Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure in which portions of a woman's vaginal lips--called the labia--are removed. This surgery is typically performed on women who experience recurrent pain or discomfort during daily or sexual activities due to lengthy labial tissue. Labiaplasty is considered to be a type of cosmetic surgery and should only be performed by a licensed medical professional. Women should discuss labiaplasty complications with a doctor before undergoing this surgical procedure.
Uneven Labia or Skin Color Changes
Labiaplasty can cause aesthetic complications. This surgical procedure can result in uneven or asymmetrical labia tissues, which can be embarrassing to affected women, warn health experts with the Better Health Channel. Permanent skin color changes, such as darkened or hyperpigmented vaginal skin, can also occur as a complication of this procedure. Vaginal skin color changes are typically permanent and may cause women to become self-conscious when engaging in sexual activities.
Vaginal Nerve Damage
During this surgical procedure, the nerves that run along the vaginal tissues can be inadvertently damaged. If this occurs, affected women can experience temporary loss of sensation along the vagina, explains Dr. Georga Bitar of the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute. Decreased vaginal sensation can interfere with a woman's ability to become aroused during sexual stimulation.
Vaginal Scarring
Following labiaplasty, women can experience vaginal scarring as a complication of this procedure, according to the Atlanta Center for Laparoscopic Urogynecology. Scar tissue is typically tight and inflexible and can make sexual intercourse or vaginal childbirth abnormally painful. Vaginal scarring can also result in the appearance of scar tissue along the outside of the vagina, which may be visible to affected women and their intimate partners. The scars can appear as red, irritated patches of raised skin that may be uncomfortable or itchy, warns the Better Health Channel. Visible vaginal scars due to labiaplasty can be emotionally challenging for certain women to deal with.
Bleeding or Infection
Bleeding or infection can occur as complications of labiaplasty. Though minor swelling, pain or bruising of the labia is normal following surgery, excessive bleeding is not, explains the Atlanta Center for Laparoscopic Urogynecology. The risk of infection is relatively low in women who undergo labiaplasty. Women who develop a vaginal infection following surgery are given antibiotic medication to help alleviate infection symptoms. To avoid these labiaplasty complications, women should abide by the postsurgical guidelines regarding physical exercise and sexual intercourse recommended by the doctor.
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