Wedge Labiaplasty Stitches Burst, Open Wound- Will It Heal?

Question

I had wedge Labiaplasty 14 days ago, stitches on inside of right labia burst on day 12 and stitches on outside of same labia still intact but wound obviously not closed beneath. Email from surgeon says wash, antibacterial cream and not to worry as will heal. Is he right? I don't see how it can magically close itself when it is not joined...??? Unfortunately unable to load picture at present but will do so as soon as able. Thanks for any advice.

Gary J. Alter, MD · Answer

This is an unusual complication of a wedge labiaplasty. Your wound will eventually heal but it may take weeks.  You may need a revision to repair a deformity, but I would not attempt any revision for 4-5 months in order for the swelling and firmness to resolve.  Just keep the area clean and apply antibacterial cream as your surgeon said.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

First, unless you sustained unusual trauma, assuming the closure was solid to start with and accomplished with sutures that are not fast absorbing, dehiscence (separation of the closure) is rare.  Having said that and now that it has happened, I'm in agreement with Dr. Alter, that your choices are protection of the area by avoiding further trauma, application of antibiotic ointment and padding daily, use of topical anesthetic like Oraljel or HemAway for pain, and allow secondary healing, OR, return to your surgeon for early re-operation and revision (secondary closure).

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The integrity of the labiaplasty sutures is important in the postoperative recovery after labiaplasty.  Ensure that the wound is now well kept and clean to optimize the final result.  Your surgeon will examine the wound edges and determine if early or late wound closure will provide the best outcome.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Trying to repair the tissues early in healing has a low probability of providing definitive closure as all of the tissue is friable.   Allow yourself to heal with a possible revision in the future, if necessary.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Ryan A. Stanton, MD · Answer

If the wound is obviously open to the naked eye then I would not hesitate to either return to your operating surgeon for a professional exam or if s/he is not available then some other labiaplasty specialist nearby.  It may in fact benefit from a closer look and possibly repair.  Glad to help... @drryanstanton

Wedge Labiaplasty Stitches Burst, Open Wound- Will It Heal?

Answers (10)

Answer: Wedge Labiaplasty Stitches Burst, Open Wound- Will It Heal?

Answer: Wedge Labiaplasty Stitches Burst, Open Wound- Will It Heal?

Answer: Wound opening after "Wedge" labiaplasty

Answer: Wound opening after "Wedge" labiaplasty

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.

Wedge Labiaplasty Stitches Burst, Open Wound- Will It Heal?

Answers (10)

Answer: Wedge Labiaplasty Stitches Burst, Open Wound- Will It Heal?

Answer: Wedge Labiaplasty Stitches Burst, Open Wound- Will It Heal?

Answer: Wound opening after "Wedge" labiaplasty

Answer: Wound opening after "Wedge" labiaplasty

Browse related questions

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.