LABIAPLASTY REVISION & RECONSTRUCTION
Labiaplasty is a sought-after cosmetic procedure that can have potentially life-changing effects on a woman’s life. The surgery aims to reshape or reduce the vaginal lips, resulting in a less-pronounced physical appearance, better sexual health, and more self-confidence.
Choosing to proceed with labiaplasty is a significant decision, giving women the opportunity to take charge of their bodies and sexual health. Unfortunately, the outcome isn’t always what patients envisioned.
Like all cosmetic surgeries, there’s always a risk of undesired outcomes. Vaginal tissue is complex, and everyone’s body responds differently to the recovery process. Even procedures that go off without a hitch can end up as an unintended labiaplasty result.
If you’re not happy with the results of your labiaplasty, there is some good news. Labiaplasty revision in Los Angeles can address your concerns and help you achieve what you are looking for.
What is Labiaplasty Revision & Reconstruction?
Labiaplasty revision and reconstruction are standalone procedures that target imperfections from a previous labiaplasty. These surgeries are heavily nuanced as every woman’s needs are different. Generally, they target issues stemming from improper technique or inadequate healing. Most problems are minor, but reconstruction can also address new issues originating from the initial surgery.
Many use the terms “Revision” and ‘Reconstruction” interchangeably. While the goal of improving the undesired outcome and perfecting the appearance of the vaginal lips remains, there are different ways to approach the task.
A labiaplasty revision focuses on minor flaws. For example, a surgeon might recommend a modification to address slight dissymmetry between the lips, prominent edges that need smoothing, or even unflattering scars. Revisions can also take care of polyps and other irregularities that arise post-operation.
In many cases, a labiaplasty revision is straightforward. Surgeons can often perform the adjustments in an office under local anesthesia. Of course, every case is different, and surgeons will determine the right approach for your needs.
A labiaplasty reconstruction is more involved. Think of it as a “redo” to address more broad dissatisfaction. This procedure aims to reconstruct a previous labiaplasty and fix new problems from the first surgery. It’s more extensive and time-consuming, requiring careful planning and more precise surgical techniques from your doctor.
Labiaplasty Revision Candidates
Before you can undergo labiaplasty reconstruction or revision, surgeons must determine if you’re a good candidate. The basic requirements for revisions or reconstructions are as follows:
- You’ve had previous labiaplasty
- You’re unhappy with the results of your initial surgery
- You’re healthy enough to undergo surgery
- It’s been at least five months since the first labiaplasty
Those are the basic requirements. However, reconstructive surgery is complex. The only way to know if you’re a candidate is to have an in-person consultation.
The extent of the issues from your previous labiaplasty will determine whether or not a surgeon can proceed. Unfortunately, full reconstruction is impossible for an estimated 50 percent of cases.
Labiaplasty is about removing and reshaping tissue. If the deformities and cosmetic issues result from excessive tissue removal, the options for reconstruction are limited. Whether or not you’re a candidate for labiaplasty revision in Los Angeles all depends on your specific needs, the capabilities of your surgeon, and your expectations.
Labiaplasty Revision in Los Angeles
Surgeons can utilize various techniques during a revision or reconstruction, and their chosen method depends on the unique issues at hand. Revision labiaplasty procedures can vary dramatically, but the most common problems to address during labiaplasty reconstruction and revision fall into the following categories.
Excessive Tissue Removal
This problem is often a product of poor technique by an inexperienced surgeon. In some cases, surgeons will pull on the labia as they remove tissue using linear trim techniques. However, they may fail to consider the springy nature of labial tissue.
It’s not until the tissue rebounds and heals that the extent of the mistake becomes clear. How surgeons approach labiaplasty reconstruction depends on how much tissue is leftover. Fortunately, skilled surgeons can utilize unresected tissue at the clitoral hood to create a new labia minora.
Too Little Tissue Removed
Here’s a relatively easy labiaplasty concern. Surgeons can remove less tissue than desired due to miscommunication with the patient or timidness during the operation. Either way, revisions are as simple as going in and removing a modest amount of tissue.
Edge Separation
Edge separation sometimes occurs because of bleeding under the skin, poor healing, or improper technique. Whatever the case may be, the edges of a wedge-trimmed tissue don’t heal properly, leading to cosmetic problems like rough edges, “dog-eared” scaring, and more.
Reconstruction typically requires a total redo of the wedge labiaplasty.
Suture-Based Scaring
Improper suturing can lead to the creation of unsightly scars. Some women develop polyp-like growths on the healing tissue. Others may notice significant inflammation and visible holes where the sutures were.
Fortunately, this issue is relatively easy to address as long as there’s enough tissue to accommodate the revision.
If you’re wrestling with the idea of going back under the knife for labiaplasty revision and reconstruction surgery, reach out to the offices of Dr. Michael Tahery. Dr. Tahery is a urogynecologist with over 20 years of experience helping women in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. He’s well-versed in modern labiaplasty techniques and will work hard to perform a revision or reconstruction that meets your needs. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.