FAQs

Yes. Dr. Alter performs primary labia minora reduction (labiaplasty surgery) at both his Beverly Hills and New York City surgical centers. Visit www.altermd.com for more information.

The final result of the labia reconstruction surgery depends on multiple factors. Usually, the labiaplasty reconstruction is better if you still have considerable labia and clitoral hood tissue remaining. This gives the plastic surgeon more tissue to use to create an improved and normal appearance. However, Dr. Alter can even do remarkable labiaplasty (labia minora) reconstructions with minimal labia minora and clitoral hood present. Fixing botched labiaplasties with restoration labiaplasty surgery by a plastic surgeon well-trained in the various labia reconstruction techniques can usually make the genital area look quite normal, so that you will no longer be selfconscious.

Shortly after a failed labiaplasty, most women usually have severe anxiety and wish immediate correction. However, it takes time for the swelling to go down and for the blood supply to revitalize the tissues. Often, the appearance of the genital region looks better with time. Dr. Alter will usually require you to wait at least five months from the botched labiaplasty prior to reconstruction. A premature surgery with removal or destruction of the remaining tissue may eliminate any chance for him to perform a successful reconstruction. In the meantime, he can evaluate your situation and give you a good idea of the probable reconstruction.

If you only have one labium, Dr. Alter can often match it by creating another labium out of a portion of the remaining clitoral hood. Even absence of both labia can be corrected if adequate clitoral hood remains. Dr. Alter invented this innovative, reconstructive, tissue-moving operation about eight years ago. He developed it out of necessity to treat the many devastated women with botched labiaplasties. The success rate with this sophisticated procedure is extremely high, and no known failures have been noted when performed by him.

It might be hard to believe this, but the labiaplasty reconstruction is usually only mildly painful. If your previous labiaplasty was performed by the trimming technique, like many women, you likely experienced a prolonged period of pain. This rarely, if ever, happens with Dr. Alter’s labia reconstructions. Most women return to work in less than a week with only mild discomfort.

You need to apply ice and antibiotic ointment for two days. You can shower the first day after surgery. There are no catheters, requirements for baths, or wound care. After two days, there is nothing to do except to heal with mild discomfort. The sutures dissolve in 3-6 weeks. You can resume exercise in a month and sexual intercourse in six weeks.

Yes, in most cases, even if it is not genital related. Dr. Alter often performs breast augmentation or liposuction at the same time as the reconstructive surgery. Visit www.altermd.com for more information.

We encourage out-of-town patients seeking genital reconstruction to email photos to consultant@altermd.com. Dr. Alter will then do a phone consultation to discuss your specific situation and needs. We will assist you in finding lodging, etc. Dr. Alter will see you on the day before your surgery and will discuss the surgical plan in depth, usually showing photos of reconstructive procedures on similar patients. Depending on your operation, you can return home 3-5 days after surgery. Any later questions can be handled by phone and/or email correspondence.