Labiaplasty is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure when performed under the care of an experienced plastic surgeon. Yet, it’s understandable that patients can still be nervous about surgery in such a sensitive area. This blog discusses surgical side effects of labiaplasty so readers can learn what is a normal healing response and what’s cause for concern.
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What Is a Surgical Side Effect?
You’re likely familiar with the term “side effect” in reference to medications. While most people have associations that are probably more negative, side effects are not inherently harmful or dangerous. Side effects are generally undesirable, although sometimes neutral, effects of a drug or medical treatment. They can come about due to a previous medical condition or in reaction to taking another drug or medication.
Surgical side effects are simply signs that your body is healing or reacting to surgery in a natural and expected way. For example, we don’t categorize bruising after surgery as a risk; it’s simply a side effect of undergoing surgery and having tissues and skin manipulated.
Surgical risks, on the other hand, are usually more serious adverse effects that might occur during a procedure or recovery period. It’s important to recognize the difference between a normal side effect and something more serious so you can contact your plastic surgeon if there is cause for concern.
With that in mind, let’s talk about the side effects of labiaplasty: all the things your body does (or might do) after this procedure, what’s normal and what’s cause for concern, and lastly, discuss how the benefits of labiaplasty more than outweigh the side effects.
What Are Possible Side Effects of Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure aimed at creating a more uniform, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortably functional labia minora. The procedure itself requires a deft surgical hand and knowledge of the complexities of female genital anatomy, which is why it’s important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon for your labiaplasty.
Elective surgery in such a delicate location seems daunting—but labiaplasty does not carry any more risk than other surgical procedures, and the recovery period is very manageable. Side effects of this procedure are to be expected, but we’ll detail them below so you know what to expect.
Post-surgical Bruising
Bruises after surgery are a perfectly normal part of the healing process. Bruises or contusions occur when blood from broken capillaries gets trapped under the skin, resulting in purple, red, or yellow marks. A bruise after surgery does not mean your surgeon hurt you. It’s merely a side effect of surgical trauma to the affected area, as tissues and blood supply are disrupted during the procedure.
Bruising after labiaplasty is usually pretty minor and easily treated with cold compresses. If you have bruises, they will likely appear red at first and then slowly darken and disappear as they heal, about two to four weeks later.
If bruising persists or your bruises are much larger and severe than normal, be sure to let your doctor know.
Swelling
Swelling will likely be a more challenging side effect after labiaplasty, but it’s nothing to worry over as it’s a completely normal part of the healing process. In an effort to heal itself after surgery or injury, the body floods the affected area with white blood cells and proteins to repair tissues and fight off infections, which causes the area to look swollen with excess fluid.
Swelling usually begins right after surgery and peaks around day two post-op. Gravity plays a role in swelling, so keeping your pelvis elevated comfortably can help mitigate it. Cold compresses in the first few days will also help reduce the severity and duration of your swelling.
Discomfort
Your surgeon will do their best to keep you as comfortable as possible during and after surgery, but discomfort and some pain are common side effects. Labiaplasty is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep during the procedure itself and will feel no pain. After surgery, however, you will most likely experience some discomfort throughout your surgical site.
This is primarily because, during surgery, skin and tissues are cut into, manipulated, moved around, and sutured—that’s going to cause some trauma. Some patients also feel sore or fatigued as an after-effect of certain medications used in anesthesia.
However, labiaplasty is actually considered one of the more comfortable recovery processes, especially when performed by Dr. Gary Alter using his signature Central wedge technique, which results in smaller, softer scars than alternative methods. Pain is usually so minimal that most patients can get away with using over-the-counter medications for a few days. Prescription pain medication is available if needed.
Incision Itchiness
It’s an unfortunate truth: your labia will likely be itchy for a while as it heals. Itchiness is due to mechanical and chemical reactions as cells rebuild tissues and repair damage—it’s frustrating, but it’s a sign your body is doing its job.
It goes without saying, but do not scratch your incisions or sutures. Even if your surgeon uses dissolvable sutures, scratching your surgical site can cause damage and infections and threaten your end results. A cold compress can help alleviate some discomfort, and itching usually only lasts about a week.
Is Labiaplasty Right For You?
These side effects are common in any surgery—not just labiaplasty. Whenever you undergo surgery of any kind, these symptoms will accompany your recovery as they are healthy signs that your body is repairing itself.
The best way to determine if labiaplasty is right for you is to schedule a consultation with your expert labiaplasty surgeon. Dr. Alter is world-renowned as a leading expert in labiaplasty and labiaplasty revision and the inventor of the Central wedge technique, which provides the best aesthetic and functional results as compared to conventional methods.
An enlarged labia minora does not have to stop you from living your life to the fullest. Labiaplasty is a safe, reliable, and effective cosmetic procedure that has the potential to greatly improve your quality of life.
Want to Learn More About Labiaplasty in Beverly Hills, CA?
Call Dr. Gary Alter today at (310) 275-5566 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with our labiaplasty specialist. Dr. Alter will listen to your concerns, discuss all the possible results and risks, and help you plan your procedure exactly to your preferences.
Not a Beverly Hills local? Dr. Alter is currently taking labiaplasty patients at his New York office as well.