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

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.

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

Without pictures, it's hard to provide a good answer.  For small wound openings, your surgeon's suggestions sound reasonable.  If the opening is large, then other options should be discussed.  You should see your surgeon in person to discuss this.

Best,

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).

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.

     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

Thank you for sharing.  It should heal with proper post operative care however you will most likely need a revision.  Be sure to choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in this procedure and is well known in the medical community for it.

I would expect you will need a revision to close the "split" you will likely develop in the labia. I agree with the other doctors, once it has broken down it is best to let everything heal and revise/repair the split if required 3 months after your initial surgery. Good luck. Sean Nicklin, Plastic Surgeon, Sydney, Australia.

This can happen, although it rarely does. It will usually heal in on it's own with good wound care. Closing the wound at this juncture is not appropriate as the tissues are friable and firm. It will also increase the risk of infection. It's best at this time to let the wounds heal from the inside out.  You may need a revision in 4 to 6 months - time will tell. There is a chance it will heal without the need of a revision. Stay in touch with your surgeon. Keep your wounds clean and apply antibacterial cream if tolerated.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Harrington MD

 

Wound separation can happen after any procedure. It will heal over a period of weeks but it may leave an irregularity in the scar or labia contour. Once the scar has softened, it can be revised.