SAMANTHA Wood kept a secret her whole life – that having sex, wearing jeans and even sitting down was agony for her.
The mum-of-two, 38, noticed in her 20s that her labia minora – the inner lips of the vulva – were much longer than those she’d seen in the movies. She even had to “tuck them into” her underwear.
Samantha was in her 20s when she had to start tucking her labia minora into her underwear[/caption]
It was in her 30s she began experiencing problems with exercising and the clothes she wore[/caption]
Intimacy was also a challenge as she found sex extremely painful[/caption]
“I was extremely embarrassed and did not feel like my vagina was ‘normal’,” Samantha, a writer and pet carer, tells Sun Health.
But everything changed after she got a ‘designer vagina‘ – and she wants to empower other women to do the same.
“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,” Samantha, who lives in the United States, says.
While she noticed her labia were longer than ‘normal’ in her 20s, it only became a real problem in her 30s.
“I would feel pinching in my jeans when I moved a certain way or sat down,” she says.
“Exercising was difficult, as it was hard to find the proper clothing to maintain comfort in different positions.
“I often had to readjust my pants, shorts, or even my underwear to feel more comfortable.”
Intimacy was also a challenge for Samantha – and not just because she felt self-conscious.
“Sex was painful,” she says. “I had additional rubbing and friction with my longer labia.
“Day-to-day, I would actually tuck my labia in as I put on my underwear to help reduce any friction or noticeable shape in tighter clothing.”
Feeling nothing could be done, Samantha tried to ignore the issue for years – but her now ex-husband’s cruel comments would ring in her ears.
“He had negatively commented about my labia when we were together,” she says.
“I realised they were longer than usual when my ex-husband pointed it out and made me self-conscious.
“I also noticed that any nude woman in movies did not have a vagina like mine.
“The best metaphor I could imagine for my long labia was ‘butterfly wings protruding from a cocoon’.”
But everything changed when Samantha got a ‘designer vagina’[/caption]
She’s spoken out about her experience so other women don’t feel alone[/caption]
It wasn’t until Samantha began looking into plastic surgery for another reason that she realised labia trimming surgery, known as a labiaplasty, was available.
The reconstructive procedure can essentially trim the labia – whether it be the labia minora (inner vaginal lips) or labia majora (outer folds) – into the desired look.
The procedure’s popularity has boomed in recent years.
At one London clinic alone, Harley Street Skin Clinic, there has been a 330 per cent increase in the number of patients having labiaplasty in the last year.
Dr Domenico Mileto, a cosmetic surgeon at MYA, says: “There’s been a significant increase in people requesting a labiaplasty for reasons that sit outside of just the way it looks.
“When we ask patients about their reasons for wanting the procedure, there has been a significant increase in the number of women wanting it because the excess skin can cause irritation or pain when exercising or when wearing particular clothing.
“As well as feeling like they are unable to wear certain clothing or underwear due to aesthetic reasons.”
I was bleeding and screeching in pain, while simultaneously trying to focus on urinating
Samantha Wood
Samantha says: “I was not aware that there was a procedure to fix my problem until I began to research other plastic surgeries and came across the option.
“I finally got to a point where I could not stand the discomfort or the embarrassment of ‘tucking myself in’ anymore and did further research on my options.
“I learned that I could have the surgery covered by my insurance with a referral from a gynaecologist.
“I found a very kind and understanding doctor who was willing to refer me to the plastic surgeon I had chosen.
“She answered all of my questions and told me that the stretching of skin happens over time, and that most women do notice this to some degree.”
What is a designer vagina and can I get one on the NHS?
What is a ‘designer vagina’?
A designer vagina is one of the fastest growing cosmetic operations worldwide.
The procedure’s actual name is a labiaplasty, which involves altering the size of the labia minora.
It can be for both aesthetic or practical reasons, such as the extra tissue causing discomfort during sex or exercise.
This type of surgery should not be done on anyone younger than 18 because the labia continue to develop beyond puberty into early adulthood.
It involves shortening or reshaping the vaginal lips, with the unwanted tissue cut away using a scalpel or laser.
The loose edge may then be stitched with fine, dissolvable stitches.
From start to finish, the operation takes one to two hours, and usually, patients can go home the same day.
Can I get a labiaplasty on the NHS?
A labiaplasty is not usually available on the NHS, but it may be offered in some circumstances.
For example, if the vaginal lips are abnormal, to repair tears after childbirth, or to remove cancerous tissue if a woman has vulval cancer.
In the UK, a labiaplasty costs about £4,000 when done privately.
The cost of any consultations or follow-up care may not be included in the price.
Source: NHS
Samantha, who hoped that any scars would be minimal and well-hidden, adds: “When I consulted with the plastic surgeon, he reassured me that I was an ideal candidate for the ‘V-cut’ labiaplasty.
“This would involve trimming the long portion of my labia minora in a V-shape and then stitching the remaining sides back together to create a shorter labia minora with a hidden scar.
“He showed me a picture of his results, and I was astounded by how beautiful his work was.
“I was much more excited for the procedure, and barely nervous at all.
“I saw this surgery as a huge boost to my self-esteem and overall well-being.”
At the time, Samantha was in the midst of a divorce and her ex-husband’s insurance covered the procedure, along with liposuction to one side, with a total cost of £6,388.30.
Samantha kept the surgery, which she had in 2024, a secret from all but a few close friends.
THE WORST PART
She says: “My ex-husband knew and actually funded the surgery.
“I was already with my new partner, and he did not think that I needed it, telling me that he liked my vagina either way.”
Samantha estimates that about an inch of tissue was taken off.
When she woke up, “the pain was not too bad,” she recalls.
“Walking was a bit difficult, so I remained in bed for much of the first week,” she says.
But some aspects of recovery were incredibly painful. Just going to the toilet could end leaving Samantha screaming in pain.
I was much more self-conscious in the past during sex and now feel much more at ease
Samantha Wood
She says: “The worst experience was trying to urinate afterwards, as I had to use a funnel to pee in and spray myself with a peri bottle to lessen the burning sensation.
“The task was difficult, and my [now] fiancé had to help me.
“I was bleeding and screeching in pain, while simultaneously trying to focus on urinating.
“Once I recovered, though, I was thrilled with the results.
“It took me a while to stop reaching down to tuck my labia inside because I was so used to this routine after doing it for years.
“My clothes were no longer uncomfortable, and I no longer needed to adjust the way that I was sitting or moving.
“I had a beautiful result, as promised.”
Despite being initially against the operation, Samantha’s partner is now fully on board.
“He understands why I wanted it,” she adds.
“I was much more self-conscious in the past during sex and now feel much more at ease – not only with the feeling, but for the physical appearance as well.
“The only regret I have is not getting the labiaplasty sooner.”
