How Does Labia Reconstruction Differ From Labiaplasty?

The difference between labia reconstruction surgery and labiaplasty is commonly misunderstood. A labiaplasty is the first procedure, and the reconstruction is the operation to fix a poor or botched result, which is relatively common.

Very few surgeons have the knowledge, skills, or experience to correct these secondary labial deformities. Therefore, it is usually not wise to go back to the same surgeon to have a revision.

Am I a Candidate for Labiaplasty?

You may be a candidate for labiaplasty if you have not undergone any labia surgery before. Women seeking labiaplasty surgery often experience enlarged labia that are noticeable in tight clothing or are painful when exercising or during sex. Labiaplasty surgery provides women with increased comfort, confidence, and an improved appearance.

What Surgical Techniques Are Used During Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is usually performed using either the trim method or the central wedge method. While the trim method is the most common technique used, it has a higher incidence of being botched with over-removal of tissue or an unnatural scarred appearance.

More than 20 years ago, Dr. Alter developed the central wedge method to perform labiaplasty surgery. The central wedge method preserves the natural contour, color, and anatomy of the labia minora edge to provide women with comfortable, pleasing results. The central wedge method removes the thick, most protuberant portion of each labium by making a wedge-shaped (V-shaped) excision of the most protuberant portion of each labium.

Am I a Candidate for Labia Reconstruction?

You may be a candidate for labia reconstruction surgery (labiaplasty revision) if you had a labiaplasty and were left with painful and/or unattractive results.

Many women who undergo labiaplasty surgery using the trim method are left with botched results due to over-resection, asymmetry, or poor scarring of the labial tissue. However, this can also happen with wedge techniques, especially if done by unskilled surgeons. Labia reconstruction “restores” the removed tissue or eliminates the deformities to allow for normal labial appearance.

How Is Tissue Restored During Labia Reconstruction?

Unfortunately, labial tissue cannot grow back. If too much tissue has been removed, the remaining labia can be rearranged or contoured using many different techniques. In some cases, the missing labial tissue can be restored by taking skin from the sides of the clitoral hood and moving it using advanced plastic surgical techniques. This restores both the appearance and functionality of the labia. Dr. Alter invented this procedure about 15 years ago and has successfully performed it countless times.

Using excess clitoral hood tissue is a safe and effective way of restoring the labia without causing damage to the clitoris. During this procedure, the clitoris itself is not sutured or traumatized—only the skin and external tissue.

This ensures there is no risk of nerve injury or a decrease in sensation.

Why Should I Choose Dr. Alter for My Labia Surgery?

For years, Dr. Alter has been treating patients with botched labiaplasty results. He understands the physical and emotional toll that these results can have.

Because of this, Dr. Alter works to ensure all of his labiaplasties and reconstructions are performed with great care and attention to detail, ensuring comfortable results.

He also performs all his labiaplasty revision surgeries with the newest surgical techniques (many of which he invented) to relieve women of the pain and discomfort caused by their first surgery.

Interested in Learning More?

If you are interested in learning more about how you can benefit from labiaplasty or labiaplasty revision, please contact (310) 275-5566 or fill out our online contact form.