Labiaplasty Revision in Toronto: What to Do If You're Unhappy With Your First Result

Most women are very happy after labiaplasty, and studies consistently report high satisfaction rates. Sometimes, though, the result isn't what you hoped for. The labia may look uneven, a wound may have opened, too much or too little tissue may have been removed, or the clitoral hood may now look more prominent.

If that's you, please know you aren't alone, and you haven't done anything wrong by wanting a second opinion. Labiaplasty revision is a recognized part of labiaplasty care, and in many cases the result can be improved. Here's what to know before you take the next step.

Why Labiaplasty Revisions Happen

A less-than-ideal result is not always anyone's "fault." Every patient heals differently, and the labia minora are delicate tissues. A review of long-term outcomes found that about 6% of patients had some asymmetry after labiaplasty, and a similar share went on to have revision surgery, most often for minor concerns. The most common reasons include:

• Asymmetry. The labia minora are often asymmetric before surgery, and some difference between sides can remain or appear as tissues heal.
• Under-correction. Not enough tissue was removed, so the labia still project or cause discomfort with clothing, exercise or intimacy.
• Over-resection. Too much tissue was removed. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) notes this is the most common complication of labiaplasty, and it can lead to dryness, scarring near the vaginal opening and pain with intercourse. Some women describe this as a "botched" or "gone wrong" labiaplasty.
• Wound separation (dehiscence) or notching. Healing problems are more likely after a wedge labiaplasty, where a notch or gap can form where the front and back edges were joined. A small opening after a trim labiaplasty will often heal on its own.
• A prominent clitoral hood ("hood bulge"). If the labia minora are reduced but extra clitoral hood skin is left, the hood can look larger and more noticeable afterward.
• Scalloped edges or scarring. An irregular edge, a tight or sensitive scar, or leftover "dog ears" at the ends of the incision.

When to Wait Before Considering Revision

Early on, swelling can make the labia look uneven or larger than they will be. Most swelling settles within 4 to 6 weeks, but it can take many months, and up to a year, for subtle swelling to resolve and for scars to fully mature (see our labiaplasty recovery guide).

For this reason, Dr. Power recommends waiting at least one year after your primary labiaplasty before undergoing a revision. This allows final healing and scar maturation, so the true result can be assessed and any revision planned accurately.

Don't wait if you have increasing pain, redness, fever, discharge or an opening wound during early healing. Contact your surgeon or seek medical care right away.

What Can Be Corrected, and the Limits

The options depend on what happened the first time and how much healthy tissue remains:

• Under-correction or mild asymmetry is usually the most straightforward to improve. Often a small amount of additional tissue can be removed to balance the two sides.
• Notching or wound separation after a wedge can often be repaired by re-shaping and re-closing the edges.
• Excess clitoral hood skin may be addressed with a clitoral hood reduction, which can help the area look more balanced.
• Scalloping, dog ears or irregular scars may be smoothed with a minor scar revision.
• Over-resection is the hardest problem to correct, because tissue that has been removed can't be regrown. Reconstruction using nearby tissue (local flaps) is a specialized option offered by some surgeons, and results vary. Dr. Power does not perform flap reconstruction, but she can assess your concerns, explain your options and discuss a referral if that would be appropriate.

Revision can often bring a meaningful improvement in comfort, appearance and confidence, but it may not perfectly reverse a previous outcome. Read more in our post on when to consider revisional or corrective plastic surgery.

At Power Plastic Surgery, revision procedures include re-trims, wedge or notch repairs, clitoral hood reductions and scar revisions. Dr. Power welcomes patients whose first labiaplasty was done by another surgeon.

What a Revision Consultation With Dr. Power Looks Like

Your consultation is with Dr. Stephanie Power, a female plastic surgeon certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC), with fellowship training in Aesthetic Surgery and in Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Toronto. Her Yorkville office has an all-female team, which many patients find reassuring when discussing a sensitive concern.

During your visit, Dr. Power will:

• Listen carefully to what is bothering you, whether that is appearance, discomfort, or both
• Review your medical and surgical history and perform a respectful examination
• Explain what she sees, what can realistically be improved and the options for your anatomy
• Discuss risks, recovery and timing so you can make an informed decision without pressure

Please bring your previous operative report, your surgeon's name, the date of your surgery and any photos you have. These help Dr. Power understand what was done and plan your options.

After your consultation, you'll receive a detailed written quote, valid for six months. Revision fees start from $2,960 for one side or $5,060 for both sides, the same as a first labiaplasty, with the final fee depending on the extent of surgery. See our pricing page for details.

Recovery After Labiaplasty Revision

Recovery is often similar to a first labiaplasty, although it depends on what is done. Like her primary labiaplasties, Dr. Power usually performs revisions under local anesthetic, with general anesthesia available if you prefer.

Expect cold compresses for the first three days, prescription pain medication for a day or two, a return to office work within a few days and a follow-up visit at about 10 days. Patients usually wait a month before exercise and six weeks before sexual activity. You'll get detailed written instructions.

Travelling to Toronto for Your Revision

Many women travel to see a female plastic surgeon for a sensitive procedure like this. Our office is in Yorkville, close to several hotels, and out-of-town patients should plan to stay nearby until their follow-up visit. Our guide to travelling to Toronto for labiaplasty covers where to stay and how to get around.

Financing With Beautifi

Labiaplasty, including revision, is generally considered elective and is usually not covered by OHIP or private insurance. We partner with Beautifi to offer monthly payment plans for procedures of $1,000 and above. The application takes about three minutes, and you get an instant decision. You can apply through Dr. Power's Beautifi page or learn more on our fees and financing page.

Labiaplasty Revision FAQs

Can a botched labiaplasty be fixed?

Often it can be improved. Asymmetry, under-correction, notching, scarring and excess clitoral hood skin are frequently correctable. Over-resection is the hardest to correct because removed tissue can't be replaced. Flap reconstruction is a specialized option that Dr. Power does not perform, but she can assess you and discuss options, including referral if appropriate.

How long should I wait before a labiaplasty revision?

Dr. Power recommends waiting at least one year after your primary labiaplasty, to allow final healing and scar maturation. Seek care right away if you have signs of infection or an opening wound.

Can I see Dr. Power if another surgeon did my first labiaplasty?

Yes. Dr. Power sees patients whose first labiaplasty was done elsewhere and will assess your concerns without judgment.

Is labiaplasty revision covered by OHIP?

Labiaplasty is generally elective and usually not covered by OHIP or private insurance.

Request a Consultation

If you're unhappy with the results of a previous labiaplasty, you don't have to simply live with it. Contact Power Plastic Surgery to request a confidential consultation with female plastic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Power in Toronto. You can also read our guide to choosing the right surgeon for your labiaplasty.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Individual results vary. Please book a consultation for an assessment of your specific concerns.