Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that can enhance the appearance and health of the vagina by altering the size and shape of the vaginal lips and labia.

Houston vaginoplasty can address the size and shape of the labia, which can increase in size or shape due to childbirth, aging, and other factors. An oversized labia can make it uncomfortable to wear snug clothing. Some women also have pain and discomfort during intercourse and exercise.

If you are thinking about labiaplasty, knowing everything you can is essential, including how long the recovery will be.

Labiaplasty Overview

Labiaplasty is a popular procedure to enhance the appearance of a woman’s genitalia. The surgery reduces the size of the labia majora and minora, which are the lips around the vagina.

Women often want the procedure for cosmetic reasons. Others find their labia is too large and uneven, which can cause pain and discomfort. Common issues labiaplasty can fix are:

Pain during exercise and intercourse
Difficulty keeping the vagina and surrounding tissue clean
Trouble using tampons
Chafing and irritation
Feeling embarrassed during intimacy
Reduced interest in sex
Less vaginal sensitivity

Labiaplasty Procedure

The surgeon will use general anesthesia before starting the procedure. Labiaplasty usually lasts about two hours. But it depends on whether the clitoral hood is being reduced and other factors.

The surgeon will trim the excess tissue of the labia minora and majora, then place stitches in the remaining tissue.

After the procedure, you will experience mild pain and swelling. This is normal but will subside after a few days.

Labiaplasty Recovery

During the first three days, you will have the most swelling and discomfort. The pain can be managed by prescription medication or over-the-counter drugs. Some things to be ready for during labiaplasty recovery are:

Swelling
Bruising
Mild to moderate pain for a few days
Asymmetry
Difficulty urinating

Some of these symptoms might sound concerning, but all of them are normal. You can manage them with medication, creams, ointments, and careful cleaning. Many side effects, such as trouble urinating, are because of swelling but will fade after a few days.

Most women can go back to work after four days. But you shouldn’t engage in sex or strenuous activities for at least four to six weeks. Your plastic surgeon will follow up with you during the recovery to ensure all is proceeding well.

Note: If you are considering other procedures, it saves time and money to have other surgeries at the same time. Some popular options include Houston liposuction, a Houston tummy tuck, and Houston breast augmentation.

How To Improve Labiaplasty Recovery

Below are some tips to improve your recovery process

Wear comfortable clothes: The labia are more likely to be irritated when it’s healing, especially from tight clothing. So when you recover, you should wear loose-fitting clothing so there isn’t any rubbing and friction that will increase discomfort.
Stay clean: Keeping your private area clean is essential to reduce the chances of infection. Your surgeon will give you instructions about cleaning the vulva after the procedure.
Use a donut pillow: Most patients can return to work after four days. But if you need to sit for hours per day, use a donut pillow to keep pressure off the surgical site.
Rinse the area: It might sound strange, but it can help avoid using toilet paper for several weeks. Instead of wiping the site, use a spray bottle filled with warm water to clean yourself after urination. Irrigation is easier on the incisions and will remove any secreted blood or other discharges.

Common Questions About Labiaplasty Recovery

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers helpful information about labiaplasty recovery:

How Long Will Swelling And Itching Last?

Many women who have had labiaplasty have swelling and itching. Swelling after surgery usually peaks after 48 to 72 hours. Then it subsides over two or three weeks.

Itching after the procedure is expected in the first week as the affected tissues heal. But it’s vital to talk to your plastic surgeon if you have itching that continues for more than a week; you could have an infection.

After a week, the swelling and mild pain from labiaplasty usually subside.

How To Speed Up Healing?

It’s wise to reduce physical activity after labiaplasty surgery. You can minimize swelling by applying a cold compress for 15 or 20 minutes.

Some patients treat discomfort and itching with witch hazel cooling pads. But talk to your surgeon before placing anything on the surgical area. And attend your follow-up appointments to ensure all is well with your recovery.

What Will The Scars Look Like?

Most surgeons use dissolvable stitches that usually disappear after three or four weeks. Any scars usually blend with the labia minora tissue, which has wrinkles and folds.

Some women say the scars are so hard to see that even their gynecologist doesn’t notice. After the stitches are gone, the scar tissue will be firm. But it will soften after several months.

When Can I Resume Activities?

Most women can return to workouts after three or four weeks. However, you may need to wait six or eight weeks before having sexual intercourse.

The labiaplasty procedure is effective, and results last for many years. Talk to your plastic surgeon today about labiaplasty.

Request a Houston Labiaplasty Consultation

Interested in a labiaplasty in Houston? Please set up a consultation with Dr. Ashley Steinberg today. She’ll talk to you about the benefits and risks of labiaplasty and determine if this procedure is a fit for you.

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