was so worried people would start finding out.
My google search took me to the McIndoe Surgical Centre and this is where I found Miss Anita Hazari. I called reception (it took me a while to pluck up the courage), and spoke to the sweetest nurse who immediately put me at ease. I put the phone down feeling so relieved I’d made an appointment.
When it was my appointment day I started feeling nervous . But when I saw Miss Hazari, it was a huge relief to be open and honest with someone about this problem which had been at the back of my mind for years. The appointment involved a chat about what I was unhappy about. Miss Hazari examined me and confirmed what I already knew. She then talked me through the labiaplasty surgery and the different techniques. I knew then and there I wanted it done. I trusted her and felt comfortable, something which is so important when you make a decision like this. I didn’t need much time to think, I knew I wanted an operating date.
When the day came several weeks later, and I was shown to my room, I started to feel nervous about the op. Five minutes later a nurse came in- she was just brilliant and made me feel so relaxed. Later Miss Hazari came in to go through the op. The nurse then came in to put on the numbing cream. 45 mins later, I was in theatre. I think I felt awkward for the first minute, but again Miss Hazari and her super team (all female) just make you feel relaxed. There was no awkward silence but chit chat and music in the background. The op was painless. A slight sting when the anaesthetic was put in but that was it and all over in 50 minutes. At the end I was handed a mirror to have a quick peek. I couldn’t help but smile despite the visible stitches, I was so happy.
I honestly never experienced any severe discomfort. Going to the toilet was interesting for the first few days. The swelling seemed to make the wee go everywhere! And I had to waddle for a few days as the swelling took hold. I took it really easy for the first couple of days despite not feeling any pain. The op was on Thursday and by Monday I was back in my routine. Day by day I noticed it healing. It was just amazing. I am so happy that I did this, years of worrying and now its ended.
Having a female surgeon made such a difference to me. Not only is Anita easy to talk to, she makes you feel comfortable. She is absolutely brilliant at what she does. If you’re reading this and you were like me, I can honestly say I recommend Anita and its really isn’t as scary as you think!
I think I was about 14 when I noticed I was “different” down there. It was something that always played on the back of my mind but I was far to embarrassed to talk about it. None of my boyfriends
ever said anything to me about it but I was self conscious. I’d be paranoid in a bikini, not go to a waxing salon, worried somebody would say something. So aged 27, I decided to do something about it. I started doing my research. I’d known about the procedure for years after seeing it on “Embarrassing Bodies” and I knew it was something I wanted done. Yet I had never told anyone because I was so worried people would start finding out.
My google search took me to the McIndoe Surgical Centre and this is where I found Miss Anita Hazari. I called reception (it took me a while to pluck up the courage), and spoke to the sweetest nurse who immediately put me at ease. I put the phone down feeling so relieved I’d made an appointment.
When it was my appointment day I started feeling nervous . But when I saw Miss Hazari, it was a huge relief to be open and honest with someone about this problem which had been at the back of my mind for years. The appointment involved a chat about what I was unhappy about. Miss Hazari examined me and confirmed what I already knew. She then talked me through the labiaplasty surgery and the different techniques. I knew then and there I wanted it done. I trusted her and felt comfortable, something which is so important when you make a decision like this. I didn’t need much time to think, I knew I wanted an operating date.
When the day came several weeks later, and I was shown to my room, I started to feel nervous about the op. Five minutes later a nurse came in- she was just brilliant and made me feel so relaxed. Later Miss Hazari came in to go through the op. The nurse then came in to put on the numbing cream. 45 mins later, I was in theatre. I think I felt awkward for the first minute, but again Miss Hazari and her super team (all female) just make you feel relaxed. There was no awkward silence but chit chat and music in the background. The op was painless. A slight sting when the anaesthetic was put in but that was it and all over in 50 minutes. At the end I was handed a mirror to have a quick peek. I couldn’t help but smile despite the visible stitches, I was so happy.
I honestly never experienced any severe discomfort. Going to the toilet was interesting for the first few days. The swelling seemed to make the wee go everywhere! And I had to waddle for a few days as the swelling took hold. I took it really easy for the first couple of days despite not feeling any pain. The op was on Thursday and by Monday I was back in my routine. Day by day I noticed it healing. It was just amazing. I am so happy that I did this, years of worrying and now its ended.
Having a female surgeon made such a difference to me. Not only is Anita easy to talk to, she makes you feel comfortable. She is absolutely brilliant at what she does. If you’re reading this and you were like me, I can honestly say I recommend Anita and its really isn’t as scary as you think!