The hallmark of an experienced and well-trained labiaplasty surgeon is getting the labiaplasty procedure right the first time. Unfortunately, some patients are left with unsatisfying aesthetic results after labiaplasty, or even worse, long and painful scars that interfere with their day-to-day activities and wreak havoc on their confidence levels.
When this is the case, some women turn to labiaplasty revision surgery (secondary labiaplasty).
So, what is a labiaplasty revision surgery, and what should you expect after the procedure?
What Is Labiaplasty Revision Surgery?
Initial labiaplasty is performed to reduce large and stretched labia minora (vaginal lips). This enlargement is common after vaginal childbirth; however, it can also occur due to age and/or weight loss. During a labiaplasty procedure, excess tissue is removed from each labium using either the trim method (where tissue is excised along the border of the labium) or the wedge method (where a wedge-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the labium, leaving the natural edge of the labium alone).
Labiaplasty revision is a secondary procedure meant to correct issues created by or remaining from the previous labiaplasty procedure. When it comes to plastic surgery and recovery from surgical procedures, unforeseen variables may sometimes be inevitable.
The Labiaplasty Revision Surgery Procedure
One of the criteria for being a successful candidate for labiaplasty revision surgery is that you should have undergone a labiaplasty procedure previously and are unhappy with the results.
You should also be in good health, having recovered from the previous procedure fully. Most importantly, you ought to have realistic expectations about the possible results from the revision procedure.
The revision procedure is similar to the original labiaplasty procedure. However, it may slightly vary in the goals and methods applied. Together with a labiaplasty expert, you will discuss your preferred results and how to accomplish them.
Depending on the reason for labiaplasty revision, additional tissue may be removed (if the initial procedure did not remove enough), or the labia must be reconstructed, usually by borrowing tissue from the clitoral hood (in cases where there was an over-resection of tissue). Labiaplasty revision can also help correct long and painful labiaplasty scars that may make some exercises and activities (like penetrative sex) painful.
The labiaplasty revision procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference, the surgeon’s discretion, and the scope of work.
Most patients can return home on the day of the procedure.
What to Expect After a Labiaplasty Revision Procedure (Recovery)
As with any surgical procedure, there may be pain and discomfort following the surgery. Most women prefer to wear surgical pads after the revision procedure; however, this is not always mandatory.
Generally, with revision procedures, recovery follows the same trajectory and timetable as the previous labiaplasty procedure. This means that there will be notable bruising and swelling following a labiaplasty revision procedure. The swelling may take four to six weeks to reduce. However, you may be able to resume less strenuous activities within a few days.
You will be able to notice the results of the labiaplasty revision procedure after the swelling subsides.
Bottom Line
If you have suffered a poor experience from your first or previous labiaplasty surgical procedure, you don’t need to settle for subpar results. A labiaplasty revision surgery in Beverly Hills can help you attain the results you originally intended.
However, visiting an expert labiaplasty surgeon can help avoid any more errors and possible revisions.