Labiaplasty Nightmare

Had the surgery 1/07. Can't say enough how much I regret it. The problems I had it done for can't even compare to the pain and discomfort I'm having now. The surgeon, who has extensive experience, doesn't know why this is happening. I've read it can be nerve damage and might be permanent.

This has affected my entire life. I can't exercise, as even walking irritates the area. Sex is impossible. I've been out of work since I'm an RN and my job is very physical. No guarantee this is EVER going to get better.

Have done a whole lot of research since the surgery, and have found out,
(too late) that there are a whole lot of guys out there who really couldn't care less about the size of your labia. Wish I could turn back the clock.

By the way, the literature says 1-2% of patients having this surgery will end up w/ chronic discomfort. That's 1-2 out of every hundred, and it means for the rest of your life. Please think hard about this before signing up. Looks aren't everything. Being pain-free and able to function
normally are much more important.

I am thinking of having labiaplasty. I have been self conscious about the size of my labia since i was a child. I've been to see a plastic surgeon and she was rather blase about risks and recovery time. The literature suggests that there is hardly any risk of permanent pain...but then i read your nightmare. You poor thing, are you still in pain? I'm still very keen to go ahead with the surgery but it would be good to hear how you're getting on.

How have things healed for you now and are you happy with the result?

I had this done 20 years ago and they removed all the inner labia - which was not what I asked for - had problems ever since - pain, scarring - embarrassment with guys etc.

Has anyone else had this happen to them??

Has anyone else had problems with labiaplasty? The surgeon totally removed both inner labia to my horror but there is no going back. Is this a common practice and has anyone else had this done to them??

Hi Cassafras, I thought I was the only one going thro this nightmare. When I asked about the surgery the feedback was so positive,seemed like it was going to be a breeze.I was told it would be painful for a couple of days but it was horrendous for about 3 months. Realistically, if you think of how many nerves are in the vagina and the surrounding area and you have surgery then something will be different and permanantly. I was so uncomfortable and had been for many years, I didn`t feel feminine because I had large labia. I was determined to look and feel better down there. Like you my life has changed because of this op. I want more children but I`m scared of what might happen. I`m so so sorry you`ve been through such a nightmare and I hope that with time your symptoms ease a little and you can eventually move on to some degree. It`s really difficult trying to find answers too but try to because you don`t know how things are going to be in a year or 5 years down the line.That`s what I worry about, will I be worse? Start by making a formal complaint to wherever you had your surgery(ICAS helped me, they are really good and will help you step by step, but you have to make the complaint within 6 months of the surgery.) And have a good diet because that can l
make a difference to your pain levels. I hope you improve, mentally and physically. I hope we both do.

Yes, I have 5 yrs ago, my surgeon removed the lot,-all my labia ,minora I couldn't believe it-still can't. He burnt me to cauterise me resulted in me burnt from my clitoris to my backside, the surgery was a joke, I saw my solicitor & went to see another surgeon but to no avail, you cannot prove medical negligance as I feel as if they close ranks, I would not recommend this to anyone. A nurse I saw after this botch job she said that it maybe was a misunderstanding, some misunderstanding, why would a fully qualified doctor remove ALL the labia minora, I am still baffled. I am now left looking worse & unnatural and sex is sore and tight, he has done a lot of damage and got away with it. If your privates work a treat, don't mess with them. I had a great sex life before now I don't date at all. Don't do it ever- this is the biggest regret in my life, it is very difficult to move on as it has really messed with my head. I was a confident person before this and I had wanted it for over 10 yrs, wish I never did it.

In an effort to get a common opinion from the guys' behalf, I started a poll in the men's section about labia size. It seems to be almost as big a concern as men with their penis sizes.

http://www.steadyhealth.com/viewtopic.php?t=137547

I honestly hate to hear of any woman having the reduction surgery as a fan of large labia. Maybe I'm just a freak but I really get aroused by larger labia and find it sad that women would think it embarrasing or something.

Guest wrote:

How have things healed for you now and are you happy with the result? I had this done 20 years ago and they removed all the inner labia - which was not what I asked for - had problems ever since - pain, scarring - embarrassment with guys etc. Has anyone else had this happen to them??

for many year i'd never been comfortable with d look of my labia so a week ago i had labiaplasty and the 'experienced' surgeon removed the whole of my inner labia (which i ddnt ask for) and has exposed my clitoris. i knw its only been a week but it feels like d pain wud never go, it has been very painful and uncomfortable,i cant even sit down properly, worse thing of all is iv never had sex before so i hav completely ruined watever sex life i might have had.
Does it hurt when you have sex without an inner labia and wat kind of question do guys ask and wats their reaction like when they see it? wat do u tell them?

I had it about 3 days ago. I find it odd that women have had pain for months, because my pain subsided today. the only thing I feel at this point is just the stitches rubbing against clothes and I feel some itching. The only discharge is a tiny bit of blood. It looks good- not even too swollen. I encourage anyone that is having serious pain after this procedure and odd looking and smelling discharge (especially) to call their doctor. That indicates an infection. I have been really careful to keep the area totally clean, both with mild soap and water, and with tucks pads. I also used a spray bottle of water after urinating for the first 2 days.

My heartfelt wishes to all who have suffered the abuse of body and trust of this appalling nightmare.

I too underwent a procedure to reduce my labia re pain and discomfort and awoke to find them entirely amputated. Since that moment my life has been a waking nightmare, both physically and psychologically. Make no mistake, this is abuse and falls under the Female Genital Mutialtion Act 2003. As well as following up whatever medical help I can find (too little), I am actively pursuing a legal case: in my opinion the butchery I suffered constitutes assault, breach of contract, medical negligence, abuse of human rights and action against the medical principle "First do no harm".

If any others out there are interested in forming an online support group (for practical advice as well as emotional support), please post your replies so I can see the demand.