Bad Vaginoplasty/Labiaplasty, In a Lot of Pain, Can This be Corrected?

Question

Six weeks ago a surgeon (urologist/FACS, excellent resume, referred by my dermatologist) sewed my perineum/labia up over the opening to my vagina, covering it like a biological chastity belt. I can't have sex or a gyne exam and am in pain from the pulling/tearing at that spot (she says I'm healing well). How do I find someone to correct? She tore right labia minora and made it one third the size of left labia minora, but I'm not correcting that--too painful.

Gary J. Alter, MD · Answer

You appear to have had a trimming labiaplasty and a perinoplasty.  Your pain should significantly improve for the next 3-4 months.  As for the perinoplasty, that can be revised so that it is not high and does not interfere with intercourse, but I would wait.  Your right labium minora has be over-removed with lumps, and the left labium is also irregular.  It is common to have persistent pain with the trimming labiaplasty, which should improve also with time.  If you wish to have your labia minora reconstructed, I would not attempt it until you are at least 5 months post-surgery. No attempt to revise your labia should be done until you are at least five months after your past procedure as your appearance will be better,  and the swelling will be less.  You need to control your anxiety and wait.  The reconstruction is more difficult than a primary labiaplasty and should be done by a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in labia reconstruction.  I published the first and most extensive paper on labia reconstruction in the prestigious journal "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery" about two years ago.  You may need various reconstructive techniques to give you a good appearance but this won't be known until all the swelling is gone.  You only get one more good chance to reconstruct you so be patient and ask a lot of questions.

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm so sorry that you had a bad experience with labiaplasty. A revision is indicated. You need to speak with someone who has experience in labiaplasty and perineal reconstruction.Find a board certified plastic surgeon or experienced GYN (who has done aesthetic vulvovaginal surgery) in your area with good reviews on RealSelf and good before and after photos who you feel comfortable with to address these concerns.

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

If you have pain after a combined perineoplasty/labiaplasty six weeks after surgery, you may still have suture material dissolving under the skin contributing to both swelling and discomfort. Although most women are able to have sex without issue at the six week mark, others heal more slowly and require more time. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you have your surgeon examine you at the six week mark BEFORE you attempt to have sex to make sure that the healing is sufficiently advanced. Your photos show swelling and unevenness along the labiaplasty scars. I would wait a few months before making any decision on revisionary surgery.

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Although most patients are fairly comfortable about six weeks after labiaplasty or perineoplasty, it can take several months for some patients tissues to relax and for nerve sensitivity to go away. I would be very patient and DEFINITELY avoid rushing into surgery to repair things since further procedures will increase scarring and the possibility of nerve damage. Seek several opinions and wait at least six months before having any further procedures to correct this. It can most likely be improved, but it may never be exactly how you pictured it would look or feel unfortunately.

Rian A. Maercks, MD · Answer

You really need an exam by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon.  Complications are very common in labiaplasty as this procedure is very simple but requires good judgement and diagnoses to stay out of trouble.  Most patients  with similar complaints can be corrected using a combination of z-plasty and  fat grafting to restore a natural appearance and comfort with sexual activities.  I hope this helps and I'm sorry to hear of your misfortune!

	 

	All the best,

	 

	Rian A. Maercks M.D.

Bad Vaginoplasty/Labiaplasty, In a Lot of Pain, Can This be Corrected?

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Bad Vaginoplasty/Labiaplasty, In a Lot of Pain, Can This be Corrected?

Answers (7)

Answer: Problems after labiaplasty

Answer: Problems after labiaplasty

Answer: Correcting undesirable results post labiaplasty

Answer: Correcting undesirable results post labiaplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Labiaplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.