A Hidden Struggle: When everyday life became painful
Samantha Wood, a 38-year-old writer and pet carer living in the United States, kept a private battle hidden for years. In her 20s she first noticed that her labia minora—the inner lips of the vulva—were longer than what she believed was “normal.” She found herself tucking them into her underwear, a ritual she describes as both embarrassing and exhausting. “I was extremely embarrassed and did not feel like my vagina was ‘normal’,” she told Sun Health. The problem intensified with age, especially when she sat, moved, or exercised, and she struggled to find clothing that provided comfort in different positions.
Beyond the physical discomfort, intimacy became fraught. “Sex was painful,” she recalls, with additional rubbing and friction from the longer labia. Day-to-day life included habitual adjustments, and she repeatedly tucked her labia away to reduce friction in tighter clothing. The burden wasn’t only physical—it carried a heavy emotional toll, amplified by cruel comments from her ex-husband that lingered long after they separated.
Seeking relief: discovering labiaplasty
Feeling there was little she could do on her own, Samantha began researching plastic surgery for another reason and stumbled upon labiaplasty—an option that trims the labia minora or majora to create a more comfortable and balanced appearance. A different surgeon’s explanation helped her realize that skin stretching happens over time and that many women notice some change as they age. She learned that labs could be reshaped to reduce irritation and pain, not just alter looks.
In discussions with a gynaecologist, she explored insurance coverage and found a path through a referral to a plastic surgeon. The surgeon recommended a “V-cut” labiaplasty, a technique that trims the long portion of the labia minora in a V-shape and sutures the remaining sides to achieve a shorter, hidden scar. “He showed me a picture of his results, and I was astounded by how beautiful his work was,” she says. The prospect was life-changing enough to shift her focus from hesitation to hopeful planning.
The procedure and recovery: a turning point
The operation took place in 2024, with Samantha’s ex-husband’s insurance covering the procedure along with liposuction on one side, bringing the total to £6,388.30. Samantha kept the transformation secret from most people, sharing it only with a few close friends. The first days post-surgery included significant pain; walking was difficult, and she spent much of the initial week resting. The most challenging moment came during urination, when she relied on a funnel and peri bottles to manage the burn and discomfort. “I was bleeding and screeching in pain, while simultaneously trying to focus on urinating,” she recalls. Yet the pain gradually eased, and she began to notice the transformative result behind the stitches.
Recovery brought both relief and empowerment. “When I recovered, though, I was thrilled with the results,” she says. She initially found herself slipping back into the old habit of tucking, but the urge faded as comfort returned. She notes that her clothes fit better, movement felt freer, and sex—once painful—became easier and more enjoyable. The outcome exceeded expectations: “I had a beautiful result, as promised.”
From secrecy to empowerment: a message to others
With her new partner by her side, Samantha’s attitude toward the procedure shifted from resistance to advocacy. “My ex-husband knew and actually funded the surgery,” she reveals, but the decision was ultimately about her own wellbeing. Today she speaks openly to help others who may feel alone or ashamed—emphasizing that female health is a legitimate, important topic that deserves discussion. “I’m speaking out now because I am proud of my transformation and would like to inform other women on my personal experience so that they don’t feel so alone,” she says.
For Samantha, the labiaplasty was more than cosmetic. It was a turning point for self-esteem and overall well-being. The only regret she has is not pursuing the procedure sooner. She hopes her story encourages other women to seek information, ask questions, and consider options that could restore comfort, confidence, and peace of mind.
What to know about labiaplasty
Experts note that modern labiaplasty addresses both aesthetic and functional concerns. Patients often seek relief from irritation during exercise and daily wear, not merely a change in appearance. As with any cosmetic procedure, consult with a qualified gynecologist and plastic surgeon, discuss insurance options, recovery expectations, and potential risks. For Samantha, the decision was deeply personal and ultimately life-affirming, reinforcing an essential message: women deserve autonomy over their bodies and the opportunity to seek relief when discomfort affects daily life.
