Top UK Surgeon Speaks Out on Non-consensual Surgery

29 Jan 2025

"Non-consensual surgery is more common than industry cares to admit," reveals top UK plastic surgeon
Brooke Shields' vaginal rejuvenation against her wishes was a criminal offence, says consultant plastic surgeon Gerard Lambe - "Patients should speak out against surgery without consent."

Last week actress Brooke Shields revealed she underwent labiaplasty (labia reduction) surgery in her younger years but following the operation was told by her surgeon he had "thrown in" a vaginal rejuvenation procedure, against her wishes.

In an interview for US Weekly, in advance of her forthcoming book, "Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman," she shared how she initially met with a surgeon after learning via her gynaecologist that a labiaplasty (wherein a large or draping labia is shortened) could help her with the uncomfortable chafing and bleeding she'd experienced throughout her life.

The labiaplasty surgery was for health reasons for a condition which can cause great discomfort and embarrassment. often with the large, asymmetrical or protuding labia lips growing longer post-birth and in menopause.

But in a disturbing turn of events, Brooke woke up from the op to be informed by her doctor that he'd "thrown in a little bonus" - a vaginal rejuvenation (tightening of the vagina) procedure – which she had neither asked for nor wanted.

The actress said: “This man surgically altered my body without my consent. And he thought he had done me a favour by throwing in a ‘bonus procedure’? The sheer gall of it enraged me.”

Speaking in response to the events shared by Brooke Shields, leading consultant plastic and cosmetic surgeon Gerard Lambe of Reflect Clinic UK and a spokesperson for industry body BAAPS, says: "Brooke's experience is both horrifying and illegal.

"In the UK, performing surgery on someone without their valid consent is considered a criminal offense, essentially constituting assault, and can lead to legal action against the medical professional involved; this means that a patient must always give informed consent before any surgical procedure can be carried out.

"However, it is more common than the industry cares to admit. As a surgeon, I am often called upon to do corrective surgery following botched procedures but I've also had an increase in requests for redressing "unwanted" procedures.

"These range from breast augmentation where surgeons have used larger than requested implants, or where a woman's breast op has included the incision of milk ducts to create a more pert nipple - when such a procedure was never requested. I've also had female patients come to me with scars and tissue distribution problems on their abdomens from cowboy surgeons 'adding' non-consensual liposuction in areas never specified or agreed on pre-surgery. It is an appalling abuse of trust and power."

Mr Lambe, who specialises in a range of procedures including labiaplasty, tummy tucks and breast augmentation, adds:

"I always strongly advise against cosmetic surgery tourism - going to cut price clinics overseas - as it is often at these clinics where problems happen, such as non-consensual procedures or adaptations to surgery without patient approval.

"It often comes down to poor communication and language issues, but alarmingly it is also down to exploitative surgeons who yield power of the scalpel and perform the surgery they wish and not that of the patient."

How to avoid non-consensual surgery?

1. Check your surgeon's credentials:

Gerard Lambe strongly advises anyone looking to have any procedure to research their surgeon fully. Check his/her credentials and ask for testimonials and reviews that are verifiable.

"Make sure they are a member of an industry body like BAAPS and the Royal College of Surgeons and ask if they are registered with the General Medica Council. Most reputable clinics and surgeons will be fully transparent on this," asserts Mr Lambe.

2) Always have a thorough consultation

Gerard Lambe advises having at least one or more pre-op discussions before making a decision. Meet in person for a full consultation so that a very clear agreement is made regarding your desired final outcome.

Lambe says: "From a tummy tuck, eyelid lift to an intimate operation like labiaplasty, tell the surgeon not only what you want it to look like, but also what you don't want. This is YOUR body and you want to live happily and healthily in it".

3) Avoid 'cut price deals and offers'

Any surgeon offering unnecessary surgical procedures as a "bonus" should be avoided like the plague. Surgery and general anaesthetic take their toll on you and recovery time is essential, so never agree to cut price or additional procedures that are possibly just a gimmick or way of making extra money. The surgery is very likely to be rushed and patient care compromised.

4) Home is best - give overseas clinics in Turkey and elsewhere a miss

Finally, please do not visit clinics overseas that are offering 2-for-1 offers and cut-price deals. Many of these places are unregulated and the surgeons are minimally qualified. If the worst was to happen, few if any are equipped for an emergency response. As we have seen in the news too often recently, going abroad for surgery can be a fatal decision.

5) Your health is more important than any cosmetic procedure

"Your life and health is more precious than any cosmetic procedure," says Gerard Lambe. "At my own clinic - Reflect - our priority is safety and your recovery is an absolute priority. The results should be something you are delighted with and that boost your confidence, not traumatise you. Always put safety first."

Labiaplasty guide from top UK surgeon and labiaplasty expert - Gerard Lambe of Reflect Clinic.

What is a labiaplasty and why has it done?

A number of female patients have an excess or asymmetry of the outer lips of the vulva (labia minora). Labial reduction -also called labiaplasty - is a way of addressing these concerns by surgically removing excess skin reconstructing the shape and reducing the size.

There is no accurate figure on the number of women with large labia minora but a general estimate is around 1 in 2, or approx 50 per cent of females. It does not negatively impact all women but for some, it is painful and can cause chafing, and bleeding.

For some women, it can be very damaging to their confidence and often they will avoid intimacy and sex, as well as wearing tight clothes like leggings or bikinis.

What to expect?

The surgery involves trimming the edges or removing a section of the labia. The procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthetic and takes about one to two hours. Following a labiaplasty, a woman can expect a more neat and symmetrical appearance to the vulva, less embarrassment with underwear and sportswear.

Who should not have labiaplasty?

It should not be done on girls younger than 18 because the labia continues to develop beyond puberty into early adulthood.

Where to get it done?

The NHS does offer the procedure and a GP referral is required before visiting a gynaecologist or surgeon to check for suitability. Many clinics around the UK offer it privately too with short waiting lists.

A labiaplasty in the UK typically costs between £2,000 and £4,500, but the price can vary depending on the circumstances. The cost may not include consultations or follow-up care for example, so do get a clear quote detailing what the cost involves.

This kind of surgery can be a sensitive subject so do plenty of research, says Gerard Lambe of Reflect Clinic, which is a leading centre for the procedure in the UK.

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Thanks to the author

About Mr Gerard Lambe and Reflect Clinic:

Mr Gerard Lambe MB ChB MRCS MD FRCS (Plast) heads up the Reflect Clinic in Manchester (with satellite clinics across the UK).

He is a spokesperson for the industry body British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), which focuses on safety and regulations in the cosmetic surgery industry.