Complete labiaplasty results can typically be seen after four to eight weeks. This is when your scars will be healed, you should not feel any more pain or soreness, and you’ll be able to do things like exercise and have sex if you feel ready.

Between the time of your labiaplasty surgery and when you see complete results, the healing process will be taking place. This process will involve a range of symptoms and some restrictions on your activities.

Below, we’ll go over what you can expect after you have labiaplasty performed and how your results will progress over time.

Labiaplasty Overview

Labiaplasty, also known as labiaplasty minora reduction, is an outpatient procedure performed to reduce the size of the inner vaginal lips, or labia minora.

A woman may have labiaplasty performed for numerous reasons. Some patients have difficulties with chronic urinary tract infections, rashes, hygiene issues, pain during sexual intercourse, pain during exercise, confidence during times of sexual intimacy, and other physical issues such as labial hypertrophy when the inner skin folds extend beyond the outer folds, affecting vulva appearance and comfort.

Others may seek a labiaplasty procedure because they’re simply unhappy with the way their labia minora looks or because of changes following a vaginal childbirth. In this case, the surgical procedure would be called an aesthetic labia minora surgery.

But ultimately, any surgical procedure that reduces the size of the labia minora is the same whether it’s performed for medical reasons causing discomfort or emotional reasons. After anesthesia, small incisions are made on the labia, the excess tissue is removed, and the incisions are closed.

Labiaplasty Recovery and Results

Most labiaplasty surgery patients take a few days to one week off from work. Undergoing labiaplasty surgery is a simple procedure removing excess skin near the vaginal opening, but it’s still important to rest after any type of plastic surgery procedure.

Once your excess labial tissue has been removed, you’ll want to give your body time to relax and heal properly.

So, exactly how long does it take to see results from labiaplasty?

Most plastic surgeons say around four to eight weeks. It really depends on the specific surgical technique that was required, how much excess tissue you had removed, whether you had additional procedures performed (a clitoral hood reduction or labia majora surgery, for example), and how you typically heal from surgery.

Some patients simply need a bit more time to recover, and others find that they bounce back right away.

Let’s take a look at a general labiaplasty after care recovery timeline.

Immediately After Labiaplasty

Right after you undergo labiaplasty, you’ll need to take it easy. You’ll be sore, and you’ll have some labiaplasty swelling and light bleeding.

Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions for using the restroom, showering, and caring for your wounds properly. Some surgeons will prescribe medication you’ll need to take, and it may be useful to use a topical numbing cream if you’re very uncomfortable.

First Week After Labiaplasty

After one week of recovery time, you may still feel a bit of physical discomfort, but most patients are comfortable enough to return to work.

At this point, any major pain should be gone, and you’ll notice a reduction in swelling. You should not have any more bleeding, but you may notice a sensation of itchiness, which is completely normal.

Two to Four Weeks After Labiaplasty

At this point, most of the symptoms associated with recovery should be gone or greatly diminished. You may still need to refrain from activities like swimming, taking baths, going into hot tubs, and any type of strenuous physical activity, in addition to sexual intercourse and the use of tampons.

After approximately four weeks, some surgeons may clear their patients to use tampons, resume sexual intercourse, and begin exercising again. However, remember to listen to your body. Not everyone will be ready for these activities at this point, and it is certainly okay to wait.

Five to Eight Weeks After Labiaplasty

From five to eight weeks post-op, you should be seeing your results. Swelling should be completely gone somewhere within this timeframe, and you should be noticing your ultimate results.

Labiaplasty Scars

Your inner labia (labia minora) must be cut so that the area with too much tissue can be trimmed or removed. Because of this, you will have a scar on each side of your labia. The labia majora should not be affected if you are only hoping to reduce the size of your inner labia.

Fortunately, visible scars after labiaplasty surgery are difficult to see. There are two basic techniques that can be used during this surgical procedure: trim labiaplasty and wedge labiaplasty. In terms of scarring, most patients see better wedge labiaplasty results.

This is because with the wedge resection technique, the incision is perpendicular to the labia. In this way, the scar can usually be hidden inside the body.

On the other hand, the trim procedure results in a scar that runs along the length of each inner vaginal lip. And despite the fact that the scar should be somewhat hidden by the natural folds and wrinkles of the labia, it may be slightly more noticeable after healing.

FAQ: Labiaplasty Results

When will I see my non surgical labiaplasty results?

There are a few ways to perform inner labial reduction without surgery, but the results will not be as significant as with surgery. Some non surgical results (for example, Aviva labiaplasty results) can be seen right away. It may take several months to see your full results, however.

What is the satisfaction rate for labiaplasty?

The vast majority of patients are happy with their labiaplsty results. Most patients who consider this procedure have thought about it for a long time and have had significant discomfort and emotional challenges related to enlarged labia. It is a commonly performed, safe procedure, and the recovery time is typically short and worry-free.

Is labiaplasty done awake?

Most patients receive only local anesthesia, remaining fully awake during the procedure. Numbing cream can be used beforehand on the surgical area to minimize discomfort from injections. General anesthesia is also used to perform the prodecure for those that prefer.

Book Your Consultation Appointment With Dr. Steinberg

Labiaplasty can be a private and intimate topic to discuss with a plastic surgeon, so you’ll definitely want to know you’re working with an experienced professional who understands the delicacy of this procedure. A consultation appointment is critical for this reason.

Moreover, it can be difficult to find labiaplasty before and after results online. But at your consultation appointment, most surgeons have physical photos they can show you so that you better understand the procedure and what you can expect. You’ll also go over your desired outcome, labiaplasty risks and complications, labiaplasty cost, and more.

Female board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg performs labiaplasty and other plastic surgery procedures at her Houston practice. Call today to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Steinberg.