Labiaplasty wound separation - what to do? (Photo)

Question

Hi I had labiaplasty wedge procedure 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately wound on the right side split apart and I got infection. I was re-stichted after one week from the procedure. And it separated again and looks much worse than before. Now I know I shouldn't have the restitching. I know I should wait 6 months for the revision. But what kind of technique should it be done? What can I do now to improve healing? I don't want to have this awful split. :( Thanks in advance!

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

The quallity and quantity of the tissues around the separation site will dictate the optimal strategy for a labiaplasty revision. Wait 6 months and schedule a consultation. At that time, an educated opinion can be rendered.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling after #Labiaplasty is usually present for several weeks. It’s possible that swelling can persist for two or three months Firmness of tissue can remain for 4-6 months.Postoperative care will usually consist of sitz baths or soaking the area in warm soapy water starting approximately 2 days after a surgery.  The sutures will dissolve over the course of several weeks.  This will in part depend upon the #Labiaplasty technique used, the amount of bruising and the way in which your body heals.Ice can help reduce swelling. Arnica and Bromelain may help.  Direct massage may be usefulPatients return to most normal activities immediately after surgery with the exception of activities that will create direct pressure on the #vaginalregion such as certain exercise equipment and #sexualactivity.  It will be necessary to refrain from these forms of physical activity, including sex, for approximately 4-6 weeks. Generally, patients are able to walk comfortably within a few days and can return to work within a week. While healing issues may vary from one patient to another, depending on the procedure and case details, it is always best to visit your plastic surgeon with all questions and concerns to help make sure that healing is progressing as it should. Best of luck.

Gary J. Alter, MD · Answer

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. Your present dissatisfaction may be due to  the specifics of the wedge technique used by your surgeon.  The reconstruction technique depends on the deformity. However, no attempt to revise your labia should be done until you are at least five months after your past procedure as your appearance will improve, and the swelling will be less. You need to control your anxiety and wait. The reconstruction is 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 two years ago. You may need various reconstructive techniques to give you a good appearance, but this won't be known until all the swelling is gone. I should be able to reconstruct you successfully once you are healed. 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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to hear of your incision line separation.  At this point I would allow your tissues to fully heal from your initial labiaplasty in whatever form or appearance that they assume.  I would try and avoid any further injury to the area and would limit any manipulation of the tissues.  You may be able to have a revision performed at three months once your tissues have settled and you would likely benefit from a repeat wedge to remove the wound separation and better approximate the tissues, but with a labiaplasty specialist.  Hope this helps.

Ozgur Kartal, MD · Answer

You underwent labiaplasty surgery with wedge resection. The most common suture opening occurs in labiaplasty surgeries performed with this technique. It can be corrected with revision labiaplasty surgery. I cannot explain how to do it here.

Jeffrey S. Palmer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs. Swelling is common after labiaplasty with the amount dependent in part based on the time since surgery. The final result will be seen after several months, which at that time one can evaluate if a secondary surgery would be recommended. I would recommend finding an experienced genital surgeon for a second opinion, which include Cosmetic Urologists, even if it involves traveling.

Best of luck.

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

Best of luck.

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

Armen Kirakosyan, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Very sorry to hear about your problem. Unfortunately things like this can happen after labiaplasty. The best course right now would be to let the tissue heal completely and reassess afterwards to see what can be done for reconstruction. Hope this helps.

Labiaplasty wound separation - what to do? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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