Painful Scars After Labiaplasty—What Should I Do?
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.