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Painful Scars After Labiaplasty—What Should I Do?

Posted on February 5, 2026 in Frequently Asked Questions

Some women who I’ve seen in referral after having labiaplasty by another physician using an edge-trim technique have complained of painful scars which have deterred them from resuming comfortable relations.

Pain after labiaplasty can be distressing, especially when patients expect discomfort to steadily improve during recovery. While mild tenderness is normal early on, ongoing pain related to scarring deserves careful evaluation to determine whether it is part of normal healing or a sign that additional treatment may be needed.

How Labiaplasty Technique Can Affect Scarring

The edge-trim technique places a scar along the entire leading edge of the labia minora which can be tender as nerves regenerate. That is why I most commonly recommend a wedge type labia minora reduction which only rarely causes long-term pain. Painful scars after labiaplasty are most commonly managed with time, and it is likely that the pain will resolve over 3–6 months.

During this healing period, it is important to understand that nerve endings in the labial tissue are highly sensitive. As these nerves regenerate, patients may experience sharp, burning, or pulling sensations along the scar line. This process is usually temporary, but it can be uncomfortable and frustrating if expectations are not clearly set in advance.

Protecting the Repair During Recovery

I recommend that my patients avoid stressing the repair by waiting 8–10 weeks after labiaplasty surgery for sex and use of tampons or anything else that might be inserted into the vagina. Avoiding friction and pressure allows the incision to heal properly and reduces the risk of prolonged irritation or scar sensitivity.

When Scar Revision May Be Needed

With that said, if a painful scar remains after 5–6 months, touch-up surgery may be needed to improve the result of an edge-trim type of labiaplasty. This may include converting an edge-trim to a wedge type labiaplasty or creating skin flaps from the skin of the lateral clitoral hood to recreate a more naturally appearing border of the labia minora. Scar revision or corrective surgery is rarely needed after a wedge type labiaplasty, however.

Why Waiting Before Additional Surgery Is Important

It is best to allow scars to mature for at least 6 months after the wound completely closes before rushing into more surgery. Scar tissue continues to soften and remodel for months, and intervening too early with labiaplasty revision can actually worsen the final outcome. In many cases, conservative management is all that is required.

Non-Surgical Options for Scar-Related Pain

Sometimes gentle massage or “desensitization exercises” can eliminate scar-related pain. These techniques help retrain the nerves and improve tissue flexibility, reducing hypersensitivity over time. Your surgeon can provide guidance on when and how to safely begin these measures.

When to Speak With Your Plastic Surgeon

Since it is not “normal” to have pain 6–8 weeks after a labiaplasty (and most patients state that pain or discomfort resolves within a few weeks of surgery), be sure to speak with your plastic surgeon if pain persists. Early evaluation can help identify whether the issue is related to scar formation, nerve sensitivity, or surgical technique—and whether additional treatment is necessary to restore comfort and confidence.

Labiaplasty vs. Clitoral Hood Reduction: What’s the Difference

Posted on October 9, 2025 in Frequently Asked Questions

Female intimate cosmetic surgery, often referred to as vaginal rejuvenation, can be life-changing for women who experience discomfort, irritation, or self-consciousness due to excess tissue in the vaginal area. Two of the most common procedures — labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction — are often performed together, yet they address distinct anatomical concerns. Understanding the difference can help you make informed decisions about your health, comfort, and confidence.

What Is Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a complex surgical procedure designed to reshape or reduce the labia minora (the inner lips of the vulva). When these inner lips extend beyond the outer lips (labia majora), they may cause physical discomfort during activities like exercise or intimacy, and may be visible through certain clothing. Dr. Dimitri Koumanis typically performs labiaplasty using the central wedge technique, which removes a V-shaped segment of tissue to reduce size while preserving natural contours, symmetry, and sensation. The result is a trimmer, more balanced appearance with improved comfort.

What Is Clitoral Hood Reduction?

Clitoral hood reduction specifically targets excess skin covering the clitoris, which can contribute to a bulky appearance or reduce clitoral sensitivity. This procedure carefully removes the redundant skin to improve both aesthetics and, in some cases, enhance sexual sensation. Dr. Koumanis often includes clitoral hood reduction as part of a labiaplasty using an advanced wedge method to minimize visible scarring and protect nerve function.

Do I Need One or Both Procedures?

Every woman’s anatomy is unique. Some patients benefit from labiaplasty alone, while others choose to combine it with clitoral hood reduction for a more comprehensive outcome. During your private consultation, Dr. Koumanis will evaluate your needs, explain your options, and design a treatment plan tailored to your goals.
If you’re experiencing discomfort or dissatisfaction with your intimate appearance, know that you’re not alone. Safe, effective options are available to help you. Dr. Koumanis’ compassionate, respectful approach to female intimate surgery has helped countless women feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies. To learn if labiaplasty and/or clitoral hood reduction can help you, please contact Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC today. 

Can You Get Labiaplasty If You’re a Virgin?

Posted on January 29, 2025 in Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can have labiaplasty if you are a virgin. Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that primarily addresses the external tissue of the vaginal area — specifically the labia minora and/or labia majora. Since the procedure does not involve the vaginal canal or any internal structures, it should not impact the hymen or any other anatomical feature associated with virginity. Many women, regardless of their sexual history, choose to have labiaplasty to enhance comfort and appearance in this sensitive region.

Individuals who pursue labiaplasty often do so for a variety of reasons. Some women may experience physical discomfort from excess labial tissue during physical activities or while wearing tight clothing, while others may feel self-conscious about the appearance of the area. Those who are not sexually active often have the same concerns, and labiaplasty is an appropriate solution to help achieve a more symmetrical and balanced appearance and to reduce discomfort.

When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Dimitri Koumanis, labiaplasty can be a safe and effective way to address these concerns. He received training from experts in the field of feminine intimate surgery and started offering labiaplasties more than 25 years ago. During your consultation, Dr. Koumanis carefully reviews your unique needs, discusses the expected outcomes, and ensures that all questions are answered, including the topic of preserving the patient’s virginity and maintaining a natural, aesthetically pleasing result.

If you are considering labiaplasty and have questions as to whether you are a candidate for this vaginal rejuvenation procedure, the best approach is to schedule a consultation. Dr. Koumanis will assess your individual situation, provide professional guidance, and determine whether labiaplasty or another option may be the most suitable choice for achieving your personal goals.

Should I Get Labia Surgery & Liposuction of My Intimate Area at the Same Time?

Posted on March 5, 2024 in Frequently Asked Questions

The best surgical results are often achieved by combining multiple procedures using a comprehensive treatment plan. Female intimate surgery is a specialty in which this is commonly done. For women suffering from physical discomfort or cosmetic concerns relating to elongated labia combined with fullness in their pubic mound or labia majora, Dr. Dimitri Koumanis, our board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience, may recommend labia trimming surgery and liposuction be performed during the same procedure.

• Labiaplasty reduces excess tissue or skin in the pubic area, specifically the inner lips called the labia minora. The condition can be inherited or caused by childbirth, and can lead to discomfort, irritation, persistent wetness, and rashes that may appear after physical activity. Prominent labia minora can also result in lowered self-esteem. To combat those feelings and symptoms, labiaplasty can significantly improve a woman’s quality of life by reducing the size of the labia minora so that they are even with or concealed within the outer lips.
• Liposuction is designed to remove diet- and exercise-resistant, unwanted stubborn fat cells from multiple regions of the body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Recovery time is typically minimal, and results are usually seen immediately. Liposuction can provide a more sculpted physique in the areas treated and a boost in confidence. Beyond the more popular target areas, this treatment can also be performed on the pubic mound and the outer or larger labia majora. In some women, those two areas accumulate fat, making them ideal for liposuction.

During the initial consultation, Dr. Koumanis will evaluate your needs and goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for both treatments. When the surgeries are combined, recovery for both happens at the same time and the overall cost is lower than doing them on two separate days. Keep in mind, however, that combining surgeries may increase the risk of complications, such as excessive swelling or bruising. So it’s imperative that you’re well informed and realistic about what to expect and the results that may be obtained.

Dr. Koumanis has extensive experience performing labiaplasty and liposuction. He understands the importance of patients feeling comfortable in their skin and appreciates the positive impact that the results of cosmetic procedures have in alleviating their insecurities and giving them a boost in self-confidence. All procedures are done right at our in-office Joint Commission accredited operating room for your convenience, comfort, privacy, safety, and cost savings over the hospital setting. At Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, a variety of cosmetic surgery options are available to address body, breast, and facial concerns. For more information on labia surgery and/or liposuction, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Can I Go in the Pool After Labiaplasty?

Posted on July 21, 2022 in Frequently Asked Questions

When performed by a distinguished, well-trained, and experienced plastic surgeon like Steven Yarinksy, MD, the results of labiaplasty can offer a variety of benefits. Typically performed to contour the inner and outer vaginal lips (respectively the labia minora and majora) by reducing their size and trimming excess skin, labiaplasty has restored the confidence of many of our patients. This advanced vaginal rejuvenation surgery can also ease the discomfort many patients who have elongated labia minoras (the inner lips) experience when wearing bathing suits or form-fitting clothing, sitting down, or having sexual intercourse.

As with any surgery, after having a labiaplasty it is important that patients adhere to aftercare instructions for a safe recovery and to obtain the best possible results. For instance, patients are usually prescribed oral antibiotics and antibiotic ointment to encourage proper healing. In addition, during warmer weather, patients sometimes wonder whether it’s safe to go swimming after labiaplasty. Dr. Koumanis recommends waiting around three months before swimming, hot tubbing, or taking a tub bath. Avoiding submerging the treated area in water during this time can prevent infection, skin irritation, and wound edge separation.

Just as Dr. Koumanis personalizes the course of each labiaplasty procedure to meet the specific needs and cosmetic goals of the patient, he customizes the plan for aftercare in each case. For a thorough evaluation and discussion of the healing process, he encourages patients to come in for a personalized consultation to have all their questions answered.

Will Vaginal Rejuvenation Improve My Sex Life?

Posted on July 12, 2021 in Frequently Asked Questions

Vaginal rejuvenation procedures are sought by women for a number of reasons, ranging from functional difficulties and medical concerns to cosmetic dissatisfaction. One question many patients ask board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dimitri Koumanis, is whether female intimate surgery and non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation will have a positive effect on their sex life. Depending on their unique concerns and the procedure or treatment being performed, it is very possible that vaginal rejuvenation can enhance sexual intimacy. After all, if a woman feels better about herself and more secure with her body and how it functions, that more confident feeling radiates outward to enhance her relationships.

Vaginal rejuvenation spans a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments which can improve vaginal wellness and a patient’s overall quality of life. The desire for enhanced intimacy often drives women to choose to have these procedures. Enhanced sexual intimacy is often a major benefit of vaginal rejuvenation. This can be achieved as the different procedures accomplish one or more of the following:

• Eliminate pain felt during sexual intimacy
• Tighten loose or torn tissue near the vaginal opening
• Reduce elongated labia minora which may become irritated or chaffed with intercourse
• Increase clitoral or vaginal sensitivity which can enhance the ability to reach orgasm
• Improve lubrication
• Enhance overall sexual function
• Restore self-confidence

As women address and treat their intimate concerns through state-of-the-art vaginal rejuvenation procedures, they often experience a boost in their romantic relationships. Dr. Koumanis emphasizes that those who experience discomfort or difficulty during sexual intercourse or simply don’t like the way they look, should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced with vaginal rejuvenation to learn if a surgical or non-surgical option may be able to improve their sex life.

How Can I Get Rid of Camel Toe?

Posted on March 18, 2021 in Frequently Asked Questions

The appearance of a “camel toe” can make many women feel self-conscious, especially when wearing tight-fitting clothing like yoga pants or a bathing suit. Women often express how much they hate this undesirable body feature—characterized by a visible outline of a woman’s external genitalia in clothes. Anatomically, this is typically caused by an enlarged pubic mound from fat deposits or from large or sagging labial tissue. Some individuals find they have a more pronounced camel toe after weight loss or pregnancy, making correcting it a common procedure for many mothers as part of the mommy makeover.

Many women try to camouflage their “camel toe” by wearing loose-fitting clothing or thin adhesive pads or panty liners to minimize the visibility of their natural curves. For those wanting a longer-lasting solution for their camel toe, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Dimitri Koumanis, offers both non-surgical and surgical options.

When a camel toe is caused by elongated or loose labial tissues, Dr. Koumanis may recommend the minimally invasive treatment known as ThermiVa^®. This radiofrequency-based treatment stimulates collagen production and tightening of the internal and external vulvovaginal tissue. Patients with excess fat in the pubic mound or more advanced stretching of the labia majora may be better candidates for surgery.

Vaginal rejuvenation surgery has become increasingly common for addressing female intimate concerns like the camel toe. Liposuction may be performed to reduce excess fat in the pubic mound or labia majora for improved contours. Other patients may be better suited for labia majora reduction—with or without liposuction—which surgically reduces the size of the outer larger vaginal lips and eliminates the unwanted bulge.

The best way to find out which treatment option is right for your needs is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in feminine intimate surgery. They will evaluate your concerns and recommend the most appropriate treatment solution for your “camel toe.”