Superficial Skin Separation Following Labiaplasty

The labiaplasty procedure is done to remove excess labial tissue. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the edges of the labia after labial reduction is performed. Patients are advised vaginal rest (avoiding intercourse) for a few weeks following surgery to allow adequate healing time. It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks for the sutures to completely dissolve.

The most common complication following labiaplasty is a small superficial (shallow) skin separation at the labial edges while the sutures are dissolving. A superficial opening of the labiaplasty site is rarely harmful to the healing process. It could be uncomfortable and slightly prolong the healing time but is unlikely to change the final appearance of your healed labiaplasty. A common question from patients when this occurs is if additional stiches should be placed to bring the edges together. Placing new stiches to the healing skin would actually be harmful to the healing tissue and cause further breakdown. The incision will heal from the bottom up and the surrounding edges will flatten out to give a smooth even look to labia.

When a woman has a superficial skin opening following labiaplasty, we recommend keeping the area clean and dry and often advise the use of Bactroban. Bactroban is an antibiotic ointment that is soothing to the labial separation and promotes healing. We recommend applying the ointment to the skin that is separated at night following a showering, covering it with a gauze pad, and then removing the gauze in the morning. When the gauze pad is removed, it exfoliates the debris on the surface of the opening which encourages healing. We usually see patients 2 weeks and 6 weeks after surgery. If there is any question or concern we always see our patients early and as often as needed for them to feel comfortable and ensure a smooth post-operative course.

Dr. George Shashoua of Austin Labiaplasty and Vaginal Rejuvenation is a board-certified urogynecologist and pelvic floor surgeon with 30+ years of experience. Patients from all over Texas, the United States, and the world travel to ALVR because of his outstanding reputation and very competitive pricing. 

To learn more, schedule a free consultation with us today!