Labia reconstruction - Medical specialists

What is labia reconstruction?

Unfortunately, pubic surgery is increasingly being performed by doctors who lack the necessary expertise. However, many things can go wrong with this supposedly "simple" operation if the surgeon lacks knowledge or experience: Not only an unattractive appearance, but also pain and sensory disturbances are possible consequences. Many affected women are considerably restricted in their everyday life, their self-confidence and their sexuality.

Common undesirable results are

• Undercorrection
• Overcorrection
• Incomplete correction
• Asymmetrical correction
• Protruding clitoris
• Unsightly wound edges

During labia reconstruction, the surgeon corrects the unsatisfactory result of a previous procedure. During such a reconstruction operation, the specialist corrects errors such as over-, under- and incomplete corrections, frayed wound edges, contour errors or the so-called micro-penis effect. In the case of asymmetries, the labia are aligned.

The aim of the treatment is to achieve an aesthetically pleasing intimate area with which the patient is completely satisfied and has no discomfort.

What surgical methods are available?

There are many surgical options for the labia area. The most common procedures include

• Reduction of the labia minora
• Lowering of the clitoris
• Clitoral lift
• Tightening of the labia minora
• Correction of asymmetries
• Contour correction

The most common procedure in the pubic area is labia minora reduction. In most cases, patients want the labia minora to be reduced in size so that they are then completely covered by the labia majora. Possible errors after a previous operation that require a second operation are excessive, insufficient or incomplete reduction. In the latter case, for example, the labia are only corrected below the clitoris.

Clitoral correction is also a common procedure. It is usually performed following a reduction of the labia minora: In this case, the so-called "micro-penis effect" regularly occurs, as the clitoral injection now protrudes above the labia and is visibly prominent. The surgeon corrects this so-called clitoral protrusion by removing a strip of skin underneath the clitoris and suturing the resulting wound edges together. As a result, the clitoris lowers.

A clitoral correction can also be performed as part of a clitoral lift. The reason for this is usually an exposed clitoral tip. Many women want a tightening so that the clitoral hood (part of the labia minora) completely covers the tip of the clitoris. However, a genuine clitoral reduction is rarely performed: An excessively large clitoris usually only occurs in the case of an intersexual syndrome or a hormonal disorder.

The labia minora can be tightened either by removing tissue or by injecting the patient's own fat.

The correction of asymmetries is also frequently desired : Asymmetrical labia are either congenital or the result of an unsuccessful procedure.

Smoothing the edges of the wound is indicated as part of corrective surgery if, for example, the edges of the wound heal in waves or fray. Possible causes for this are unsuitable suturing techniques and sutures that are too thick.

What do I need to consider after the procedure?

You should take it easy immediately after the procedure: avoid driving yourself or walking long distances immediately after the operation. Instead, have someone pick you up or call a cab.

Rest is also required at home: avoid physically strenuous activities and move as little as possible. This will prevent your blood pressure from rising and the operated region from swelling. You can also counteract swelling and pain by carefully cooling the area.

To ensure proper healing, you should refrain from showering on the day of the operation and the following day . You should then wash your genital area exclusively with water until the seventh day after the procedure. By wearing a compress between the labia for the first 14 days, you can prevent them from rubbing against each other when walking.

You should avoidtampons and activities that involve rubbing or pressure on the pubic area for at least 6 weeks. This includes sports and sexual intercourse.

You may experience itching after a few days. This is usually due to the stitches beginning to dissolve as desired. Special ointments can help.

Follow-up checks are normally carried out by the surgeon treating you. The first wound check is usually carried out the day after the procedure.

What is the prognosis?

With a specialized surgeon, usually from the field of aesthetic surgery, complications rarely occur after labiaplasty. Only the general risks of surgery, such as wound infections, are worth mentioning.

In the case of correction after an initial operation, the prognosis depends on the type of procedure. After an undercorrection, incomplete correction or a lack of clitoral descent, for example, revision surgery is relatively simple: the surgeon simply removes further tissue from the labia minora, which have been reduced too little.

It is more difficult to correct an overcorrection, i.e. labia that are too small. This usually occurs if the surgeon does not take into account during the procedure that the tissue will subsequently scar and contract further.

Contour errors with unsightly wound edges are easy to correct.

Conclusion

To ensure that labiaplasty produces an optimal result, you should always consult a specialist. This will help you avoid stressful second operations.

If you have already had an unsuccessful operation, do not hesitate to consult a specialist. They will perform an individual corrective operation so that you feel comfortable again and no longer have any complaints.