When you have cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance, you expect to be pleased with the result. For some patients, this isn’t the case. Patients who have plastic surgery with an inexperienced surgeon or use outdated techniques can have unsatisfactory results. Most of these patients opt for revision procedures to correct their “botched” surgery.
A common plastic surgical procedure that can produce undesired results when performed incorrectly is labiaplasty. Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure that intends to improve the appearance of the labia minora. It can result in excessive scarring, asymmetry, or an insignificant difference from the original appearance when performed inadequately. Any of these outcomes can lead a patient to seek a revision labiaplasty.
What Is Labiaplasty?
Also known as vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve or enhance the appearance of the labia minora by removing excess labia minora and reshaping it. Labiaplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures, with more than 12,000 performed every year in the U.S. (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
During labiaplasty, the labia minora is resected and shortened so that both sides are symmetrical and there is no excess tissue that hangs lower than desired. There are various methods, the two most common are known as the trim method and wedge method. With the trim method, an incision is made that removes the outer edge of the inner labia, creating a smooth transition to the labia majora. If not performed by a labiaplasty expert, the use of this method can result in a noticeable suture line or an uneven transition to the labia majora. With the wedge method, a v-shaped wedge of the labia minora is removed, and the remaining edges are sutured together. However, it is important to note that the wedge method leaves the darkest part of labia minora intact, which many women wish to remove during labiaplasty.
Some patients undergo labiaplasty for medical reasons. These cases are incredibly rare, but a labiaplasty may be necessary when a woman’s natural anatomy causes her pain during sexual intercourse, exercise, or even regular activity. In these instances, an expert plastic surgeon can essentially reconstruct the vulva so that the anatomy does not cause pain or discomfort.
What Is a Revision Labiaplasty?
A revision labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure to correct undesirable results from an initial labiaplasty with another surgeon. A botched plastic surgery may result from inexperience or outdated, inadequate techniques on the surgeon’s part. These conditions can lead to undesirable results and actually make the appearance of the labia worse rather than better.
Some patients consider their surgery unsatisfactory if the surgeon was too conservative and didn’t make significant changes to their anatomy. It is worth noting that some cosmetic surgeons are conservative during labiaplasties in cases where they can’t remove any more tissue from the anatomy without causing complications. An expert cosmetic surgeon should explain this to the patient in advance if this is the case.
During a revision labiaplasty, an expert cosmetic surgeon will correct any mistakes made during the initial labiaplasty. The surgeon will also work to produce the patient’s desired outcome, although previous scarring and complications affect the results.
The correction process may involve further resecting the labia minora. In some cases, surgeons may remove scar tissue from the original procedure if it is unsightly, undesirable, or painful.
4 Things That Can Lead to a Revision Labiaplasty
Patients may seek a revision labiaplasty for a number of reasons, from unsatisfactory results to pain or discomfort. Learn more about four of the most common reasons for revision labiaplasty below:
Asymmetry
Asymmetry is a common problem that patients face after an initial labiaplasty. When performed adequately, a labiaplasty should produce symmetrical results. Both sides of the labia minora should be even and balanced after a labiaplasty procedure.
Labia asymmetry is when one side of the labia minora is longer. That is never the intended goal of a labiaplasty, and it means the surgeon failed to meet the patient’s goals in the original procedure. In fact, many patients seek labiaplasty because they have natural asymmetry, meaning the point of the surgery is to create a more well-proportioned labia minora. Patients often need revision surgery when a labiaplasty results in an asymmetrical appearance.
Painful Scar Tissue
Plastic surgery can often leave scar tissue. That is most commonly the case when an inexperienced surgeon performs the procedure or when a surgeon uses outdated methods. Excess scar tissue can become incredibly painful and uncomfortable over time. When it comes to labiaplasty, scar tissue in this intimate area can be painful during sexual intercourse or specific exercises. Therefore, affected patients often seek a revision labiaplasty to remove scar tissue.
Expert cosmetic surgeon Dr. Cat Begovic specializes in revision labiaplasty in Los Angeles. Dr. Cat has developed an innovative method that minimizes scarring, meaning the patient will not wind up with painful scar tissue. Dr. Cat’s advanced technique also results in faster recovery time and better overall outcomes.
Inadequate Labia Minora Removal
Another common reason patients seek revision labiaplasty is when there has been inadequate removal of labia minora tissue. Many women have labiaplasties because they are unhappy with the length of their labia minora. If a patient opts for this procedure and their surgeon is too conservative when removing labia minora tissue, it can defeat the entire purpose of the labiaplasty.
When excess labia minora tissue remains even after labiaplasty, most patients will have a revision labiaplasty to remove what’s left. That can help achieve the desired appearance the patient initially wanted.
Bumpy or Prominent Suture Lines
During a labiaplasty, the surgeon will make small incisions to remove excess tissue. When performed correctly and with the appropriate techniques, this process should leave minimal scarring. If performed incorrectly or with outdated methods, prominent suture lines (thick, bumpy scarring) can remain.
Most patients do not want any visible scars or prominent suture lines after their labiaplasty. The goal is to have barely visible scarring. When large or bulky suture lines leave very noticeable, thick scars, most people will seek a revision to remove this scarring.
Revision Labiaplasty: Frequently Asked Questions
If you are interested in having revision labiaplasty, it’s important to understand the procedure thoroughly. Learn more with these frequently asked questions about labiaplasty correction:
How Long Does Revision Labiaplasty Take?
A revision labiaplasty can take anywhere from three to four hours, depending on the extent of corrections necessary.
What Is the Recovery Like?
The recovery for revision labiaplasty is very similar to that of regular labiaplasty. Patients can return to work within a few days after the procedure but should avoid sexual intercourse, strenuous exercise, and heavy lifting for up to six weeks.
How Much Does Revision Labiaplasty Cost?
The average cost of a labiaplasty revision can be anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000. Revision labiaplasty in Beverly Hills can be around $25,000 due to higher demand.
Does Insurance Cover The Procedure?
Labiaplasty procedures are not covered by insurance because they are cosmetic surgeries. Some insurance providers may provide partial coverage if you can prove the procedure is medically necessary.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Revision Labiaplasty?
Patients who have had a labiaplasty procedure with an unfavorable outcome are ideal candidates for labiaplasty revision. If your labiaplasty has produced asymmetry, pain or discomfort, or excess scarring, a correction may be able to fix any issues. Consulting with an expert plastic surgeon is the best way to determine if you would benefit from a labiaplasty revision.
Getting Revision Labiaplasty in Los Angeles
Are you in need of revision labiaplasty in Beverly Hills? Dr. Cat Begovic is a renowned cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles who specializes in revision labiaplasty. She has developed an innovative procedure that delivers incredible results with minimal pain and shorter recovery times.
As a board-certified female surgeon, Dr. Cat Begovic makes patients feel comfortable and confident she can enhance the most intimate areas of their anatomy. In fact, her reputation for compassion, consideration, and extraordinary results is so widespread that patients travel from all over the world for her services. So if you need a labiaplasty revision, you can rest assured that you are in great hands with Dr. Cat.
Book your consultation with Dr. Cat today and start your plastic surgery journey!
