Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that changes the size or shape of your labia, the folds of skin around the vaginal opening. It most commonly reduces the size of the labia minora by removing excess tissue and reshaping the skin to enhance physical comfort, improve appearance, and boost self-esteem for women. As the labia area is highly sensitive and delicate, proper care is essential for a smooth and successful recovery.
Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions helps maintain proper hygiene, prevent complications, and support the best results.
Post-Operative Instructions After Labiaplasty
After the surgery
- Stay in bed and continue resting comfortably for the next 24 hours. Only get up to go to the restroom with assistance.
- When sleeping or lying in bed, stay on your back and keep your head elevated to about 45 degrees for the first week. Make sure your legs are slightly separated.
- For increased comfort and reduced swelling, sleep with your buttocks slightly raised on 1 or 2 pillows for as long as swelling lasts.
- Get out of bed and start with a light walk 24 hours after your surgery to keep your body active and blood circulation normal. Even when you are sitting or lying down in bed, move your legs and ankles and take deep breaths to clear your lungs.
- The first week after labiaplasty is usually the most challenging. You may experience swelling and discomfort, but these symptoms improve gradually over time.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing and cotton undergarments to prevent the fabric from rubbing against the treated area and to reduce irritation around the healing site.
- No tampons should be used for 6 weeks. Wear a pad if your menstrual cycle begins.
- Your surgeon may recommend medication to help prevent constipation. It is necessary to avoid straining during bowel movements, as it could stretch or break your stitches.
Recovery from labiaplasty can vary from person to person. Following your surgeon’s advice regarding post-surgical care, and paying attention to your body as it heals, can help ensure a stress-free healing period.
Caring for your incisions
- Labiaplasty stitches are typically dissolvable. Your dressing will consist of antibiotic ointment to the incision line and a panty liner in loose-fitting underwear. Change the panty liner as needed to keep the area dry.
- Apply the ointment to the incision line as directed by your surgeon. Do not over apply or skip applications, as this can result in complications and jeopardize your surgical results.
- Keep the treated area clean according to your surgeon’s hygiene guidance to avoid bacterial infection during recovery.
- Watch out for any unusual changes in bleeding, swelling, or discomfort to seek timely medical attention.
- Stay away from smoking and any other nicotine products after surgery. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which reduces the flow of blood and delays healing, increases the risk of infection, and may jeopardize the results of your surgery.
Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are important. Your surgeon can monitor your healing progress and address any potential complications that may occur during this period.
How to wash the labia area after surgery?
- Use lukewarm water to gently rinse your wound. Do not apply soap, cleanser, or any other products unless your surgeon specifically instructs you to do so.
- Gently wipe or dab the area dry after peeing, or use a squirt bottle to wash the pubic area after using the toilet.
- Do not rub the treated area. It will irritate the incision and may result in discomfort or bleeding.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions for urination, bowel movements, and personal hygiene to support proper healing and avoid complications.
What to expect?
- Pain – Sensitivity, stinging during urination, discomfort, and soreness are normal after labiaplasty. These symptoms can be managed with the prescribed pain-relieving medications.
- Swelling – Swelling in surrounding and affected areas is expected for a few weeks, and in some cases, it lasts for months. Even excessive swelling is not unusual. Resting, keeping your hips elevated, and wearing light, loose clothing can help reduce swelling.
- Bruising – Bruising around the labia and nearby areas is common and starts resolving within one to two weeks. The bruises change their color from purple to yellow and green as they heal.
- Drainage – Drainage can occur from the incision sites during the initial days after surgery. It will be blood-tinged fluid. Use a pad or panty liner to absorb the drainage and help maintain hygiene.
- Itching – Some itching around the incision sites is normal during the first few days and as the stitches heal. Your surgeon may recommend medications or topical treatments to relieve the itching effectively.
- Sensory changes – You may experience temporary changes in sensation, such as reduced or heightened sensitivity in the vaginal area. Normal sensations return gradually over several weeks to months.
What to eat?
- It is best to start with a light, low-fat diet after surgery. You may start your regular diet after a few days if you do not feel nausea or vomiting.
- Stay hydrated by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Surgery can cause dehydration, which can lead to dizziness or nausea.
- Avoid greasy, heavy, fried, and processed foods.
- Stay away from alcohol for at least 2 to 3 weeks or until cleared by your surgeon.
Medications
- Take all the medications exactly as prescribed by your surgeon, including antibiotics and pain-relieving medications.
- Always take your medications with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Avoid alcohol while you are taking prescription medications. It may interfere with healing and increase the side effects.
- Do not take any medications other than those prescribed by your surgeon for the first 10 days after surgery without consulting them.
- Your surgeon will guide you regarding the application of antibiotic ointment to the incision sites. Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the best results.
Showering after Labiaplasty
- You can shower after 48 hours or as directed by your surgeon. Gently dry the incision area with a clean towel.
- Reapply ointment as needed.
- No swimming, tub baths, or Jacuzzi until your wounds have fully healed or cleared by your surgeon.
- Do not submerge your incisions in water until they are completely healed without scabs. It will take about 4 to 6 months.
Physical activity
- Avoid all strenuous activities for the first few days after surgery to promote smooth healing. However, light activity is crucial for proper blood circulation and to prevent blood clots. Take light walks around the house, and move your arms and legs gently, even when you are lying in bed.
- Do not pull, push, bend, or lift anything heavy, as it can increase swelling and risk of complications.
- Give yourself at least 1 to 2 weeks to recover before returning to routine activities or resuming work. If your job involves intense physical movements, you may need more time off work. Start with a part-time schedule and gradually increase hours as you feel better.
- Avoid running, gym workouts, and all straddle activities, such as bike or horse riding, for 6 weeks or until cleared by your surgeon, as it can put pressure on the wound, tear stitches, and delay healing.
Everyone goes through healing differently. Pay attention to your surgeon’s guidance for successful healing and optimal results.
Sexual intercourse
No vaginal intercourse for 6 – 8 weeks or until cleared by your surgeon. Sexual activities should only be resumed when the incisions have healed completely, there are no restrictions, and you feel ready.
Call your doctor’s office if you have any unusual sensations in your labia, difficulty moving your lower body, or have any questions related to your recovery. Seeking professional help is crucial for your safety and ensures the best possible outcome.
Conditions that require emergency care
Call 911 immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Intense pain that does not go away with pain-relieving medication
- Sudden onset of significant swelling in the treated or surrounding areas
- Excessive bleeding from the incision site
- Incisions that seem to be opening
- Pus or foul-smelling drainage
- Signs of allergic reaction, such as itching or rash
- High fever
- Breathing issues
- Shakes and chills
Seeking immediate medical care can prevent serious complications and ensure you receive the appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.