Some women struggle with an elongated labia minora after childbirth that can cause discomfort and irritation. This problem can cause the labia to be pulled and tugged, making many things difficult, such as wearing tight clothes, riding a bike, or working out.
Also, sex can be uncomfortable with a longer labia minora, and some women are self-conscious in the bedroom because of it.
Labiaplasty can reduce the size of the labia minora, so they don’t extend below the labia majora. This procedure can be performed to fix asymmetry when one part is longer than the other.
Labiaplasty also can be done so the length of both sides is the same, so it is no longer twisted or pulled. Many patients have labiaplasty as part of their mommy makeover.
If you are considering a labiaplasty, it’s important to have as much information as possible. Please continue reading to learn more.
Labiaplasty Procedure
The most common option is the trim procedure, where the surgeon trims away the extra tissue that hangs below the labia majora.
The other option is the wedge procedure that maintains the wrinkles edges of the labia minora by taking a pie-shaped piece of tissue out.
Both procedures usually involve the use of absorbable sutures. Learn the purpose of Labiaplasty.
Some patients have other procedures during their labiaplasties such as a breast augmentation or a tummy tuck.
Preparing For Labiaplasty Recovery
Before your labiaplasty, there are a few things you should have available and other points to remember:
- Purchase a spray bottle to use after you urinate for the first few days after surgery. This will help keep the surgical site clean.
- You will need to take several days off work as well as not exercise for a few weeks. If you can’t do these things, you may want to think about doing this surgery later.
- It helps to shave the area before having labiaplasty.
- Don’t have sex for several weeks.
If you cannot abstain from sex for this time, you shouldn’t have labiaplasty. The incisions need plenty of time to heal, and if they are stressed, you may need revision surgery.
Labiaplasty Recovery
Most patients have excellent results from labiaplasty. To ensure you have the best outcome, please remember to follow the advice below.
Anti-Infection
Most surgical centers offer some kind of antibiotic treatment after labiaplasty to reduce the chances of infection. Your doctor may give you a topical medication, such as erythromycin, but others may prescribe an oral antibiotic such as cephalosporin.
If you have a topical antibiotic, you should reapply it after every vulval or perineal wash. However, you shouldn’t apply soap to your vulva during the first few weeks of recovery.
The surgeon will probably prescribe antibiotics for five days after the labiaplasty, but others may give you antibiotics for 10 days.
You shouldn’t soak in a bathtub for several weeks because this can cause infection. Taking a daily short shower is fine.
Pat the vulva clean and dry gently, and you can use a warm water rinse every day. Apply dry, clean dressings for at least five days.
Pain Control
You will likely have mild pain after labiaplasty, so taking an anti-inflammatory drug may be appropriate. Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication for you to take for three or four days.
Using ice packs also can lower pain, inflammation, and swelling. Also, you should only wear loose clothing for a month after the procedure, so you don’t get an infection.
Additional Self-Care
After labiaplasty, your surgeon may send you home that day, but others may stay overnight.
You will need someone to drive you home because you will be taking prescription pain medication.
When you arrive home, get plenty of rest by lying down as much as you can. This will help to ensure the best circulation to the incision site. You shouldn’t sit up too much because this will put pressure on the wound.
You shouldn’t work for at least a week after labiaplasty, and intense exercise is out for at least a month.
However, taking a brief walk every three or four hours during the day will speed the healing process. It also can prevent blood clots from forming in the legs.
Sitting and working hard should be avoided as much as possible for at least a month after labiaplasty.
Lifting weights or running also can strain the incisions, so you should avoid them for four to six weeks. Plus don’t smoke, as this can slow the healing process.
Most surgeons say you can wear tampons again and have sex after four to six weeks. The trim procedure usually has a faster recovery.
Labiaplasty Risks
If you use a skilled and experienced surgeon, you will probably have excellent results. But labiaplasty is surgery and there are risks.
The most common complications are infection, hematoma, and bleeding. Some surgeons also may remove too much tissue, which can lead to dryness. Taking out too much tissue also can cause excessive scarring and painful intercourse.
Healing issues happen more often with the wedge method, especially if you are exposed to substances that make the blood vessels shrink.
Labiplasty usually provides a shorter labia that doesn’t hang below the labia majora. Most women who had problems with tugging and twisting of the labia find relief from this procedure.
Patient satisfaction with this procedure is over 90%, so talk to your surgeon about labiaplasty soon.
See Also: Labiaplasty For Quality of Life
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 labiaplasty.
References
What To Expect After Labiaplasty. (2020). Accessed at https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-expect-after-labiaplasty-week-1-2709835
Post-Operative Care For Labiaplasty. (2019). Accessed at https://www.news-medical.net/health/Post-Operative-Care-for-Labiaplasty.aspx
Labiaplasty Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21953-labiaplasty
