Help! Labiaplasty infection? 4 days post.

Question

I need help please. This is day four after surgery and there's bubbles forming along the incision lines (some yellowish color and there's eight bubbles to be exact). Is this common? Will it heal with bubbles on my labia? I'm very concerned because I don't want the end result to look unnatural. My Dr only prescribed me numbing cream and pain killers, and advised me to use ice packs. Should I be taking any thing else to help the healing process? I'm very scared.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your picture and your question.  There does not appear to be any infection visible in the photograph you sent.  The small bumps present on your remaining labial tissue are secondary to the suture closure and not in any way related to an infection.  Because of the nature of labial tissue, these bumps tend to merge after a while and are very often not seen after 4-6 weeks.  The yellow fluid you refer to is called serous fluid and is often seen in wound healing situations.  Only an in person exam by your personal plastic surgeon will give you a definitive answer to your questions, and therefore I highly recommend you call him or her to see your wound healing progression and discuss your concerns.

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

The first postoperative instruction I give to my surgical patients is to call me or text me with all questions no matter how silly or stupid the question. The second instruction I give them is to disregard all advice from the internet. If I paid a surgeon to perform my surgery, I would contact them first with any questions regarding my healing. The healing process includes reactions to suture material and the production of healing fluids which sometimes crust along the scars. This is normal and evident in the photo, but it's just a low-res photo so you can't tell everything about healing from the photo. Call your surgeon.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  You do not appear to have an infection but rather the bubbles are the result of the suturing technique your surgeon used to close your incision while the yellowish color is normal serous fluid that occurs during the healing process.  As your swelling resolves and your tissues soften you should see a gradual improvement in appearance.  hang in there!

John R. Miklos, MD, FPMRS, FACS · Answer

It doesnt appear to be any infection.  I would recommend seeing your surgeon at this time.  The bumps may be due to the suturing technique.  John R Miklos MD

Oscar A. Aguirre, MD, FPMRS · Answer

Hello Concerned girl,Although, I can't make a specific recommendation based on one photo there doesn't appear to be an infection. The yellowish color is part of the healing process. The bubbles may be a number of things but the photo isn't clear. Follow up with your surgeon for examination and reassurance.Best of luck,Oscar A. Aguirre, MDUrogynecologist and Cosmetic Vaginal Surgeon

Jeffrey S. Palmer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photograph. I would recommend contacting your surgeon who performed the labiaplasty for evaluation due to the limited ability to answer this question based on the photograph.   Best of luck.  
Jeffrey S. Palmer, MD, FACS, FAAP (Cosmetic and Reconstructive Urologist -- Cleveland, Ohio)

Michael P. Goodman, MD, FACOG · Answer

You should not take any of our advice without an in-person evaluation. This could be nothing more than normal "bubbling"/swelling along the incision line associated with normal suture healing (most likely), vs. herpes vs. infection. Go with what your surgeon says, so long as (s)he has performed a personal evaluation...Best,Michael P Goodman, MDDavis, CA, USA

John G. Hunter, MD · Answer

Based on the photos, your labia looks like it healing normally.  Obviously this is an assessment made by looking at a photo and isnt accurate.  The best way to determine if you have a problem is to visit your surgeon for an examination.  He/ She will be able to assess the situation and take necessary steps to ensure proper healing.

Jennifer S. Hayes, DO, FACOOG · Answer

It's hard to see anything going on out of the ordinary from your photo. It appears there is no infection and that the bubbles are from the technique your surgeon used. If you are concerned, you should definitely talk to your surgeon to put your mind at ease. Best of luck in your healing process.
Dr Jennifer S. HayesCosmetic Vaginal Surgeon

Help! Labiaplasty infection? 4 days post.

Answers (9)

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