What treatments are available & what are the risks for bad scarring after labiaplasty 10 years ago?

Question

I think I have hyperthophic and keloid scarring on my labia minora. Scars itch and and feel uncomfortable. They are almost ten years old but it feel like they keep living still. What can be done? My situation feels so miserable. I would like to know also about treatment associated risks.

Mark N. Scheinberg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questionThere are several mechanisms to fix scarring but cannot tell you what can work without photos.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. 
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure that can help achieve a smaller, and more tucked appearance of labia minora (inner lips). 
Keloids scars and hypertrophic scars are not very common after Labiaplasty procedures, and development of unfavorable scarring depends on patient genetics, as well as surgical techniques and suturing used.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Labiaplasty to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
I hope this helps.
Best regards, 
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gary J. Alter, MD · Answer

Usually, the removal of the scars with reconstruction using healthy tissue eliminates or markedly improves the discomfort. I can be more specific if you would include photos. 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 ten years ago. I also contributed significantly to the chapter "Revision Labiaplasty" in the plastic surgery textbook " The Art of Aesthetic Surgery: Principles and Practice" edited by Nahai . Approximately 40% of the surgeries I perform are revisions of other surgeons’ labiaplasties. You need various reconstructive techniques to give you a good appearance.

If you have absent labia and adequate clitoral hood,  your labia minora can be reconstructed 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 60 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. You only get one good chance to reconstruct you, so be patient and ask a lot of questions.

Gary J. Alter, M.D.

Beverly Hills, CA - Manhattan, NYC

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Condition like yours is, fortunately, not very frequent; scars in that area heal well and without functional consequences. Very likely that tradional management, like topical injection of corticosteroid should be the first step. In person consultation with a board certified plastic or gyn. surgeon, familiar with this problem, is recommended. Good luck.

Burcak Tok, MD · Answer

It's hard for us to give an idea without a picture, but if it's a mild keloid, some creams or steroids might work. If there is an excess keloid, it must be surgically removed.

What treatments are available & what are the risks for bad scarring after labiaplasty 10 years ago?

Answers (8)

Answer: Post labioplasty scars

Answer: Post labioplasty scars

Answer: Postop keloid treatment

Answer: Postop keloid treatment

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What treatments are available & what are the risks for bad scarring after labiaplasty 10 years ago?

Answers (8)

Answer: Post labioplasty scars

Answer: Post labioplasty scars

Answer: Postop keloid treatment

Answer: Postop keloid treatment

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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.