Labiaplasty 4 months after - unhappy with the result! Bumpy and too big clitoral hood/clitoris (Photos)

Dear Sommaren:I am sorry to hear of your unfortunate results. One of the problems is your labia minora are not symmetrical at the point of their origin on each side.  Usually the labia minora are formed by a fusion of the prepuce ( clitoral hood ) and the frenulum ( the left of tissue under the clitoris).  On  your left side you have frenulum but no evidence of the leg of tissue form the clitoral hood ( prepuce) and on your right side you have both the clitoral hood leg which does fuse with the frenulum area ( this area is very bumpy).   Revision usually means making the labia appear smooth and contoured and symmetrical from side to side.  This area I just described where your right and left labia begin are dramatically different and this will be the more difficult area to tweak.   After reviewing your photos I would make the following recommendations based upon especially your last photo ( and using this photo for orientation).  Pretend the last photo is the face of a clock:1) 1 o'clock position - you have two bumps here and these can be gently sculpted to take away the bumps  - there is also  a smaller bump on the clitoral hood which makes 3 bumps and this too can be revised2) 3 o' clock- you have two bumps here and these too can be gently sculpted to remove the bumps3) 8-9 o'clock - directly across from the 3 o'clock bumps you have two more bumps and these can also be gently sculpted so they are not so noticeable4) 10-11:30 oclock - this is the tricky area as one needs to make a decision as to whether we remove the frenulum or remove the lateral prepuce which extends upward to the clitoral hood which is also making the hood wide and large.  I think ( though I have not examined you)  I would  shape the bumpy frenulum and remove the lateral (to the bumpy frenulum) redundant prepuce (which you only have on your right side -- left side of photo). 5) Area next to the actual clitoral hood(12 oclock but on the photos left side) -- this is the true lateral redundant prepuce and this needs to be resected to make it symmetrical to the other side.please choose a revision surgeon wisely.   Choose a surgeon who has the experience, expertise, reputation and who can achieve results. This is truly an art.  Review the botched labiaplasty photos on your experts website and then get more than one consult.  This next surgery is the most important surgery and the best chance at great results.John R MIklos MDAtlanta ~ Beverly Hills ~ Dubai

It's reasonable to have a revision labiaplasty. While not common, it's possible to have healing issues after labiaplasty. it looks like a baseball type suture was used to close the labia, resulting in a bumpy appearance. best to keep the sutures hidden deep to avoid this. a hood reduction can be performed as well.

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. I see your area of concern and based on your pictures I do think you can improve upon your results with a trim procedure to help address the more full clitoral hood side and the bumpy frenular tissues.  See a labiaplasty specialist in consultation for an in-person evaluation and discussion of your treatment options. 

I agree that your edges of the labia are bumpy and uneven, and that the clitoral hood also looks bumpy and swollen. This can be revised so I recommend that you go to an experienced labiaplasty surgeon to do this. Minor amount of trimming along the entire edge of the labia minora, and then slightly more reduction around clitoral hood. This area can be made much better, but I do recommend that you go to a plastic surgeon who does a lot of labiaplasty procedures.

The beauty of the vulva and vagina is in the eye of the beholder...!  That said, if you wish to "smooth out" the "bumpy parts (which won't change much, considering that you are "...4 months out..." from your surgery), Either  modest "shaves" of the prominent areas with careful reconstruction with small caliber minimally delayed absorbable suture, or "airbrushing" with a radiofrequency needle (bipolar; cutting mode), or a combination of both would suffice for your satisfaction.

Best wishes,

Michael P Goodman, MD

Davis, CA, USA

Thank you for
your question and photographs.  If you are concerned about your results then I would recommend discussing this with your surgeon.  If you want a second opinion, then I would recommend finding an experienced genital surgeon,
which include Cosmetic Urologists, even if it involves traveling.   There are several types of surgeons who promote themselves as performing labiaplasty, but a Cosmetic Urologist can offer unique qualifications compared to plastic surgeons, gynecologists and general urologists. Cosmetic Urologists typically have both extensive training and experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive genital surgery.  Unlike the large number of these other specialists, there is a much smaller number of qualified Cosmetic Urologists who are dedicated to the surgery of the genitalia.  Other specialists may not have practices dedicated solely to the genitalia -- plastic surgeons may also be performing breast implants and facelifts, gynecologists may also be performing hysterectomies and caring for menopause, and general urologists may also be performing surgery for prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction.    

Best of luck.  

Jeffrey S. Palmer, MD, FACS, FAAP (Cosmetic and Reconstructive Urologist -- Cleveland, Ohio)

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. If you are dissatisfied with the results from your labiaplasty, I suggest you seek another opinion.  Your treatment plan should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.    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.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck! 
Best

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS Harvard educated plastic surgeon