Labiaplasty, when performed by an experienced surgeon, is a very safe procedure. However, every surgery carries some risk, so this blog will discuss the specific side effects of labiaplasty to look out for and how to prevent them.
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Labiaplasty and Safety
The unfortunate truth is that all surgery, elective or urgent, carries some level of risk—even a safe procedure like labiaplasty. When it comes to cosmetic surgery, surgical risk refers to events that can occur during or directly related to surgery. Issues with surgery can occur due to an error made by the surgeon, misinformation from the patient (such as not relating honest medical history), or a lack of aftercare during the recovery period.
It is important that the patient and surgeon work together to achieve a safe and effective result after labiaplasty to avoid complications.
With an experienced labiaplasty specialist, labiaplasty is a safe procedure with a surprisingly manageable recovery period.
Labiaplasty Side Effects vs. Risks
Side effects are adverse reactions to medication and even surgery. These are not inherently bad or dangerous, just signs that your body is healing or interacting with a medical procedure or treatment. Risks, on the other hand, are potentially harmful occurrences that can affect the results of the procedure or the patient’s well-being if not addressed.
But even “normal” labiaplasty side effects can be alarming if you don’t know what to expect, so we’ll detail some common side effects and risks of labiaplasty surgery.
What Are Common Side Effects of Labiaplasty?
Swelling
Swelling is an expected part of the healing response, true of any surgery or injury to the body. It may cause some discomfort after labiaplasty, especially when sitting down, but it generally subsides after about a week, with most of the swelling gone by month one.
Bruising
Some slight bruising is possible around the incision site, but this should clear up within a week after surgery.
Itching
It’s not fun, but itching is actually a good thing, as it’s a sign that your body is healing your incision! It’s crucial not to scratch, though, as this can cause infection or affect your stitches. Patients may find relief with cold compresses.
Bleeding
In the first few days postoperative, you will likely experience a little bit of bleeding from your incisions, similar to menstrual spotting. A light panty liner will do the trick, as this will subside within a few days.
Discomfort
Unfortunately, you might be a little sore after your labiaplasty, but not for long. Most patients feel some soreness, even some tightness in the tissues, but this is very manageable with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses. In fact, labiaplasty is one of the more comfortable recovery processes in which patients return to work after just a few days.
What Are Some Potential Risks of Labiaplasty?
Excessive Bleeding
While a small amount of postoperative bleeding is expected, excessive bleeding during or after surgery is cause for concern.
Infection
A surgical incision creates an open wound, which is susceptible to bacterial infection. Therefore, caring for your surgical site is important to avoid potentially dangerous complications.
Permanent Sensory Loss
A temporary change or loss of sensation is expected after labiaplasty. However, if the surgeon is not skilled and unintentionally severs nerves, a permanent change or loss of sensation can occur. Patients need to know this possibility ahead of time.
Painful or Unappealing Scars
This is in part due to the patient’s natural healing response, but the risk comes mainly from outdated or clumsy surgical techniques.
How Can I Avoid Labiaplasty Risks and Have a Smooth Recovery?
Patients can take proactive steps both before and after labiaplasty surgery to minimize the risks and ensure a smooth recovery.
Bleeding
Be completely honest with your surgeon prior to your surgery. They will likely ask you to list all medications, supplements, and health conditions so they can assess your propensity for excessive or uncontrolled bleeding. Again—be brutally honest. You may be surprised by how many herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications can cause bleeding; you’ll need to avoid these before and after surgery to mitigate this risk.
Infection
All surgery carries the risk of infection, but patients must be extra careful to avoid this when it comes to labiaplasty, as the location of the surgical site makes you more vulnerable. Maintain pristine hygiene as you heal. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions as to how to cleanse your incision, how to replace bandages, how to clean yourself after you use the bathroom, and even what clothing to wear to avoid friction on your healing labia. Also, look out for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, persistent pain at the incision site, swelling, and discharge.
Sensory Changes
Temporary numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation is expected during labiaplasty recovery. However, the best way to avoid a permanent change in sensation is to choose an experienced specialist like Dr. Gary Alter. The more experienced your surgeon is, the more these risks are reduced.
Painful Scars
The labiaplasty technique used during surgery has a lot to do with the formation of scars. The trim method, favored by gynecologists and novice or cavalier surgeons, is an older way to reduce labial tissue. This leaves scalloped edges, painful scarring, and an unnatural appearance to the labial edges. Dr. Alter invented the Wedge method, which leaves a typical labial edge and color, significantly reducing the appearance of painful or unsightly scars. So, reducing this risk comes down to choosing a surgeon well-versed in Dr. Alter’s method or, ideally, Dr. Alter himself.
Make Your Labiaplasty in Beverly Hills, CA, a Breeze
Call Gary Alter, M.D., today to schedule a consultation with our world-renowned labiaplasty and labiaplasty revision expert. Don’t leave your results and health up to chance—choose the best in the business for your labiaplasty. Call our Beverly Hills office at (310) 275-5566 or our New York City office at (212) 321-0749 today to schedule your consultation with labiaplasty expert Dr. Alter.