Labiaplasty

RISKS SPECIFIC TO LABISPLASTY SURGERY

Infection

This is rare: taking the prescribed antibiotics usually prevents any frank infection from developing. However, minor infection can possibly occur and can affect the rate of healing. If this happens, some small areas may take a little longer to heal than others. This is an area where a large number of bacteria and other organisms normally live every day. Their environment is disturbed following surgery and sometimes very minor infection occurs which is why taking the prescribed antibiotics is so important.

Bleeding / Bruising

Rarely a small clot or hæmatoma may develop. This is not serious unless a very large and painful lump develops. This is very rare and almost never occurs. When it does occur, please notify Dr Konrat or her surgical nurse so that they can assist you immediately, perform an assessment. Early intervention is best and assists with healing as expected.

Swelling

The tissues in this area are very delicate and minor swelling may persist for some weeks. This is not unusual, and will heal well in time. (Women often experience similar healing after childbirth, particularly if they have required stitches.)

Assymetry

Although all care is taken to achieve complete symmetry, both sides may not be exactly the same prior to the surgery and is therefore difficult to make perfectly symmetrical after the surgery. During your consultation Dr Konrat will help you understand what you can expect.

GENERAL RISKS OF SURGERY

Because surgery is such a vital part of modern medicine, there is a tendency to forget that there are risks associated with every type of surgery. While these risks are small, every person undergoing surgery should be aware of the risks.

Wounds

All internal and external wounds need time to heal after surgery. Sutures or stitches and other material are used to hold wounds closed while they heal.

Wound break-down

In a small percentage of cases, tiny areas of the scar will not completely heal. This may leave a tiny hole where the stitch was, or a small area approximately 1 cm long which does not close as fast as the rest of the stitches. When this occurs there are two options: Watch and wait the wounds will gradually close and heal on their own. If, after assessment, Dr Konrat feels the overall result will be improved by closing the small wound breakdown, then this is done by placing a few stitches in the open area to assist with healing faster and giving a better aesthetic result.

Infections

Despite taking precautions, infections can occur during and just after surgery. These may be general, such as pneumonia, or specific to Labiplasty surgery. Because of their generally good health, labiaplasty patients usually have a lower risk of developing general infections such as pneumonia.

Pulmonary Risks

• Patients have a risk of forming a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) that breaks off and gets stuck in the lung circulation (pulmonary embolism). This is minimized by the wearing of surgical 'stockings' during the surgery, and by getting the patient out of bed as soon as possible.
• You will also be encouraged to breathe deeply when you wake up from the anesthetic as this expands your lungs and helps ensure your blood oxygen levels are good

Risks of Anesthesia

• Labiaplasty is performed under Twilight an�sthetic with long acting local aneasthesia, which carries a low level of risk.
  • This method carries the risk of respiratory distress, adverse reactions to the medications or medication overdose.
  • As a rule, these risks are very low in cosmetic surgery patients, because the patients are generally in good health. Dr Konrat will take a full medical history, will order a number of tests prior to surgery and will make lifestyle recommendations to ensure your health is optimal before the surgery. This will minimise any general risks.

Mental Health disorders and Elective Surgery

• It is important that all patients seeking to undergo elective surgery have realistic expectations that focus on improvement rather than perfection.
• Complications or less than satisfactory results are sometimes unavoidable, may require additional surgery and can be stressful.
• Please discuss openly with Dr Konrat in your consultation prior to surgery, any history of emotional depression or mental health disorders. If you are unsure whether a matter is relevant, please mention it anyway. Although many individuals may benefit psychologically from the results of elective cosmetic surgery, the effects on mental health can never be predicted and could possibly have a negative influence on emotional stability.