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MGSutured vs. Sutureless Labiaplasty: Which Technique Heals Better?
Suturing does not necessarily make the labial edge bumpy; the result depends on how the sutures are placed.
Buried sutures leave no visible knots and carefully align the wound edges.
A sutured incision heals more quickly than an exposed sutureless wound.
The appropriate method depends on the size and thickness of the labia minora.
One of the most common questions patients ask during a labiaplasty consultation is:
“What is the difference between cutting and suturing the labia and leaving the area without stitches?”
Today, I would like to answer that question.
Some patients ask:
“Doctor, doesn’t suturing make the edge bumpy, while a sutureless procedure creates a smoother result?”
If avoiding sutures always created a smooth result and suturing always caused an uneven result, no one would choose to use sutures.
A wound can heal without sutures, but how the wound is sutured may be even more important.
1. Does Suturing Make the Edge Bumpy?
First, I would like to explain the suturing process.
In the past, slowly dissolving sutures were often placed one by one on the outer surface of the incision.
If the sutures were removed too late, the edge could sometimes become uneven and resemble the teeth of a saw.
In fact, a patient who had undergone labiaplasty several years ago recently visited us for a revision consultation because her labial edge had developed this type of saw-toothed appearance.
After I explained our suturing method, her concerns were resolved.
She underwent surgery and was highly satisfied with the result.
Let me explain how we perform suturing at our clinic.
In the past, when an incision ran vertically, individual stitches were often placed horizontally across it.
If these stitches were not removed quickly, each stitch could leave a small indentation that might remain as a scar.
At our clinic, the wound is closed using a buried suturing technique.
Although the wound has been sutured, the thread is not visible from the outside.
There are no visible knots because the sutures are placed beneath the surface, while the outer wound edges are carefully aligned.
You may be able to notice a difference between the two sides.
The thread does not pass horizontally across the surface. Instead, it runs beneath the tissue in a continuous, winding pattern.
Therefore, you do not need to worry about the edge developing a saw-toothed appearance.
How the sutures are placed is part of each surgeon’s technique and experience.
2. Does Suturing Cause More Tightness?
We use sutures that dissolve relatively quickly.
Complete absorption usually takes a little over one month.
However, the thread does not remain unchanged during that entire period.
It gradually breaks down through hydrolysis and dissolves into water. As this process continues, the thread becomes weaker and softer.
After a little over one month, it becomes very soft. Even after approximately two weeks, the thread has already softened considerably.
With sitz baths and appropriate aftercare, the skin gradually heals and becomes more comfortable.
However, as the incision itself heals, fibroblasts begin to proliferate.
Just as scarred skin can temporarily feel firm, the surgical area may also feel slightly hard or
tight during healing, regardless of whether sutures were used.
This sensation does not continue permanently.
As time passes, the tissue matures and becomes softer. The entire tissue-healing process may take approximately six months.
However, after about two weeks, most patients do not experience significant difficulty with ordinary daily activities.
3. Which Method Allows a Faster Return to Daily Life?
The third question we frequently receive is:
“Which method allows me to return to daily life sooner?”
When you have a cut or tear and visit a hospital, what do doctors usually do?
They immediately close the wound with sutures.
When an incision is closed right away, epithelialization begins within approximately 12 hours.
To explain this from an obstetric perspective, after an episiotomy during childbirth, a patient may begin a sitz bath after approximately 12 hours.
However, if the tissue is treated without sutures and the raw inner surface remains exposed, that tissue must gradually turn into outer skin.
This healing process can take more than three times longer.
When performing a sutureless procedure, we explain this process to the patient in advance.
I can perform a sutureless procedure if a patient wants one.
However, I explain that yellow discharge or a yellow crust that may look like pus can appear while the area heals,
and that complete healing may take approximately six weeks.
With suturing, the wound may close within approximately 12 hours, allowing the patient to begin sitz baths.
Showering can also be performed without particular difficulty.
When sutures are used, we generally explain that swimming,
water activities and sexual intercourse may be possible after approximately two weeks.
For a faster recovery, it may be better to bring the wound edges together immediately with sutures.
Some patients believe that a sutureless procedure creates a smoother surface,
but I have already explained the difference in the appearance of the wound.
You also do not need to delay sexual intercourse simply because sutures were used.
Whether the procedure is performed with or without sutures, the body still needs time to heal.
However, suturing may shorten this process.
Without sutures, the exposed inner tissue needs more time to fill in and develop new surface tissue.
Patients should consider this difference when deciding whether to undergo a sutured or sutureless procedure.
When May a Sutureless Procedure Be Considered?
If the labial wings are thin, they may be treated with a sutureless laser procedure and allowed to heal as new tissue develops.
Some patients can complete the healing process without severe pain using this method.
However, many patients who feel that they need labiaplasty have labia that are large, thick and significantly elongated.
During demonstrations, we use purple thread so that the sutures are easier to see.
During an actual procedure, we use white thread that is less visible, as well as sutures that are even thinner than the demonstration thread.
Sutures are classified according to thickness. We use very fine 6-0 or 7-0 sutures.
The labia minora are delicate, soft, easily wrinkled and rich in blood vessels.
Therefore, we handle and suture the tissue carefully.
Choosing Between Sutured and Sutureless Treatment
Today, I explained the advantages and disadvantages of sutured and sutureless labiaplasty.
The nonsurgical care provided at our clinic is performed without sutures.
However, we carefully assess whether a patient is suitable for this method.
I personally examine the patient and determine whether a simple laser reduction without sutures is appropriate.
I hope this explanation has answered many of your questions about suturing after labiaplasty.
