Is labiaplasty completely safe? Is my sexual health at risk in any way?

Question

I am looking into getting labiaplasty but I am very nervous and afraid. I have read that it is a very simple procedure and it is very rare to have complications. But can it change your sensation, feeling, sensitivity, sexual health in any way? Apparently nerve damage can occur, what are the chances of that occurring? Is the surgery then worth the risk? I really appreciate your thoughts and expertise and would love any recommendations for an experienced surgeon.

Daniel A. Medalie, MD · Answer

HI,
While all surgeries have risks, I have found that labiaplasty in my hands has a very low complication rate and high satisfaction rate. I perform the procedure under local with mild oral sedation, and the vast majority of my patients report that it was not nearly as bad as they thought it was going to be. I have never had a patient with chronic complaints of loss of sensation or changes in sex life. Please visit my website to view my before and after gallery.

Regards,

Daniel A. Medalie, MD

Gary J. Alter, MD · Answer

A labiaplasty seems very simple but complications and problems can occur. They are often the function of the skill and techniques used by the surgeons. A poorly performed labiaplasty can result in deformities, pain, and psychological and physical suffering. A well performed procedure is highly successful with high patient satisfaction.

Gynecologists and most plastic surgeons perform a labiaplasty very differently. Most gynecologists essentially trim the labia minora (inner vaginal lips) and leave a long suture line instead of the normal labial edge.  Their technique is the same whether a scalpel or a laser is used.  This technique can result in scallops, asymmetry, an unnatural edge, hanging frenula, and over-resection. In contrast, I invented and perform the wedge labiaplasty in which I remove triangles of tissue and bring the normal edges together. Thus, the normal labial edges, normal color, and normal anatomy are preserved, but the darkest labial tissue is usually removed.  If you have extra tissue on your clitoral hood, it can be reduced at the same time.   A trim labiaplasty scar can more often cause chronic discomfort and aesthetic disfigurement.  About half of the labia surgeries I perform are reconstructions of botched labiaplasties done by other surgeons. 
Many surgeons are not well-trained in these techniques.  No matter the technique, an inexperienced or unskilled surgeon can lead to a high rate of complications, chronic scar discomfort, labial deformities, and further surgery.

Gary J. Alter, M.D.
Beverly Hills, CA - Manhattan, NY

Falguni Patel, MD, FACOG · Answer

Absolutely, I understand your concerns they’re very common and completely valid. Labiaplasty is generally a straightforward procedure with a low risk of complications when performed by an experienced surgeon. Most patients maintain normal sexual function, and many even report improved comfort and confidence afterward.

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

Just like the case of reducing extra skin anywhere on the body, a labiaplasty poses little to no permanent risk. The true risk of a labiaplasty depends on the skill of the surgeon. Period. Therefore your only task is to find a genuine labiaplasty expert: a doctor who has performed hundreds and hundreds of labiaplasty procedures. In the 350 labiaplasty surgeries I have performed, none of my patients have had loss of sensation. None of my patients have had painful scars after labiaplasty. None have had pain with intercourse. And none of my labiaplasty patients have had clitoral numbness or difficulty with orgasm.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. 
 
Labiaplasty procedure is a very intimate surgery and it is important to feel comfortable with your surgeon and to have realistic expectations based on your anatomy and specific concern.

It is also considered to be a safe procedure if performed by a surgeon specializing in Labiaplasty procedures. 
 
Any surgery involves scarring, however, with properly selected labiaplasty techniques, the scarring can be minimized.

Some possible complications from labiaplasty surgery can include bleeding, infection, scarring, and changes in sensation, but the risk of those is typically low.

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.
 
I hope this helps.
Best regards, Dr. Karanetz

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Queens, New York
(516) 981 3063

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Any procedure, even wisdom teeth removal carries certain risks. Reduction in sexual sensation, sensitivity or effecting sexual health is not typically encountered with labiaplastt surgery

Mark N. Scheinberg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questionAll surgery has risks. The quality of results depends on the method used and quality off your surgeon. In almost 20 years I have never had a patient complain of nerve damage or feelng loss of sensation but have read about it often when answering questions on real self . Your best chance at not having a problem is to pick a surgeon who is experienced and well trained. Many surgeons take a weekend course or two and think they know enough to do these surgeries but do not know what they do not know including how avoid problems. There are actually two pair of inner labia, a lower pair that inserts into the clitoris and an upper pair , that forms the hood, that can involve and even overwhelm the lower pair. A surgeon needs to know how to treat the upper pair to free up the lower pair to get optimal results. You need to do your homework. Check out their reputations, how were they trained in this area, look at their reviews, do they specialize particularly in this area, do they know how to treat the prepuce. Look carefully at their before and after photos. The video below will give a good place to start to learn about labiaplasty

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi karleesomers. As with any procedure, there are always risks. There are certain anatomical structures that you want to be more conservative near and not remove too much tissue. You do not want to get too close to the frenulum or clitoris and you do not want to over expose the clitoris. I do many labiaplasties and have never had any sensation loss occur.  With any surgery, it can take many months for full nerve regeneration so some sensitivity can occur in the recovery period. I would suggest that you find a board certified surgeon that is experienced in this area. Good Luck!

Mehmet Bekir Sen, MD · Answer

Dear Patient,
It’s important to note that, when performed with correct techniques and for the appropriate indications, labiaplasty generally poses very minimal risk.
Regarding your concern about nerve damage or changes in sensation, the chances are extremely low if the procedure is done properly. In fact, many patients experience improvements in hygiene and even sexual sensation, as the removal of excess tissue can lead to greater comfort. Some patients also report enhanced orgasms due to the reduction of skin folds that may have caused discomfort.
What’s crucial is that the surgeon you choose is highly experienced and specialized in cosmetic gynecology. A surgeon who frequently performs these procedures and focuses specifically on them can help ensure the best possible outcome with minimal risks.
I hope this provides you with some reassurance. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.
Best regards,Dr. Mehmet Bekir Şen

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

Labiaplasty is a safe procedure in expert hands. The nerve damage that you fear is a risk when non-experts in this operation cut the clitoral nerves. These nerves run along the top of the clitoral body which is nowhere near the labia minora. I recommend that you schedule a virtual consultation to discuss details privately.

Is labiaplasty completely safe? Is my sexual health at risk in any way?

Answers (18)

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