Labiaplasty is a surgery that changes the size or shape of the labia minora or, less commonly, the labia major. People may choose this procedure for appearance reasons or if enlarged labia minora causes discomfort. This article talks about the overall labiaplasty recovery timeline, such as getting ready for and recovering from labiaplasty, including how long it takes to recover, taking care of the surgical area, and when to reach out to the surgeon post-surgery.
Preparing for Recovery
After labiaplasty, you might feel pain, and swelling, and see some scars during recovery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) suggests resting at home and avoiding tough activities for about 1–2 weeks as part of the healing process of labiaplasty. It’s a good idea to ask friends or family for help with daily tasks ahead of time and get groceries and prescriptions before the surgery.
What to Expect
After the surgery, a person usually goes home the same day to start healing. Swelling may last for 3–6 months, and it might take about 6 months to fully see the results. If they’re not happy with how it looks, they can ask for changes after this time.
Will it be painful?
Recovery from labiaplasty might include pain and discomfort, but the surgeon usually gives them medicines to help with it.
Will there be bleeding?
After surgery, a person might notice some spotting or bleeding, need sanitary pads until it stops, but heavy bleeding is rare. If there’s heavy bleeding or the incision is opening up, they should call their surgeon.
Recovery Duration
Recovery time differs for each person. According to ASPS, most people can go back to work and regular activities within 2 weeks after surgery, but they should wait at least 6 weeks before having sex again. Swelling might last a few weeks, and full recovery might take up to 6 months.
Day one after surgery
After surgery, it’s important for the person to have a friend or family member drive them home. They might feel pain and discomfort, so it’s best to avoid strenuous activities and rest. Following the surgeon’s instructions, they should take the prescribed pain medication.
One week after surgery
After surgery, some people start feeling better by the end of their first week. They might even get back to work or other light tasks. It’s common to feel itchy during this time, too.
To help with pain and avoid infections during this week:
- Raise the area with a pillow or rolled blanket under your lower back.
Use ice on the area. - Pee in the shower or with a squirt bottle while sitting on the toilet.
- Remember, never put ice directly on your skin.
Two weeks after surgery
As time goes on, the pain might get better, but swelling might stick around for a bit. So keep cleaning the area properly and don’t push yourself too hard. Most people can go back to work and their usual routine about two weeks after surgery.
Three weeks after surgery
After three weeks, the person should see their surgeon again for a check-up. They still need to take it easy, avoiding tough stuff like biking, swimming, using tampons, or having sex. But the pain should be getting better, letting them do their usual stuff.
Four to six weeks after surgery
At six weeks after surgery, most people can get back to their normal routine, like biking, exercising, and having sex. Swelling might stick around for a while, even for months after the surgery.
When should I contact a healthcare provider?
If a person experiences any of these, they should call their surgeon:
- Fever
- Separation of the incision
- Heavy bleeding or drainage from the incision
- Pus from the stitched area
- Stitches coming undone
- Discoloration of the skin
- Pain that doesn’t go away with medicine, such as pain 3 months after labiaplasty
Aftercare Recovery from the Surgeon
The surgeon will give detailed instructions on how to take care of the surgical site. To clean it, gently rinse with water in the shower, pat it dry softly, and put on clean dressings. Don’t rub the wound or use harsh chemicals near it. The surgeon might prescribe antibiotic ointment or gel for pain relief, which you can apply gently after cleaning. Wear loose clothes and cotton underwear to avoid rubbing on the wound. Use a cushion with a dent in the middle for comfortable sitting. Follow the surgeon’s advice for activities and pain medication carefully.
When can a person engage in sexual activities?
Usually, it’s safe for a person to start having sex again about six weeks after surgery. This time allows the body to heal properly so that engaging in sexual activity won’t cause any harm or discomfort. It’s important to wait until this point to avoid putting too much strain on the body while it’s still recovering. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before resuming sexual activity to make sure it’s okay based on your individual recovery progress and any specific instructions they may have for you.
When can a person resume daily activities or return to work?
Most people can go back to work and their regular daily activities, as long as they’re not too physically demanding, about one to two weeks after surgery. This time frame allows the body to recover from the procedure and regain enough strength to handle regular tasks. However, it’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.
If your job involves heavy lifting or strenuous activities, you may need to wait a bit longer before returning to work. Always follow any specific advice given by your doctor regarding when it’s safe for you to resume your usual activities.
Keep Track of Your Labiaplasty Recovery Timeline for Proper Healing
If you’re considering labiaplasty or have already undergone the procedure, remember to prioritize your recovery. Follow your surgeon’s instructions diligently, especially regarding wound care and activity restrictions. Keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms and don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns. Your body needs time to heal properly, so be patient and give yourself the necessary rest. Ultimately, your health and well-being are your top priority.