In 2022, I underwent labiaplasty surgery in London. As swelling reduced, it became clear the top edge had been cut into an unnatural right angle before the clitoral area, almost as if it should have been sewn down rather than left sticking out. I sent photos to the clinic, but they insisted it was “healing perfectly” and said full results could take 6–12 months. However, this area now sticks out, is extremely sensitive, and causes daily discomfort in clothing—which was one of the main reasons I sought the procedure in the first place. I also noticed stitching that was so tight it caused extra scarring, creating a kind of Frankenstein appearance. In other spots, the tissue didn’t fully knit together, leaving stretched scars along mismatched edges. I feel anxious and devastated. I need revision surgery for both physical and emotional reasons. But the original surgeon has been struck off the GMC for negligence, is uncontactable, and reportedly fled the country. I tried to pursue legal action, but was told he was likely uninsured—others had similar cases but couldn’t claim damages. The clinic has offered revision, but I don’t trust them, and I suspect I now need a real specialist. Can anyone advise what may have gone wrong in the original surgery, what I should look for in a revision specialist, and roughly what the costs might be?
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Hello Shepnut,
Dr. Oscar A. Aguirre, MD, FPMRS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Labiaplasty with hood reduction is a technical procedure. I think of it like origami. Parts need to be cut, released, and folded into place to create symmetry and a natural appearance. Not every surgeon is equally skilled and even more importantly, equally thoughtful/patient/fastidious about their results.
Dr. Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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As the inventor and innovator of the wedge technique in 1994, I reconstruct many women who have had labia reductions by other surgeons, both wedge and trimming techniques. You had a trimming labiaplasty which resulted in asymmetry, excess clitoral hood, and scalloping. The reconstruction is much 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 15 years ago. You will need various reconstructive techniques to give you a good appearance. Fortunately, you have adequate clitoral hood to reconstruct your labia minora with clitoral hood flaps, which I invented and published in that journal article. In this surgery, I take the remaining tissue of your clitoral hood and transfer it downward to create labia minora. I have done this surgery about 100 times with excellent results. The surgery takes about 3+ hours so it is not a simple office procedure. If any surgeon reduces more of your clitoral hood, you will be ineligible for this repair. Approximately 50% of the surgeries I perform are revisions of other surgeons' labiaplasties. You only get one good chance to reconstruct you, so be patient and ask a lot of questions.
Dr. Gary J. Alter, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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The photo doesn't show the complete extent of the damage. Trying uploading a second photo without pulling on the labia. The distortion doesn't allow for a complete assessment of how much tissue is remaining beyond the "right angle". Your condition can certainly be improved. What to do next? Schedule a virtual consultation. Traveling to USA and back is not necessary to get this conversation started if you're able to share more photos - privately if you prefer.
Dr. Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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