Functional intimate surgery: indications, information and cooling-off period
By Dr Olivier Kadoch, obstetrician-gynaecologist · Updated 25/10/2026
In brief
Intimate surgery (vulvoperineal surgery) covers procedures on the vulva and perineum, carried out in Paris (Hôpital privé Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Clinique de la Muette) or in Neuilly-sur-Seine (Clinique Ambroise Paré). It is considered when there is a functional problem: chafing, pain, irritation, discomfort during sex or sport, or after-effects of childbirth. The decision to operate is made in consultation, after an examination and full information on the benefits, risks and alternatives.
Intimate surgery procedures
| Procedure | Functional problem | Key information |
|---|---|---|
| Labiaplasty (reduction of the labia minora) | Chafing, pain, irritation, discomfort in clothing or during sport | Healing, sensation, possible asymmetry, possible revision |
| Clitoral reconstruction | After-effects of female genital mutilation (FGM): pain, scarring, impact on identity | In France, reconstructive surgery covered by the Assurance maladie (national health insurance), with psychological support |
| Perineal repair | After-effects of an episiotomy or tear, gaping vaginal opening | Considered after pelvic floor rehabilitation |
| Prolapse repair | Feeling of a bulge, heaviness, urinary symptoms | Vaginal or laparoscopic approach |
How your care is organised
- 1Dedicated consultation. Examination, assessment of the problem and its impact, and a check for any cause that could be treated another way.
- 2Written information. Expected benefits, risks, alternatives, and the fact that no result can be guaranteed.
- 3Quote and cooling-off period. When the procedure is cosmetic surgery, French law requires a detailed written quote and a cooling-off period of at least 15 days after the dated and signed quote is given (articles L6322-2 and D6322-30 of the French Public Health Code).
- 4Adult patients only, on medical grounds. No procedure is offered unless the indication has been confirmed in consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of labiaplasty?
Pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in sensation, pain during sex, and the need for further surgery.
Are there alternatives to surgery?
Yes: hygiene and clothing advice, treatment of irritation, and pelvic floor rehabilitation for after-effects of childbirth.
Is the procedure covered by the Assurance maladie (French national health insurance)?
Coverage by French national health insurance (Assurance maladie) depends on the indication; this is explained at the consultation, and you are given a quote before the procedure.
How long does healing take?
Timeframes depend on the procedure. As a guide, after a labiaplasty, sex is generally resumed after 3 to 4 weeks, and full baths and swimming pools should be avoided for about 4 weeks (sitz baths are allowed). Instructions are tailored to each patient at the consultation.
What is the difference between functional and cosmetic intimate surgery?
Functional surgery addresses a problem confirmed at the consultation: pain, chafing, or after-effects of childbirth or female genital mutilation. A procedure for purely cosmetic reasons falls under a specific legal framework in France: a detailed quote and a cooling-off period of at least 15 days (article L6322-2 of the French Public Health Code). ACOG highlights the lack of data on the effectiveness and safety of these cosmetic procedures. Every request is assessed at the consultation; surgery is only offered when it addresses a functional problem.
Will I need a hospital stay and time off work after a labiaplasty?
As a guide, labiaplasty is generally done as day surgery under general anaesthetic. Time off work is often not needed beyond a few days; cycling and horse riding can be resumed after 1 to 2 months.
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Elective Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery: ACOG Committee Opinion, Number 795. Obstet Gynecol, 2020. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003616 — PMID 31856125
- French Public Health Code. Articles L6322-2 and D6322-30 (cosmetic surgery: quote and fifteen-day cooling-off period). In force. legifrance.gouv.fr
In line with the French code of medical ethics, this site publishes no photographs of surgical results and no patient accounts.