Labiaplasty surgery side effects are real, and it’s important to be aware of them. Fortunately, actual complications from this surgery are rare.
Whether you already have your operation date set for a labiaplasty procedure or you are only in the beginning stages of your labiaplasty journey, this article will explain the most common risks of labiaplasty — plus, tips for achieving safe and effective labiaplasty results without complications.
What Are the Risks of Labiaplasty?
All surgeries come with some potential for complications especially in the healing process. What we want to do is to learn about these potential risks beforehand and do everything we can to avoid them. The most common risks associated with labiaplasty outpatient procedure include:
Loss of Sensation
Numerous sensory nerves are located in the labia and especially in the labia minora. Minora labiaplasty surgery side effects though rare, can be damaged nerves, resulting in changes of sensation or loss of sensation altogether.
Note that, sometimes, changes in or loss of sensation in the labia minora may only be temporary following labiaplasty(surgical reduction). Sensation may return in many cases. In the majority of situations where sensation is lost in the labia minora (inner lips), the trim surgical technique was utilized during the surgical procedure.
Painful Scarring
Scarring after any type of invasive procedure is normal. But in rare cases, scarring after labiaplasty may be more severe. This can sometimes cause discomfort or even pain, especially during sexual intercourse where the vaginal opening is.
On the other hand, many patients seek labiaplasty in the first place because of painful sex. The excess tissue and skin folds on their labia can cause this discomfort. In this case, getting rid of the excess tissue can alleviate the pain, leading to a more sexual stimulation and sexual inteercourse and a more enjoyable, healthy sex life after labiaplasty.
General Surgery Risks
In addition to the labiaplasty potential risks, complications, etc. outlined above, there are also general surgery risks to be aware of. These potential complications can occur with any type of invasive surgery:
Infection
Surgical site infections can occur with any surgery involving incisions and/or punctures to the skin after removing excess skin. This is where germs can somehow enter the wound, and the effect is a large problem that necessitates immediate care.
If you have an incision site bacterial infection, you may experience a prolonged fever, vaginal dryness, excessive pain at the wound site, pus and drainage, a hot-to-the-touch incision site, excessive swelling, and intense redness radiating from the wound area. If these symptoms occur, contact your plastic surgeon right away or go to urgent care while completely eliminating sexual activity for medical reasons to further prevent infection.
Scarring
Any time you have an incision with surgery, you will also have scarring. Fortunately, labiaplasty scars are well-hidden after labiaplasty because they blend nicely with the natural folds and wrinkles of the labia.
Most patients prefer the scars that form after the wedge procedure as opposed to the scars that result from the trim procedure (though, this is subjective). The trim procedure scars run along the outside edges of the labia minora, so they can be slightly more noticeable than the wedge technique scars.
If you are interested in learning more about what scarring of the labia minora or labia majora looks like after surgery, know that labiaplasty before and after photos can be difficult to find online. These are something you may be able to view at your consultation appointment, however.
Bleeding
During the procedure, if the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate are normal, bleeding is rare. Following surgery, incision sites infrequently will not heal properly, and excessive bleeding may occur. This complication necessitates immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing sudden or ongoing bleeding at your incision sites, contact your plastic surgeon right away or seek immediate emergency medical care.
How to Avoid Complications Following Labiaplasty
After all surgical procedures, it is of the utmost importance to follow your surgeon’s guidelines for the healing process and attend all of your follow up appointments.
You should understand the common side effects ahead of time and do whatever you can to prepare for proper healing.
This will mean avoiding smoking, sexual intercourse, drinking alcohol, living anything heavy, and engaging in strenuous exercise. It will also mean eating a healthy diet, taking short walks (when cleared), drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep at night.
Do as you are instructed to reduce swelling. Keep your incision sites clean and dry. Bathe according to your surgeon’s guidelines. And understand what to look out for in terms of warning signs post-surgery.
By taking all of these patient safety steps, you should be able to heal well after surgery and avoid any complications.
FAQ: Labiaplasty Side Effects
Is labiaplasty a high risk surgery?
Labiaplasty is not anymore high risk than most other cosmetic surgery procedures. While it is always important to closely follow all post operative care instructions after surgery, most patients have successful and safe procedures.
Can labiaplasty cause nerve damage?
Loss of sensation is rare after labiaplasty, but it can occur. Only seeing a board certified and highly qualified surgeon for this cosmetic procedure can help reduce your chances of loss of sensation. Note that some plastic surgeons are not board certified and should be avoided.
How painful is Labiaplasty?
While it is quite normal to have some physical discomfort or mild pain in the surgical area following surgery, the surgical procedure itself should not be painful because local anesthesia or general anesthesia will be used.
Moreover, you should not experience severe pain that cannot be improved with pain medication during your labiaplasty recovery. If you do, contact your surgeon right away because the healing process labiaplasty surgery side effects can also be overwhelming.
What are some Labiaplasty side effects?
Recovery labiaplasty surgery side effects are typically mild and temporary, but it’s important to understand what to expect during the healing process.
Most patients experience:
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Swelling and bruising – This is the most common recovery labiaplasty side effects concern and can last several weeks. Swelling often peaks within the first 3–5 days.
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Discomfort or soreness – Mild to moderate tenderness is normal and usually managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
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Minor bleeding or spotting – Light drainage may occur in the first few days.
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Itching or tightness – As stitches dissolve and tissue heals, temporary itching or a pulling sensation is common.
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Temporary numbness or sensitivity changes – Nerve endings need time to settle, and sensation typically normalizes over time.
Can Urinary Tract Infections Happen After Labiaplasty?
Yes, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can happen after a labiaplasty, but they are not common.
After labiaplasty, the tissues around the urethra and vaginal opening may be swollen and sensitive. This temporary swelling can sometimes make urination uncomfortable or slightly more difficult, which may increase the risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract.
What Are the Possible Labia Majora Side Effects in the recovery process?
Labia majora side effects can occur after procedures such as labia majora reduction, augmentation (fat transfer or fillers), or other vaginal rejuvenation treatments. While most side effects are temporary and mild, understanding what to expect helps you prepare for a smooth recovery.
Call Today to Set Up a Consultation Appointment
If you are interested in labiaplasty, now is a good time to gain more information about your candidacy for plastic surgery in general, the labiaplasty procedure itself, over the counter medication, labiaplasty cost, and more. It all starts with your labiaplasty consultation appointment.
Female board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice can help you better understand the labiaplasty plastic surgery procedure and tell you if this is the right surgery for you. Please contact us today to book your appointment.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/labiaplasty
