If I Get Pregnant After Labiaplasty, Will I Need a Revision?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure performed to improve the outward appearance and function of the vulva. This surgery can reshape the labia minora and majora to achieve a more pleasing aesthetic and is most often sought to minimize large outer or inner vaginal lips that are uncomfortable or show in tight clothing.

While not planning to have any more children is one of the prerequisites for labiaplasty, it’s not the end of the world if you change your mind or have a surprise pregnancy.

How Pregnancy and Childbirth Can Affect Your Labia

Your rejuvenated vulva will respond to pregnancy and childbirth much as it did before surgery.

Vaginal Stretching

The stretching of the vagina during childbirth will affect the laxity of the vaginal skin, but if you’ve already had a labiaplasty, the impact may be less significant.

Regrowth of Labia Tissues During Pregnancy

A woman's body releases a flood of hormones that can cause additional labia growth during the last months of pregnancy.

If this is extreme, many women who have already undergone labiaplasty will opt for a second procedure or revision. However, this is very uncommon. More commonly, the outer labia majora stretches much more and do not always go back to their pre-pregnancy state.

What Is Involved in Revision or Corrective Labiaplasty After Pregnancy?

Revision labiaplasty surgery refers to the procedure used to correct a previously performed or botched labiaplasty and can be a tricky surgery for many plastic surgeons who do not specialize in this area.

This complexity is due to the amount of tissue that was previously removed (under or over-resection), leaving the new surgeon to find ways to provide good results with little to work with.

Fortunately, a second labiaplasty due to childbirth is usually a more straightforward procedure where the focus is primarily on labial growth, tears, and stretching of the tissues, much like the original surgery.

Labiaplasty Procedure

In edge resection, the enlarged edges of the labia are simply trimmed. On the other hand, wedge resection does not alter the original labial edges. Instead, wedge-shaped slivers of excess tissue are cut from the center of the labia minora, with the untouched edges brought closer together with dissolvable sutures. Dr. Alter pioneered the wedge method, and he understands the nuances of the technique.

Most Importantly - Enjoy Your Pregnancy

You have enough on your mind. Whether your pregnancies are uncomplicated or include severe morning sickness and discomfort, your focus should be on experiencing the best pregnancy possible for you and planning for your baby’s arrival.

If you’ve recently recovered from giving birth and feel that you no longer benefit from your initial labiaplasty, Beverly Hills labiaplasty specialist Dr. Gary Alter can help you regain the aesthetic and function you desire.

Dr. Alter is a board-certified plastic surgeon uniquely qualified to perform revision labiaplasty due to his invaluable expertise in labiaplasty revision and reconstruction. As a highly sought-after plastic surgeon, he meets this demand by working from his bicoastal offices in Beverly Hills and New York City. He is currently accepting new clients.

Interested in Learning More?

Find out more about labiaplasty revision or schedule a consultation today by contacting Dr. Alter online or calling (310) 275-5566.