Labiaplasty Scars: What to Expect
Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after any surgery involving an incision, and labiaplasty is no exception. A surgical scar is simply a sign that the skin and underlying tissue are repairing themselves after the procedure.
Immediately after labiaplasty, the incision lines may look pink, slightly raised or more noticeable than you expected. The good news is that the labial tissue generally heals very well. As the swelling settles and the tissue continues to heal, the scars usually soften, flatten and fade, becoming increasingly difficult to see.
Are Labiaplasty Scars Visible?
Although labiaplasty does leave scars, they are usually hard to detect once healed. The area has a good blood supply, which helps the tissue heal relatively quickly. The natural folds, texture and contours of the area also help the incision lines blend into the surrounding tissue.
Where the scars are located will depend partly on the surgical technique used. With the trim technique, for example, the incision follows the outer edge of the labia minora. With a wedge labiaplasty, a section of tissue is removed from the central part of the labia, leaving the natural outer edge intact.
During the first few weeks, you will still be able to see where the incisions were made. However, the appearance changes considerably as healing progresses. By around three to four months, it can already be quite difficult to visually identify the scar in many patients.
Hypertrophic or unusually thickened scars are uncommon in this area. However, everyone heals differently, and it can take up to a year for surgical scars to fully mature. Even if the area looks healed after a few months, the scar tissue underneath may continue to soften and fade for a while longer.
How to Help Labiaplasty Scars Heal
How you look after the area during the first few weeks can affect how well the incisions heal. One of the most important things is to avoid unnecessary friction, pressure or tension on the wound.
Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully. In particular:
- Avoid swimming, baths, pools and hot tubs until your surgeon says it is safe, as these can increase the risk of infection
- Avoid intense exercise and activities that put pressure on the area, particularly cycling and horseback riding
- Avoid sexual intercourse until the incisions have healed, typically for around four to six weeks
- Do not apply creams, powders, scar treatments or ointments unless specifically recommended by your surgeon
- Keep the area clean and take care to avoid rubbing or irritating the incisions
What If My Labiaplasty Scar Isn't Healing Normally?
In the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon, labiaplasty scars generally heal very well. Occasionally, however, healing may be less than optimal. This can be related to surgical technique, individual anatomy or the way your body heals. Too much pressure, friction or physical activity during the early recovery period can also interfere with wound healing.
If you are concerned about the appearance of a scar, this does not necessarily mean that further surgery will be needed. Scar tissue continues to change for months, and in many cases simply allowing more time for healing is all that is required.
If there is a persistent scar or irregularity once the tissue has fully healed, scar revision may be an option. It is usually best to wait at least six months before considering revision surgery, as operating on scar tissue too early can interfere with the natural healing process and potentially worsen the final result.
If you are considering labiaplasty in Bangkok, or have questions about labiaplasty scars, contact us today and our team will be happy to assist you.