Is Labiaplasty Needed After Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS)?
Labiaplasty (also called labial reduction) is an out-patient plastic surgery procedure to refine the more delicate components of the vulva by altering the folds of skin surrounding it — the inner labia (labia minora) and the outer labia (labia majora) — and clitoral hood.
This procedure is usually performed on women who are seeking to improve any birth asymmetries or the effects of childbirth and aging. However, it can also be performed on transgendered patients who want to create clitoral hooding and improve their aesthetic appearance. After SRS, this step remains optional as it is not necessary for most transgendered patients.
Am I a good candidate for surgery? Enlarged inner or outer labia lips of the vagina may cause problems like discomfort, pain, catching or folding on certain type of clothing, pain with exercise, and sexual activity, embarrassment, or even negatively affect sexual intimacy. However, labiaplasty can improve the contour of the labia minora or labia majora, and relieve these distressing conditions. The best candidates are young and adult women in good health.
Can I have several procedures performed simultaneously? It is a relatively common practice for a plastic surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation in terms of better final appearance and saving the expense. However, having too much done at one time can lead to severe complications. Ultimately, depends on type of procedure, extent of surgery, operating time, and your age/health, your surgeon will decide if it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.
Complications Complications during your first week are quite rare but could include bleeding. In general, pressure on whatever seems to be bleeding is all it takes to stop the problem. Swelling takes weeks to months to go down and undies, yoga shorts or other tight-fitting garments can help to bring the swelling down.
Bowel function usually returns over the first few days after discharge. There is not much limitation to the meal but cheese intake or any dairy consumption is a big no no for the first month.
Vaginal discharge is expected following surgery but not a green color one. Please let your surgeon know if this happens. Among the potential complications, wound separation still remains the most common one, and close observation is needed.
The most important action you can take regularly to prevent these complications is by keeping the area clean and dry. And, continue to dilate although the wound can hurt initially.
Will there be a scar left? Older techniques may produce a painful scar on the edge of the labia. However, with many new modern techniques, such as laser labiaplasty, the scar is way better concealed and barely noticeable.
Post-operative care Depending on the complexity of your procedure, you may be able to leave the following day after the surgery. Generally, overall stay, including pre-operative planning, is 2-3 days. However, it is strongly recommended to avoiding strenuous exercises or activity, smoking, alcohol drinking for at least four to six weeks and some patients possibly a bit longer.
What we do Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS) Penile Skin Inversion with scrotal skin graft Breast augmentation Labiaplasty (post-op revision) Penile Skin Inversion with abdominal skin graft Facial Feminization Surgery(FFS)