The idea of a labiaplasty scar worries some patients who are seeking this procedure. Fortunately, there’s good news: While labiaplasty does require incisions and all incisions result in at least some permanent scarring, in the vast majority of cases, labiaplasty scars will be virtually invisible once healed.
This is primarily because the folds and wrinkles of the labia will conveniently hide any trace of scarring. But also, most incisions required for the labiaplasty procedure are small to begin with.
With that said, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect in terms of labiaplasty scar tissue following surgery. We’ll explain more about the healing process and how to make labiaplasty recovery go as smoothly as possible.
Will there be scarring from Labiaplasty surgery?
Yes, cosmetic surgeons cannot perform cosmetic surgeries such as labiaplasty without creating incisions, and incisions cause scars.
Unfortunately, at this time, there is no other plastic surgery surgical technique that can achieve the results of the labiaplasty cosmetic surgical procedures without visible scars.
But again, the good news is that as long as you choose a qualified surgeon for your vaginal rejuvenation, your scars will be hidden within the natural folds and wrinkles of your labia and your body’s natural shape.
What Does a Labiaplasty Scar Look Like?
It can be a challenge to picture what a labiaplasty scar will look like because labiaplasty before and after photos are difficult to find online. Sometimes, plastic surgeons are able to show patients these photos at in-person consultation appointments. But for now, you can imagine the appearance of these scars by picturing where the incisions will go.
There are two main types of incision patterns for labiaplasty:
Trim Labiaplasty
Trim labiaplasty is performed by simply cutting off the excess tissue on each labium. The tops of each labium are excised, and the incisions are sutured closed.
This reduces the overall size of the labia and makes them around the same size as the labia majora. Often, patients will notice that their labia minora become pinker in hue with this incision technique simply because the labia tend to have more of a pink hue further toward the body.
Wedge Technique
The wedge technique does not cut off the outer edges of the labia as the trim technique does. Instead, two incisions are made on each labium.
These two incisions intersect, forming a v-shape. The triangular portion that is then excised takes care of the excess tissue removal. The remaining edges are sutured together.
Some patients and plastic surgeons prefer this technique because it tends to leave the sensation of the labia more intact. Some patients may complain that they have a loss or change in sensation with the trim technique (though, this is rare).
In addition, with the wedge technique, it is not one large scar on the edge of the labia. Instead, the scar is more vertically positioned, and the edges are left natural.
Tips for Managing Labiaplasty Recovery
In the days following your labiaplasty procedure, it is common to experience swelling, slight discomfort and soreness, and even some changes in sensation. These symptoms should not last for more than a few days or up to a week.
Most pain can be managed with over-the-counter medication. However, if you experience worse than normal pain, prescription pain medications may be prescribed. Severe or worsening pain that persists past a few days or a week should be addressed by your surgeon immediately.
Many patients will experience a small amount of light bleeding as well. Be sure to wear a light pad. This typically lasts for up to one week.
Finally, most plastic surgeons recommend using cold compresses or ice packs to help reduce swelling and assist with pain. A 20 minutes on/20 minutes off approach seems to work best for most patients.
During your recovery, remember to avoid sexual intercourse, taking baths (or any submersion in water), physical exertion, drinking alcohol, and smoking.
FAQ: Labiaplasty Surgery Scars and Recovery
What if I have painful scar tissue after labiaplasty?
The labia have many nerve endings, so if you experience persistent pain after surgery, it’s important to get this issue addressed.
With that said, pain or soreness right after surgery is to be expected. It usually lasts for only a few days, however.
So, if you have continuing pain or pain that worsens, that is when you would want to contact your surgeon immediately for further advice.
How long after labiaplasty does it look normal?
You will notice an improvement in the appearance of your labia right away after surgery. Most patients will experience their full results after around four weeks or sometimes longer.
Swelling of the labial tissue may persist longer than four weeks, however, and will slowly diminish over time. This may ultimately change the appearance of your labia as the weeks continue on. Swelling should be completely gone after four to six months.
When can you have sex after labiaplasty procedures?
After your surgical procedure, it’s important to wait for at least four weeks before having sexual intercourse. You may exacerbate labiaplasty scarring by stretching your incisions or by making your labiaplasty stitches undone if you have sex before this point. It is critical not to put stress on your labiaplasty stitches while you are healing.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Living with extra large labia can not only be physically uncomfortable, but it can also cause immense self-consciousness and limit your ability to be intimate with your partner or feel comfortable in your own clothes.
Labiaplasty is a simple cosmetic surgery that can reduce the size of your inner labia (labia minora), making them flush with the outer labia (labia majora) and giving yourself a boost of confidence in the process.
Please contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation appointment with female board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason. We look forward to your call.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/labiaplasty