During a labiaplasty, the lips or labia in the vaginal area are reshape or resize surgically so as to improve both cosmetic and health concerns associated with the vaginal area. It is possible to treat the size, shape, or symmetry of your labia with labiaplasty. In addition, it can also be used to alleviate discomfort associate with wearing tight clothing as well as discomfort associated with exercise or sexual activity or causes problems like labiaplasty bleeding.
There are many questions that arise from women as they explore the possibility of undergoing labiaplasty more and more often. Women often ask themselves questions such as “What should I expect during the recovery process? “, “Am I a good candidate for labiaplasty?” and “How long will the recovery take?” Here, we will have a look at what you can expect after your labiaplasty and what you should expect during your recovery.
Here’s what to expect after your labiaplasty
It would be a good idea to take at least a week off work. You should eat healthily, drink water, and get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to the procedure. You can speed up your recovery by establishing healthy habits before your surgery.
Other preparations:
- Make sure you have a spray bottle filled with water: Urinating may cause you to feel stingy. It is also normal to experience this. When you are urinating, squirt water into the incisions. It should reduce the sting if you do so. The genital area will also be kept clean.
- Don’t work for a few days or don’t exercise/train. The surgery may be better scheduled when you can rest afterward if you are unable to do this.
- Get rid of pubic hair.
- Don’t engage in sexual activity.
Families and friends may be able to assist you during the first few days following surgery, especially if you have young children. Get any items you will need during recovery before the operation, such as groceries, prescriptions, and any other items you will need.
The recovery time for labiaplasty varies from person to person. You may experience discomfort, itching, and pain for the first week following surgery. The majority of people return to normal activities by the end of the second week.
Be sure to contact your surgeon if you feel uncomfortable after taking the recommended medications. Cold compresses, ice packs, and home remedies can be helpful. You can reduce swelling and pain by applying an ice pack every 20 minutes. In most cases, there are only mild symptoms of pain, mild labiaplasty bleeding, or tenderness for a few days following the surgery. Antibiotics may be prescribed orally or applied topically to your surgical wound to prevent infection. During healing, wear loose-fitting clothing. Undergarments and clothes that are too tight can cause friction against the wound, which can delay or prevent healing.
Day by Day
Let’s check what happened after labiaplasty day by day
The first day
Labia will likely be very swollen on the first day following surgery. Even though there was no cutting in this area, the skin over your clitoris may be bulging.
Genital tissue is entirely compliant, which means it can stretch a great deal. Do not expect them to appear “normal.” The swelling may appear alarming at first, but it will soon subside. Cold compresses can reduce swelling and pain on the first post-surgery day. Make your first week a positive one by:
- If your surgeon recommends pain pills, take them.
- A mild amount of drainage is likely.
The second day
It is possible for the swelling to get worse but don’t get worried; That’s super normal for it to get worse before it gets better. If you go to the bathroom, continue using the spray bottle. A sit bath may be appropriate after more than 24 hours between your surgery and it. Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding pain medication and ointment application. It is normal to feel pain and/or discomfort.
Until the end of the week
There should be a slight improvement in the swelling. However, there should be a reduction in pain. It is usual for the stitches to itch. During this time or in the next few days, you will likely have a postoperative appointment.
Minimizing pain and inflammation after Labiaplasty
Here are some tips to optimize labiaplasty aftercare and minimize the pain:
Healing begins with resting
Swelling may be reduced by resting as much as possible for the first few days. Friction is less likely to occur at the surgical site. Walking short distances around the house (from room to room) is recommended for patients who have had labiaplasties. However, lying down and resting as much as possible will help reduce swelling. After a few days, the patient may gradually increase his or her activity level by taking short walks and working at the office. For 4-6 weeks following labiaplasty, you should avoid strenuous exercise and sexual activity.
Reduce labiaplasty swelling with cold compresses
In order to reduce swelling after labiaplasty, cold compresses should be applied for 48 hours or so. Crushed ice should be placed in small ziplock bags to create cold compresses. It is important that you have them ready as soon as you return home after labiaplasty. Protecting yourself from cold injuries is important by applying a cold compress over a thin layer of clothing, such as your underwear or a thin towel.
Gently compress the area
During early healing after labiaplasty, the majora and minora may become enlarged. The labia majora still swells even without labia majora surgery. Direct mechanical pressure may reduce swelling after labiaplasty.
Is bleeding after a labiaplasty normal?
It is possible to have some bleeding for a few days up to a week or more after the procedure. In order to absorb this minor bleeding, you can wear a mini-pad.
When should I contact my doctor?
In the aftermath of surgery, you may notice bleeding or spotting. It is normal for the wound to bleed as it heals. This bleeding is usually not heavy. Please contact your surgeon if there is heavy bleeding, swelling, or pus around the incision.
You should be sensitive to the following:
- An incision that has separated
- The pain medicine prescribed by the surgeon does not relieve the pain
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- An area that has been stitched with pus
- An area that has been stitched is bleeding profusely
- Stitches draining
- The skin may be discolored or bruised in a blue or black color
- stitches falling out
