While most labiaplasty procedures have successful outcomes, occasionally, a patient will end up with an unfortunately botched labiaplasty.
This may be the fault of the surgeon, but it can also simply be due to an unexpected outcome. All surgeries have risks, and labiaplasty is no exception.
So, with a labiaplasty botched, what can you do? In this article, we’ll take a look at what can be done to correct and manage a botched labiaplasty.
What Is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that involves altering the labia minora (the inner vaginal lips).
Most women want this surgery to reduce the size of their inner lips (called a labia minora reduction) or possibly to improve symmetry or alleviate overall discomfort. Less often, labiaplasty patients want a labia majora reduction.
Self-consciousness, physical discomfort, and functional issues can all be the cause of a woman pursuing labiaplasty surgery.
What Does Labiaplasty Gone Wrong Look Like?
Every botched labiaplasty episode will be different. It depends on the surgeon, patient, and the specifics of the cosmetic procedure. You can always look up botched labiaplasty pictures to get an idea of potential botched labiaplasty procedure outcomes. Still, these are often difficult to find online because they depict an intimate part of the body.
Overall, when a labiaplasty doesn’t go as planned, the issue is typically related to sensation (feeling) or appearance. There are several signs that a labiaplasty has been botched and that a revision labiaplasty procedure may be needed. These include:
Too Much Labial Tissue Removed
When too much tissue is removed during the procedure, it can lead to an unnatural appearance. It can also cause drying, difficulty during intercourse, loss of sensation, or overall discomfort.
Asymmetry
Some degree of asymmetry is normal, but if one side of the labia minora is noticeably different from the other, this can make patients feel self-conscious and uncomfortable.
Excessive Scarring
Every incision made will result in a scar, but you shouldn’t have too much scar tissue after labia reduction surgery. Excessive scarring can affect the area’s flexibility and overall appearance. It can also be painful and uncomfortable for patients.
Functional Issues & Changes in Sensation
A botched labiaplasty can lead to functional problems as well. Patients may experience changes in sensation (numbness, partial loss of sensation, or constant tingling) or problems with hygiene, intercourse, or urination.
Options After a Botched Labiaplasty
If a labiaplasty procedure is botched, there are several options available to address the complications and restore both appearance and function to the labia. Depending on how severe the issues are, these solutions range from a revision labiaplasty procedure (corrective surgery) to certain non-surgical treatments.
1. Labiaplasty Revision Surgery
Revision surgery is the most common solution for correcting a botched plastic surgery.
An experienced and skilled plastic surgeon will attempt to repair the issues caused by the primary surgery. Usually, revision surgeries are more complex and require someone who has experience performing both the original surgery and revision surgery.
2. Scar Revision Surgery
If it’s scarring that’s at the heart of botched labiaplasty results, a scar revision procedure may be performed. This may involve lasers, new incisions, stitches, and tissue grafting, depending on the circumstances of the problem.
3. Tissue Grafting
When too much tissue was removed, tissue grafting may be an option to rebuild the labia and restore a more natural shape. This is a complex procedure that should only be performed by an experienced and highly qualified surgeon.
4. Nerve Repair Procedures
Lastly, if nerve damage is causing problems, nerve repair surgeries can be an option. This is typically for patients who have had long-term changes in sensation or numbness.
Labiaplasty Surgery FAQs
How long do I have to wait before getting revision labiaplasty?
If you have an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed immediately, definitely get in touch with your plastic surgeon right away to see what’s going on. In some cases, if you’re having changes in sensation that won’t go away or other issues, these can be remedied before you are fully healed.
On the other hand, if the issue cannot be fixed immediately, patients should typically wait about six months to one year after their primary surgery before seeking revision surgery. This waiting period allows all of the labiaplasty swelling to go down so that the tissue is completely healed before reconstructive surgery.
Will insurance cover labiaplasty revision after a botched surgery?
Most insurance providers do not cover elective cosmetic procedures like labiaplasty. Yes, this is true even if you feel like the surgical removal of excess labia minora tissue is medically necessary. Of course, you are always welcome to contact your provider.
What are the risks of revision labiaplasty surgery?
Revision labiaplasty carries risks such as infection, scarring, asymmetry, and nerve damage (just like any other surgery). Because revision surgeries are more complex than the original procedure, however, patients may face additional challenges and a longer labiaplasty recovery time. Be sure to choose an experienced surgeon.
Call Today to Schedule Your Consultation
If you have had a labiaplasty procedure with a poor or unsatisfactory outcome, contact us today to learn about your options for revision or additional surgery if necessary. We would like to help you navigate this process and obtain better results that you can be happy with.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cynthia Diehl.
