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Botched Labiaplasty
Labia Revision, Labia Reconstruction

Labia revision or labia reconstruction is a correction after a botched or unsuccessful reduction of the labia minora.

Help after a botched labiaplasty procedure

“How could this have happened?”
“Will I ever look normal again?”

If you’re one of the many women who feel disappointed – or even shocked – by the outcome of a labial surgery meant to enhance your appearance, you may be asking yourself these questions.

How could this have happened?

Most mistakes occur during a reduction of the labia minora. This is also the most frequently performed procedure in the female genital area. You likely had a good feeling when choosing your surgeon. The positive reviews and social media presence were reassuring.  So what went wrong? 

Here are some examples of unsuccessful labia reductions:

I could show you many more images, and I always wonder how something like this is possible – as these cases come from colleagues in plastic surgery or gynecology.

The main causes
of poor outcomes

  • Lack of experience
  • Inappropriate mindset
  • Incorrect surgical technique
  • Improper instruments
  • Poor suturing
  • Incorrect postoperative care
  • Disregard for patient aftercare instructions etc.

I have compiled the most common iatrogenic deformities – that is, deformities caused by medical intervention – to show you why these outcomes occur and how they can be corrected.

You’ll find all of the essential information under the following sections:

  1. The most common mistakes and how to correct them
  2. Results after labia reconstruction by Prof. Gress
  3. How do deformities occur?
  4. How should it have been done correctly?
  5. My step toward a beautiful result

A. The most common mistakes and how to correct them

A.1. Small Penis Deformity

If the labia minora below the clitoris are excessively shortened, while the excess tissue is left in the area of the clitoris and above it, the result is a very unattractive aesthetic appearance that resembles a small penis (small penis deformity). This is exacerbated if the clitoris naturally protrudes (clitoral protrusion).

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

For most patients, dealing with the outcome of a small penis deformity causes significant distress, both physically and psychologically. Firstly, the aesthetic appearance is worse than before the initial procedure; secondly, the lack of labia minora below the clitoris means that the vaginal opening is no longer protected. This can lead to infections, skin irritation and pain.

Despite these severe consequences, a positive outcome is often possible, especially if there is sufficient tissue above the clitoris for reconstruction.

How is this done?

Two symmetrical, elongated skin flaps are carefully cut out in the upper clitoral region, rotated 180 degrees at their base and fitted to the side of the vaginal opening (lateral prepuce flaps).

As with the composite reduction labiaplasty, this can also eliminate a clitoral protrusion. This procedure corrects the appearance of the small penis deformity with optimal results, both aesthetically and functionally.

A.2. Excessive resection of the Labia Minora above and below the Clitoris

The most challenging deformity to correct occurs when the labia minora have been excessively shortened not only below the clitoris, but also in the area of the clitoral hood and above. In such cases, there is insufficient tissue left above the clitoris to perform the reconstruction using lateral flaps as described above. The only option remaining is reconstruction using vaginal skin, called vaginal skin advancement.

(Reconstruction of the labia minora using skin grafts is not possible, as they will lack sensation and look unattractive due to a different skin color).

Correction through vaginal skin advancement

With vaginal skin advancement, the skin is detached on both sides of the base of the former labia minora towards the vaginal opening, almost up to the base of the hymen (called the hymenal seam), and up to the base of the labia majora. Both skin flaps are then joined at their base using sutures, creating new labia.

A.3. Other Deformities

Other deformities, such as asymmetries, frayed wound edges and gaps in the labia, are relatively common and can often be easily corrected.

Gaps

in the labia minora are mainly seen after a wedge resection, a technique that reduces labial size by removing a triangular section of tissue below the clitoris. Fusion of the resulting defects sometimes results in gaps if the edges of the wound do not heal properly. The gaps must then be resected again and the wound edge carefully joined in multiple layers.

Asymmetries

frequently occur if the incision lines are not drawn carefully before the procedure. In addition, after labia minora reduction, it is essential to place a moist compress between the labia to prevent one side from slipping under the other during the healing process. This helps ensure that both side heal symmetrically and reduces the risk of later asymmetry in shape or length.

B. Results after labia reconstruction by Prof. Gress

Everything important at a glance
Labia Revision

Duration of surgery
1.5 – 3 hours

Combination dates possible
1st day consultation, 2nd day surgery, 3rd day aftercare

Anesthesia
Local anesthesia; general anesthesia possible on request

Surgery
Outpatient in the practice’s operating room

Preparation before surgery
Complete intimate shaving, taking antibiotics and painkillers

Follow-up treatment
Local cooling, compresses insoles, wearing tight underpants for 14 days, own pressure treatment after 14 days for 4 weeks

Convalescence period
Take it easy for approx. 1 week after the procedure, no sport (cycling, jogging, horse riding etc.) for 6 weeks, no sexual intercourse and no use of tampons

Costs
3,000 – 12,000 euros (depending on the complexity of the surgery)

C. How do deformities occur?

Selecting the wrong doctor is the biggest risk!

The main cause of a botched labiaplasty is a doctor who can’t perform the procedure, uses the wrong technique, incorrect suturing, etc. There is no training for intimate procedures such as labia reduction, neither for plastic surgeons nor for gynecologists. And there are no surgical standards, in terms of the procedure itself or its proper indication and postoperative care.

The surgery is often seriously underestimated with the mindset, “We’ll just cut it off quickly”.

The use of improper instruments, incorrect suturing, and most critically the wrong technique, can then lead to catastrophic outcomes, including disfigurement.

In the meantime, you can find many practitioners on the internet and social media who offer and perform labiaplasty procedures. They all may appear confident and experienced, have prime reputations and good reviews.

But beware: Reviews can be bought and negative reviews can be removed! So when choosing a doctor, it’s essential to ask yourself: How many years of experience do they have? Have they published papers on the topic? Have they lectured at medical congresses? Are they a certified specialist in plastic surgery or gynecology? Are they an active member of medical associations? What do their surgical outcomes look like?

Important information
Labia Revision

Result, shape and appearance

Function and anatomy

Getting there

The result

FAQ / Questions and Answers

Costs for labia reconstruction

Personal advice and information

Financing

Risks

Laser or scalpel?

Your contribution to the healing process

Working

Shaving

Periods

 Pain

Sexual intercourse

How many appointments do I need?

Traveling from afar

Sport

Showering, water, soap

Swimming

Scar creams

Sauna, sun bed

Childbirth

Clothing

Final result

Sutures, stitches

Simultaneous correction of labia minora and majora

Insurance

D. How should it have been done correctly?

D.1. Instruments

It is almost impossible to achieve a clean, precise result with a scalpel. Scalpels are not suitable for detailed incisions in this type of soft tissue. A radiofrequency device is the ideal instrument for achieving an optimal outcome in a labia reduction. It allows for extremely fine incisions in the tissue without applying pressure. A fine wire tip serves as a pen and is placed against the skin to follow the pre-marked incision lines. This is an even better method than a laser beam, which transfers slight hand movements to the skin, making smooth incisions difficult.

D.2. Sutures

In a labia reduction, proper closure of the wound edges is critical to ensure they can withstand the stresses of everyday activities, such as walking, sitting, etc. At the same time, the sutures must be very fine and absorbable, as it is very painful to pull them out later. For example, a composite reduction labiaplasty may require over 150 stitches using a very fine thread that is barely visible to the human eye. The suturing technique must be adapted to the specific area of the labia.

If the sutures are too thick or the wrong technique is used, the wound edges can become scalloped, resembling a string of pearls:

D.3. Surgical method

Selecting the right technique is crucial for achieving a successful labia reduction. The key factor is aligning patient expectations with the outcome, taking into account the individual starting point. Most surgical techniques focus solely on the labia minora below the clitoris and neglect the area of the clitoris and above. Since in most cases the labia are also enlarged in the area above the clitoris and the clitoral hood, surgical techniques that fail to address this are inappropriate and can result in unattractive outcomes.

However, in the majority of cases, there is excess tissue not only in the section below the clitoris but also above it. The clitoris itself often protrudes slightly, which is referred to as clitoral protrusion.

The composite reduction labiaplasty is considered the ideal surgical technique for achieving a harmonious reduction of the labia minora in all areas, while also addressing clitoral protrusion.

The labia minora are shortened below and above the clitoris, the clitoral hood is reduced and tightened, and a clitoral protrusion is corrected.

The areas marked in dark blue will be removed. The result is achieved by compositing the remaining segments of the labia.

Example of labia reduction using composite reduction labiaplasty:

before

after

Labia reduction using composite reduction labiaplasty. Standing frontal view.

before

after

Example of labia reduction using composite reduction labiaplasty. Standing lateral view.

before

after

Example of labia reduction using composite reduction labiaplasty. Lying frontal view.

E. My Step Toward a Beautiful Result

Every iatrogenic deformity – that is, a deformity caused by medical action – is unique and requires a tailored approach to treatment. For this reason, it is important that I first understand your symptoms in order to assess how I can best assist you. Sometimes a single corrective procedure is insufficient and an additional procedure, after an appropriate healing period, may be necessary to achieve the optimal result.

Please provide the necessary information by completing this form and please include photos that accurately reflect your current condition. We will reply as soon as possible.

For patients traveling long distances, we are pleased to offer a combined appointment. This includes a personal consultation with a thorough examination, during which all of your questions will be answered in detail. The procedure is typically performed the following day, usually under local anesthesia. The day after the procedure, you will return to the clinic for a check-up, after which you can safely drive or fly home. Your stay in Munich would therefore typically require only two nights.

Even if you are feeling desperate and deeply unhappy with the outcome of your initial procedure – and I completely understand how difficult it can be to trust again – I want to assure you that, with my extensive experience, I can help you move beyond this painful chapter. You can have a beautiful result that allows you to feel confident in your own body again, embracing your femininity without hesitation.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gress
Plastic surgeon
Munich, Germany

Labia Revision

About me

My name is Prof. Dr. Stefan Gress

I am a plastic surgeon in Munich, Germany, and recognized internationally as a leading specialist in female genital surgery, with over 30 years of experience. To date, I have performed surgeries on more than 8,500 women in the genital area. I am the author of a comprehensive textbook on labia surgery published by Springer, and the developer of several innovative surgical techniques, including the composite reduction labiaplasty, a method for reducing the inner labia (labia minora) (LINK). I have been training colleagues at leading international congresses for many years. 

My primary focus today is reconstruction of the external genital area following unsuccessful previous surgeries. I have personally have developed several techniques for this, which I published in the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery journal, including Labia Minora Repair, and what is now considered one of the most recognized techniques for labia reduction, Composite Reduction Labiaplasty, also in the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery journal.

Inquire now

A personal conversation provides clarity most quickly. Our communication will be treated professionally and discreetly!

„Pioneer of female genital surgery“

„The labia pope of Germany“

„The Vagina Picasso

5.0

From a technical point of view, I have to admit that Doctor Gress works wonders. I had little hope, but he manages to reconstruct everything and I can now feel safe and pain-free.

S

Sarah M. / 2024

…I had a vaginal tightening and I must say this man has solved all the problems I had. I no longer have urinary incontinence and everything is perfect! I also had a labia reduction and I can only say: PERFECT! This man really is an artist! …More

N

Nancy W. / 2024

 I know that Dr. Gress is a luminary in his field and my very high expectations were met one hundred percent. I can recommend him and his incredibly friendly team without reservation!

Patient / 2024

 I would like to thank Prof. Gress for his great work. He did such a great job that you can’t believe it. One wonders the whole time how he did it? …More

Patient / 2022

I thought the end of everything in my life had come after a botched labiaplasty. And then I met Dr. Gress with incredible results and heart-touching testimonials.

So I sold my car and my parents’ house so I could travel from Africa to Germany in order to perform my reconstruction surgery. And it was the best choice, Dr. Gress gave me back my life and made me dream again. He is really the “Picasso” and painted on me one of his beautiful works of art.

Now I want to have sex every day, I feel confident and above all I have pleasure every time and I am living the best phase of my mine.

E

Ellen2217

Dr. Gress is an incredibly talented surgeon, I am so happy I found him. He reconstructed my labia in December 2023 after a botched labiaplasty. My original surgery was traumatic and I was very worried about having surgery again. When I spoke to Dr Gress and viewed his work, his clear knowledge and skill put me at ease, so I made the decision to travel from NYC to Munich for the reconstruction.

M

mlnyc17

Over 13,500 operations in total

Over 8,500 operations in the female genital area

Over 30 years of experience

Scientific Frontrunner

Inventor of the
Composite Reduction Labiaplasty

This publication by Prof. Gress in the Journal of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery describes the world’s most renowned technique for labiaplasty. It not only reduces the labia minora below the clitoris, but also in the area of the clitoris and above. It also corrects a protruding clitoris (clitoral protrusion). This is the perfect technique if the outer labia are to completely enclose or cover the inner labia.

While the reduction of the labia minora was still considered rather unusual a few years ago, it is now part of the on the homepages of most plastic surgeons and an increasing number of gynecologists. gynecologists…

Textbook author and teacher
of female genital surgery and intimate surgery

International textbook by Prof. Gress Intimate genital surgery, especially for techniques to reduce the labia minora, to reconstruct the labia minora and for labia revision and to reduce the labia majora and for shaping the mons veneris.

Specialist for
Labia Reconstruction and Revision, Labia Reduction, Labia Correction, Vaginal Tightening

This publication by Prof. Gress entitled “Labia Minora Repair” in the Journal of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, describes the possibilities of reconstructing the labia minora after botched previous operations. The correction is described in particular detail when the labia minora below the clitoris have been excessively shortend and the clitoris protrudes too far (small penis deformity).

The demand for surgical procedures to treat the external female genital area, in particular labia reduction and labiaplasty has increased significantly in recent years…

Well known
from the media

Memberships

Professor Gress is a member in the most important national and international specialist societies.

ASPS

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

DGPRÄC

Deutsche Gesellschaft der Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen Chirurgen

ISAPS

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

IPRAS

International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

Botched labiaplasty: Professional labiarevision can improve your quality of life

Any intimate surgery in the female genital area requires a certain amount of courage on the part of the patients concerned. Women often think long and hard about whether to open up to an expert and ultimately decide to undergo such a procedure. Botched labiaplasty is therefore particularly painful for those affected. In this case, individual labiaplasty can correct the mistakes made during the previous operation. You can place your trust in Prof. Dr. Gress. As an internationally respected and renowned expert, he also relies on a gentle, promising procedure for labiarevision that he developed himself.

Every labiarevision requires individual planning and trust

Labiarevision, which is technically referred to as nymphoplasty, usually focuses on removing tissue that is considered excess. Often, this is not just an aesthetic problem. The tissue causes unpleasant discomfort in everyday life. Restrictions are particularly noticeable when wearing tight trousers, thongs and bikinis, but also when cycling and horse riding. Often, the women affected also have to contend with unpleasant pain during sexual intercourse. Labiarevision can put an end to these unpleasant symptoms.

Trust the renowned practice of Prof. Dr. Gress for your labiarevision

With such an intimate procedure as labiarevision, it is important that you know you are in the best hands right from the start. We are delighted that you have placed your trust in us following a possibly botched labiaplasty performed by another doctor. You can expect a state-of-the-art, comfortable practice in the heart of Munich. In our private clinic, our top priority is to make you feel comfortable and safe. Arrange an initial consultation now to get to know us.