Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure that alters the shape, appearance, or size of the labia majora and/or labia minora. After childbirth, the labia can become elongated or stretched, making it uncomfortable to wear snug clothing or exercise. Some women also cannot have intercourse without pain.

If you are considering Houston vaginal rejuvenation, it’s essential to understand what the recovery process will be like.

Preparing For Labiaplasty Recovery

Before your procedure, there are a few things you can do to get ready for recovery:

Purchase a spray bottle and put water in it. This is to use after you urinate for the first week or so. Some women have a stinging sensation during urination, and the water will ease the discomfort.
Take at least three or four days off work and don’t exercise for a week. If doing these things is difficult, you may need to delay the procedure until you can schedule time off.
Purchase one or two weeks’ worth of Arnica and Bromelain, which will reduce bruising and swelling. However, you should ask your surgeon first if taking these supplements is ok.
Shave pubic hair.
Don’t have sex.

Note that you will not be able to have intercourse for at least six to eight weeks after labiaplasty. If that’s a problem, you will need to delay the procedure. This is because the incisions need enough time to heal, and even gentle intercourse will cause complications.

Labiaplasty Recovery Week 1

Immediately after surgery, you will be taken home by a friend or family member as you recover from anesthesia. Your surgeon will give you a prescription of pain medication and something to reduce swelling. You can expect some bleeding, but the medications you are given should help.

On the second and third day after surgery, most of the bleeding from the incisions should have stopped. You can apply ice to the area to reduce swelling.

By days four and five, you may still be a bit tired, but you should try to take a short walk every day by this point. On the fifth day, your vagina should begin to look less swollen and more like what you are used to.

On day six or seven, you probably can have the stitches removed by the surgeon, unless they dissolve on their own. Once the stitches are out, you will start to feel better and healing will go faster.

Labiaplasty Recovery Week 2

By the second week, much of the pain and swelling from the labiaplasty should be receding. You should continue to take your medications as prescribed and go for a short walk daily to keep up your blood circulation.

Icing probably isn’t needed at this point, but you still should avoid intercourse and more vigorous physical activity.

Labiaplasty Recovery Week 3

You should be mostly pain free by now and should be able to sit comfortably for longer periods. Also, feel free to move about more and there shouldn’t be as much tenderness or sensitivity.

By day 16, you can probably go back to a more vigorous workout schedule if that is what you are accustomed to.

Labiaplasty Recovery Week 4+

You should no longer need any pain medication and regular movements should be pain free. It’s possible to go back to your regular workout schedule, but you should wait to have intercourse until at least week six.

How To Recover From Labiaplasty Faster

The feeling of general discomfort after labiaplasty is the most common complaint from the procedure. For example, some patients say they have discomfort at first when wearing underwear or while sitting.

Other than following the instructions of your surgeon and attending all of your follow-up appointments, there are some things you can do to improve the recovery process:

Rest

Most people should take two weeks off of work after labiaplasty so they can rest. It’s the most important thing you can do for your recovery.

Get at least eight hours of sleep per day and lie down and take it easy as much as you can. Also, try to have someone help you with household chores for two weeks.

Eat Healthily

It’s also important to eat healthy foods during recovery. This means consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lean protein. Remember to avoid eating too much processed foods and drink plenty of water.

Doing these things will give your body the nutrients and energy it needs to recover quickly.

No Smoking Or Drinking

Cigarettes and alcohol will slow down the recovery process because they reduce blood circulation and constrict blood vessels. Both of these habits also can cause bruising.

You shouldn’t smoke or drink for at least four to six weeks before and after labiaplasty.

Watch For Infections

Moisture in the vaginal area can make bacteria accumulate, and that can be a problem for your incisions.

So, keep the incisions as clean and dry as you can, and change the dressings every day. If you see blood or pus coming from your incisions, talk to your surgeon.

Don’t Take Baths

While you should take a daily shower, it’s important not to soak in the tub for a few weeks because this can increase the chances of infections.

Also, don’t go in saunas or swimming pools for at least a month after surgery.

Avoid Constipation

When you have had labiaplasty, you don’t want to have constipation because it will stress your incisions. It’s important to drink a lot of water and eat foods that are rich in fiber.

You can even take an over-the-counter laxative if you find you are having difficulty in the bathroom. It’s important to avoid any straining after surgery.

Most patients have a trouble-free labiaplasty recovery, so keep all of the information here in mind.

You also may want to consider other procedures at the same time so all your recovery is completed simultaneously. Popular choices are a Houston tummy tuck and Houston liposuction.

Request a Houston Labiaplasty Consultation

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

References

What To Expect After Labiaplasty. (2020). Accessed at https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-expect-after-labiaplasty-week-1-2709835

Labiaplasty Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/labiaplasty