Recently I reached out to a woman that had gone to her OBGYN for a Labiaplasty.

Jessica is 42, from the U.S. and was kind enough to share her botched labiaplasty story with us.

So much so, that when I asked if she would be willing to contribute, her response was "I would be happy to tell my story! If it can help just one woman make the right decisions, it will be worth it".

So here it his.  Please read it carefully and learn ways to prevent this from happening to you.

Vanessa:

Why did you want a labia reduction?

Jessica:

I had been bothered by my large labia for a long time.  While they were not extremely painful, they did bother me enough to bring my confidence level down.  They would get stuck in my underwear, would get pulled inside during intercourse and would stop me from walking around naked, sleeping naked and letting guys see me naked.  I would find myself trying to "tuck" them in every time I showered and used the restroom.  The pain and discomfort was manageable, but bothersome.

Vanessa:

Why or How Did You Choose Your Doctor?

Jessica:

I had been looking into labiaplasty for several years before I actually did it.  I did interview with a plastic surgeon, but didn't proceed due to the cost.  Earlier this year I found out that I had to have my left ovary removed, and I thought that maybe I could get the labiaplasty at the same time since I would already be under and on the operating table.

I brought it up to my OBGYN during my pre-op asking her if she knew of anyone that performed the procedure, and she said that she could do it and bill insurance.  I asked her if a plastic surgeon or another specialist should be doing it and she said, "No.  There is no special training needed, and I operate down there several times a week".   She made it sound so simple, and I had been a patient of hers for over 20 years, so I trusted her.

Vanessa:

What Kind Of Research Had You Done Before Having Your Labia Reduction?

Jessica:

I would check websites of plastic surgeons and viewed some photos.  I really didn't research it as much as I should.  My OBGYN and other websites made it sound so simple and easy.  All pointed to a quick recovery and little chance of side effects (risks).

Vanessa:

How would you describe your overall satisfaction?

Jessica:

I wish I never would have had the procedure done.  It is honestly the worst thing that could have happened to me.  I have had multiple procedures in the past, including a hysterectomy, and this is by far the worst recovery I have ever gone through.  I am literally disfigured and in daily discomfort.

Vanessa:

What Did Your Doctor Tell You After Your Botched Labiaplasty?

Jessica:

My doctor told me that "everything looks normal" and that I was healing fine.  That my "perception" was getting in the way of seeing the true results.

Vanessa:

How Did You Know Something Was Wrong? And Why Did You Choose a Revision?

Jessica:

I knew something was not right within days of the labiaplasty.  I was in extreme pain and when I looked, almost my entire left labia was gone.  I only have a bit left at the top and then a tag at the bottom.  Everything in between is gone.  My right one only had a portion of the very edge removed.  I am not even close to being even or "normal".  I have since found out that the type of suture material used was incorrect, which I had a reaction to, and the "baseball" stitch used to sew me up was too tight.  I have notches and scalloping. Plus a piece of my left labia was sewn to the fold between my inner and outer labia creating a tunnel.  Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong.

I don't think I have a choice about the revision.  It HAS to be done to not only attempt to make me look normal again, but to fix everything that is wrong.  The tunnel has to be released, a new piece of labia created and scars revised.  I am five months out from my surgery and still have daily discomfort.  I couldn't even wear pants until two weeks ago.  I still cannot do aerobics or even think about a sexual relationship at this point. I am hoping that the revision can fix all of this and give me back my life.

Vanessa:

Please Describe How This Experience Made You Feel?

Jessica:

My experience after surgery has been challenging to say the least. I have tried so many things to help with pain and discomfort.  I have had to buy new clothes to be comfortable.  I have seen a multitude of doctors to try and get some relief.  It has been nothing short of horrific.

I feel violated, taken advantage of, often depressed and angry at myself.  Even this far out, I am still in a state of shock that is has become my life.

Vanessa:

Did You Ever Think Your OBGYN Would NOT Be Qualified to Perform Your Labiaplasty?

Jessica:

I asked my OBGYN at least three times if she was qualified to perform a labiaplasty, and she told me all three times that she knew what she was doing.  That she has been doing it for years, and that plastic/cosmetic surgeons were just catching on.  I also told her on all three occasions that I DID NOT want all of my labia removed, just trimmed, so that they would be even with the outer labia.  She assured that she would not remove them, as "they serve a very specific purpose".  I wasn't even nervous on the morning of my surgery because of her reassurance.   

After surgery, she would ignore me and change the subject each and every time that I would ask her why she removed so much from the left labia.  After nine weeks of trying to get her to help me, she finally released me and told me that there was nothing else she could do for me.  She didn't know why I wasn't healing, as "all other women were healed by now", and she wouldn't take any blame or responsibility for what she did to me.

Vanessa:

What Advice Would You Give Women Considering These Surgeries?

Jessica:

This is not a "simple" surgery.  There are many nerve endings in your labia and surrounding areas.  It WILL hurt and nerves can be damaged.  This does not heal like skin.  Yes, there are success stories and ladies that have had minimal pain, but there are also many with a different story.  Read stories, view pictures, look at your surgeon's credentials, ask to speak with previous patients BEFORE your surgery. Have a support group and be prepared if your results are not what you expected.  Revision rates are very high for this surgery.

Vanessa:

Did You See Before and After Pictures of Your OBGYN's Actual Patients?

Jessica:

I did not see any before and after pictures of her work, as she is an OBGYN and did not take pictures.  She said she "has done many over the years" and all of the women have been happy with their results.  She seemed almost too eager, which should have been a red flag.  She didn't even ask me why I wanted to do it, what outcome I was looking for, and most importantly, she didn't go over a list of possible complications and side effects.  She just told me that I would heal in about two weeks and it was just like "an episiotomy".  Hardly...

Vanessa:

Thank you very much Jessica for having the courage to speak up and out about this. Because of your willingness to stand up for yourself and other women, you have helped others avoid this emotional and physical pain.

Remember ladies, there are great doctors out there and as Jessica said a number of women with success stories.  But the reality is, these horror stories do happen.

It is our body and our responsibility to find a skilled, capable and caring doctor.

Please learn from these stories.  If you want professional advice or help in finding a doctor, let me help.

Comments (7)

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written by terrified, December 05, 2011

thanks for doing this interview. i now know better then to ask my doc to perform it. i'm so sorry to hear about your story. good luck.

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written by Vanessa Scott, December 05, 2011

Glad to hear the interview has been helpful.

Recently had another reader explain how she found her doctor lying about the before and after pictures he was using. Turns out the pictures belonged to ANOTHER doctor and he was claiming they were HIS patients!!

She too was terrified at how close she came to scheduling surgery with this doctor. Trust me, I know it can be scary. But remember you are not alone.

We are all here to help one another avoid becoming another botched labiaplasty or being taken advantage of.

Best wishes!

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written by Mel, December 29, 2011

I too have considered having this surgery in conjunction to other Gyno surgery as I have not been happy with my labia. I am so moved by your story that I will not consider this surgery any further. Thank you for shaing and I wish you a speedy recovery with enjoyment- every women's right

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written by Vanessa Scott, December 30, 2011

Thanks Mel for sharing! Glad that Jessica's story has been helpful and you were able to see the importance of taking your time with such procedures.

Best wishes for you now and in whatever you choose! We all deserve nothing but the best...


Vanessa

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written by Demi, January 03, 2012

I am angry, depressed and really disappointed because I had very similar problems as Vanessa and received the exact same advice from my OB/GYN doctor, who assured me that she could and had performed this procedure successfully many times. Because I trusted her, I had the procedure done 5 months ago, one attempt to repair the whole left midway of my right labia, to no avail! I experience pain and discomfort daily and hate that I ever let her touch me. Now, I can't afford to pay for cosmetic surgery out of pocket and it doesn't seem as though the insurance will cover it. I can't live a healthy life like this and feel trapped and don't know what to do. I am in shock about the entire experience and can't believe this has happened to me!!! If anyone is aware of an experienced doctor who will accept my insurance or work out a payment plan please let me know.

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written by Mel , March 08, 2012

Hey ladies I to had a horrific experience and know everything your going through. My doctor was a well known plastic surgeon and assured me what a simple procedure it would be and a cpl weeks healing time! I was left with no labia on either side and completely open. It looked like one huge DISGUSTING opening. Far from "normal":-(. I started searching the I Internet and found a surgeon in Atlanta Georgia named Dr. Miklos and Dr. Moore. AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING is the only words for that whole hospital. Sense day 1 when I called them they gave me hope and the out come was more than I could of hoped for. So all you ladies out there I know the pain and emptyness your going through, trust me!! Look them up and have no doutes if anyone can fix you it is these doctors. I hope this helps:-)

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written by Vanessa Scott, March 09, 2012

Hi Mel,

Thank You for sharing your encouraging words and personal experience.

It is not only helpful to other women that may be going through this, it helps educate other women about the importance of finding excellent care the first time around.

There are great docs out there and unfortunately there are a lot of not so good ones too. Your experience reminds us all that it is vital to avoid the not so good ones!

If you would like to share your story in detail or provide your first surgeon's name, you can email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Many women ask for my opinion on surgeons, so it would be helpful for future reference (if one asks about the doc that performed your first surgery).

Thanks again. We are happy you were able to find the light at the end of the tunnel!

Best,
Vanessa

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