Labiaplasty Aftercare

In 2013 the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found that over 5000 women had labiaplasty performed, a 44 percent increase from the previous year. Many women are concerned about the recovery process once the procedure has been performed, but there shouldn’t be too much to be concerned about as the recovery process is similar to that associated with any minor surgery.

It is normal for patients to experience mild discomfort after a labiaplasty procedure (not unlike other cosmetic surgeries), and this should not last beyond the first few days after surgery. In order to minimize the discomfort, the following steps can be taken:

• Use ice packs to control the swelling
• Take regular sitz baths to keep the vaginal area clean; you can also use baby wipes, but avoid wiping. Pat instead.
• Sleep with a pillow below your buttocks
• Take the necessary ointments and antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor
• Avoid tight clothing in the affected area
• Sleep flat on your back for up to a week
• Keep a pillow under buttocks to reduce swelling
• A yeast infection may develop, in which case you can take diflucan or any other medication prescribed by your doctor
• If you develop a rash or an allergic reaction to any of the prescribed medications, call your doctor immediately
• Constipation may be a side effect of pain medication and anaesthesia, you can use over the counter laxatives for this
• Avoid ocean or pool water after surgery
• No tanning or sun exposure to the incisions until they have healed completely
• No rigorous exercise or strenuous activity
• Avoid sexual activity
• Avoid tampons and other feminine hygiene products

The following is a general time frame of what activities can be resumed after labiaplasty:

• After 24 hours showering can be resumed
• Return to work after three to seven days
• After three to four weeks you can bathe in a tub
• Exercise after two to four weeks
• Resume driving once you have finished all narcotics
• Resume sexual activity after six weeks
• See the final results in three months

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. If you want aftercare that is specific for your situation you should consult your doctor for a detailed post-operative daily routine. He/she will best be able to prescribe medication and after care measures that is effective and suitable for your physical condition and situation. Remember, once you follow these directives as best as you can, you should not have any major issues.