Labiaplasty Risks and Complications
Dr Georgina Konrat (MBBS, FACCSM) — AHPRA MED0001407863 — Bondi Junction, Sydney
Last updated:
All surgical procedures carry risks. Possible complications of labiaplasty include bleeding, infection, wound separation, scarring, asymmetry, altered sensation, ongoing pain and the need for further treatment or surgery. The risks that apply to an individual are discussed during consultation.
What complications can occur after labiaplasty?
Possible risks and complications include:
- Bleeding or haematoma — bleeding may collect beneath the tissue and can require assessment or treatment.
- Infection — an infection at the surgical site may require antibiotics or other treatment.
- Wound separation — part of the wound may open while healing.
- Scarring or adhesions — scars vary and can sometimes cause tightness, irritation or discomfort.
- Asymmetry or an unexpected result — natural asymmetry can remain, and healing can change the appearance of the treated area.
- Altered sensation — sensation may increase, decrease or otherwise change, temporarily or permanently.
- Pain or pain during sexual activity — discomfort can continue after the initial recovery period.
- Anaesthesia-related complications — the relevant risks depend on the anaesthetic plan and health history.
- Further treatment or surgery — a complication or ongoing concern may require additional care.
This list does not replace individual medical advice. Health history, anatomy, the planned procedure, medicines, smoking and healing can affect risk.
What is labiaplasty wound dehiscence?
Wound dehiscence means that part of the stitched wound separates during healing. The opening can be small or more extensive. It may be associated with bleeding, discharge, pain or a change in the wound edges, but symptoms vary.
Contact the treating team if the stitch line appears to be coming apart. Management depends on the examination and may involve wound care, monitoring, treatment for infection or a later procedure. Do not attempt to remove sutures or treat an opening without clinical advice.
What are signs of infection after labiaplasty?
Contact the treating team about fever above 38°C, foul-smelling discharge, expanding redness or warmth, worsening pain, or other symptoms identified in the individual aftercare instructions. Sudden or severe symptoms require prompt assessment.
Seek urgent help for heavy or bright-red bleeding that soaks a pad, severe escalating pain, difficulty urinating, a wound that is coming apart, or any symptom the treating team has identified as urgent. Follow the discharge instructions provided for the procedure; those instructions take priority over general website information.
Can labiaplasty affect nerves or sensation?
Yes. Altered sensation is a recognised surgical risk. Sensation may be reduced, increased or otherwise changed, and a change can be temporary or permanent. Pain, numbness and pain during sexual activity are also possible.
Read the separate information about sensation concerns after labiaplasty. New, severe or worsening symptoms should be assessed by the treating team.
Recovery and risk discussions
Swelling, bruising, discomfort, bleeding and numbness may occur during recovery. Tissue, scars and swelling can continue changing for several months. Timing and appearance vary between individuals.
The consultation should cover the proposed procedure, alternatives, material risks, limitations, aftercare and what to do if a concern develops. For an overview of activity and healing, see the labiaplasty recovery guide.
This page is general information and does not replace medical advice. All surgical procedures carry risks. Individual results and recovery vary. A consultation is required to assess suitability.
Questions about individual risks?
A consultation is used to discuss the proposed procedure, alternatives, limitations and risks that may apply to your circumstances.
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