Labiaplasty revision refers to a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at rectifying a botched labiaplasty. Revision surgery is typically performed to address multiple issues related to the labia, including scarring, asymmetry, or uneven tissue removal. The procedure also reportedly helps with functional issues such as discomfort during sexual activities, irritation caused by friction and chafing, or difficulty wearing certain clothes.
While labiaplasty revision can help treat the aforementioned conditions, it may not always help achieve the desired vaginal rejuvenation goals. In most cases, additional procedures are recommended to help achieve optimal results. Following are the most common procedures performed in conjunction with labiaplasty revision.
1. Clitoral Hood Reduction/Clitoral Unhooding
This involves surgically reducing the size of the clitoral hood and/or folds of skin surrounding the glans of the clitoris. Clitoral hood reduction is usually performed as part of a labiaplasty or a labiaplasty revision. Patients who undergo a labiaplasty without clitoral unhooding may be left with a clitoral hood that looks more prominent than usual since the labia minora is reduced. These patients require a clitoral hood reduction to maintain aesthetic & functional balance between their clitoral hood and the new labia minora.
When choosing which surgeon to get a clitoral hood reduction from, it is important to go for one with the requisite knowledge, skill, and experience. This is because once this procedure is botched or wrongly done, attempts at revision may be impossible. A botched clitoral hood reduction usually involves overzealous removal of the clitoral hood resulting in hypersensitivity of the clitoris. This makes sexual intercourse and friction with undergarments very discomforting. A botched procedure can also make the clitoris protrude excessively and appear too prominent.
Dr. Ammar, with this team of experts at Alinea Labiaplasty NYC, is highly experienced and has performed thousands of such vaginal rejuvenation procedures. This makes him highly sought-after by patients in New York and abroad.
2. Perineal Scar Revision/Perineoplasty
Perineal scar revision is a genital cosmetic procedure that helps minimize a perineal scar. This makes it less conspicuous and blend with the surrounding skin tone. While the procedure may not completely erase the scar tissue, it restores function and corrects disfigurement caused by a perineal injury or poor wound healing. Perineal scar revisions help make the scar less noticeable and more cosmetically appealing.
This is an outpatient procedure and takes about 30 minutes to an hour. It is performed by a specialist under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery (severity of the scar tissue).
To minimize the risk of future revision following a perineal scar revision, keep the perineum clean and dry, and wear a sanitary pad in the event of vaginal bleeding. Patients must increase fluid and fibre intake to avoid constipation. They must also avoid sexual intercourse, using tampons and engaging in strenuous activities for four to six weeks following the procedure. Healing takes about six to eight weeks, and most specialists recommend Kegel exercises post-healing to help strengthen the area.
3. Vaginal Fat Transfer
Fat transfer to the vagina and augmentation of the labia majora is also known as ‘vaginal fat injection, labial fat filling or vulvar autologous fat transfer.’ During a labiaplasty revision, a vaginal fat transfer may be performed simultaneously to improve the cosmetic appearance of the external genitalia. Recently, there has been an increase in the demand for this procedure, and a common reason for this is that it is being used as an alternative form of revision procedure instead of surgery.
As a form of a revision procedure, it helps hide the labia minora and prevents it from extending beyond the labia majora following inadequate tissue removal during a labiaplasty. It is also performed to hide defects after a labiaplasty by obscuring unsightly suture scars. These are ways in which it can be used as an alternative to labiaplasty revision procedure instead of a correction surgery.
Pros & Cons of Vaginal Fat Transfer
The advantage of this procedure is that following a successful transfer, the patient usually sees immediate results with the added advantage of avoiding a scar. On the other hand, a limitation of this procedure is the need for repeated transfers at intervals of about 3-5 years after the original procedure. This is because the fat injected is not permanent; six months after the procedure, about 30-40% volume or one-third of the fat tissue injected is what is left and the remaining dissolves. The remaining one-third may last 3-5 years. The procedure may need to be repeated at intervals to maintain the cosmetic appearance of the external genitalia, thereby preventing the need for a surgical revision procedure.
Though a minimally invasive procedure, risks or complications may still occur. Some of these include redness, irritation, fibrosis, asymmetry, swelling, and the least likely but most dangerous is clot formation with possible embolization.
Frequently Asked Questions on Labiaplasty Revision
Is Labiaplasty Revision A Safe Procedure?
As the demand for labiaplasty continues to increase, the demand for labiaplasty revisions increases too. Cosmetic procedures of the labia minora (labiaplasties and labiaplasty revision surgery) have a low complication rate and provide satisfactory outcomes when performed by an experienced professional.
Is a Labiaplasty Revision Surgery Painful?
Although the labia are a sensitive part of the body, the procedure is not particularly painful. It is performed under local or general anesthesia, so you will feel no pain while the surgery is ongoing. Post-operative pain that may occur usually arises from swelling, which can be moderated with the use of medications (analgesics) and resolved in a few days.
How Long Does a Labiaplasty Revision Procedure Last?
A labiaplasty revision can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of correction needed.
How Many Labiaplasty Revision Surgeries Can I Undergo?
The desired results are most achievable during the original labiaplasty. A poorly done labiaplasty may not always present an opportunity for revision surgery. If there are chances of revision surgery, then one or two attempts at revision may be possible. Therefore, selecting a skilled and experienced doctor for the original procedure should not be compromised.
How Long After the Original Labiaplasty Can I Get a Labiaplasty Revision?
Typically, a labiaplasty surgery site takes about 8 to 24 weeks to heal completely. During this healing process, swelling or oedema is usually prominent, so the shape of the labia will constantly change. Revision surgeries should be delayed until complete healing is confirmed. This will increase the chances of a successful labiaplasty revision.
What is the Recovery Time Following a Labiaplasty Revision?
The recovery time following a revision procedure is similar to the original procedure. Patients can return to work a few days after the procedure. However, they must avoid strenuous exercises, lifting heavy objects and sexual intercourse within the first six weeks following surgery.
Will I Lose Sensation Down There After The Procedure?
A common question following a labiaplasty or a labiaplasty revision surgery concerns sensation around the genitalia following the procedure. During a labiaplasty revision surgery, scars and body tissue are removed, and no nerves are removed or damaged. Thus, the sensation and sexual pleasure prior to the procedure remain the same post-procedure. What usually improves following a successful labiaplasty revision surgery is sexual satisfaction. This is because the patient feels more confident and comfortable during intimacy and is willing to explore without anxiety or embarrassment, and that makes for better sexual satisfaction.
Can Labia Be Regrown?
No. However, the future seems promising with advances in stem cell research.
Does The Application of Compounded Estrogen/Testosterone Gels to The Denuded Area Help?
In cases where all or most parts of the labia minora have been cut off or amputated following a botched procedure, the patient may experience pain during sexual intercourse and when inserting tampons. These patients may benefit from consulting with a sexual medicine practitioner who can work with them using compounded estrogen/testosterone cream or gel application to the denuded area. This is similar to what is used for women with vestibulodynia and may help improve their sexual satisfaction.
What is the Cost of a Labiaplasty Revision?
The price for labiaplasty revision surgery depends on the extent of correction required. Minor revisions may be carried out by the surgeon who performed the original labiaplasty at no cost. However, for extensive revisions, payment is usually required. The fee required is usually more than that for the original labiaplasty, as an extensive revision surgery can be more difficult and time-consuming than the original procedure. The average cost for a labiaplasty revision ranges anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000. Health insurance may not cover labiaplasty revision surgery as it may be viewed as cosmetic surgery.
Are There Alternative Procedures for a Labiaplasty Revision?
Radiofrequency resurfacing and the use of lasers have become successful non-surgical revision techniques for botched or failed labiaplasty. ThermiVa & FemiLift are non-surgical procedures that can be used for vaginal rejuvenation. The use of these non-invasive procedures helps improve the appearance and reduce painful scarring that remains following a failed labiaplasty.
These non-invasive techniques involve using an energy-based device that emits low-power, high-frequency energy currents. The currents induce the proliferation of the glycogen-enriched epithelium, neovascularization and collagen formation, which are used to repair labial damage. They are effective and can be used to smoothen rough surfaces and uneven edges, remove overgrowth of labial tissue, and seal small blood vessels in the labia.
Other minimally invasive forms of treatments used for vaginal rejuvenation include vaginoplasty, labiaplasty, clitoral hood reduction and vulvoplasty.
Can Scarring Be Revised or Decreased?
Yes, scar formation almost always follows every surgical incision. However, because of the natural folds and wrinkles in the labia, the scars formed are easily disguised and, most times, unnoticeable. The scars are initially hard and thick, but with time they soften and become almost indiscernible.
Possible Ways to Improve Healing & Reduce Scarring
The following tips can help improve healing and thus reduce scar formation following labiaplasty revision.
- Avoid strenuous activities, especially within the first few days following a labiaplasty revision.
- Wear loose-fitting garments to avoid constricting the surgical site and causing undue irritation.
- A post-surgical donut pillow can be used when sitting to reduce pressure and pain.
- Ambulation to promote blood circulation to the area and prevent clot formation will help reduce scar formation.
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry and follow your doctor’s instructions.
- More importantly, report back to your doctor if you notice anything wrong.
Despite the above care, if scars develop, they may need to be revised by excising. This is not a cause for concern as it is a minor procedure performed under local anesthesia in the outpatient office.
For more information on vaginal rejuvenation treatments, please visit Alinea Labiaplasty NYC.
