Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of the labia minora (inner lips) of the vagina. This surgery not only improves the cosmetic appearance of the labia but can also help with other issues, including recurring infections, discomfort, or pain during exercise or intimacy.
Dr. Adrian Lo would like to make you aware that the size of a woman’s labia is influenced by several factors, including genetics, hormones, age, pregnancy, and birth. He performs labiaplasty procedures to sculpt smaller, more proportional labia, helping to restore your confidence and enhance your quality of life.
What to Expect From Labiaplasty Recovery
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure performed using local or twilight sedation anesthesia. It takes approximately one hour, and the recovery typically takes less than 1 week. Dr. Lo will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.
Below, we detail what to expect from each stage of healing.
Day of Labiaplasty Surgery
Because labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, you can return home immediately after surgery.
Tips to ease your first day:
- You must arrange for someone to drive you home and pick up prescription pain medications, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory pain relievers.
- You may use an ice pack or cold compress to help ease discomfort.
- Avoid wiping with toilet paper when using the restroom, and rinse your labia with cool water instead. This will reduce discomfort and help keep the area clean to help avoid infection.
- You may want to use a doughnut pillow to help keep your hips elevated when lying down and relieve pressure when sitting.
Days Two and Three
After your labiaplasty, you may experience light bleeding, so Dr. Lo recommends wearing a feminine pad for the first couple of days. This also helps keep the area clean and dry, which aids healing. Any bleeding should subside by days two and three. Continue using ice or a cold compress to help with swelling and discomfort, and take anti-inflammatory medications.
Make sure you rest and hydrate. You’re allowed to shower at this point, so follow your post-operative instructions for proper cleansing of your genital area to avoid infection.
Days Four and Five
By days four and five, swelling should have gone down significantly, and you should be able to start moving around more easily. Now is the time to slowly walk around your home to increase blood flow to the surgical area, which encourages healing. Don’t overdo your activity, and continue applying ice and taking medications as recommended.
It’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing made of breathable material while healing, avoiding anything tight or restrictive.
Days Six and Seven
By the end of the first week, your stitches will have begun to dissolve, and your incisions will start to heal. You can return to work and most of your everyday activities; however, you should still avoid anything strenuous, eat healthy, and get adequate rest to speed up healing.
Keep the incision area clean and moist to help avoid scar formation and to alleviate itching during healing. Make sure your hands are clean when applying lubricant.
Week Two
Continue light walking, and while your swelling will have decreased significantly, you should continue taking anti-inflammatories and icing as needed. You must also avoid baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools for at least another two weeks.
Avoid penetration of any kind, including tampon use, until cleared by Dr. Lo.
Week Three
You will be able to move around and sit much more comfortably. You may still notice mild swelling, but this is normal and may take a few months to subside completely.
Continue to exercise lightly and listen to your body. If you feel tired or the surgical area feels uncomfortable, stop and rest.
Week Four
By the fourth week, you should be able to resume all of your normal activities. Talk to Dr. Lo and make sure you receive his go-ahead before jumping back into strenuous exercise and other activities. Labiaplasty surgery typically requires six weeks of recovery for complete healing, so you want to make sure that you follow his instructions.
Learn More About Labiaplasty in Philadelphia
If you’re uncomfortable with the appearance of your labia or are experiencing functional issues because of it, it may be time to consider labiaplasty surgery. As a highly trained and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lo has the knowledge and skills to provide excellent results, treating you kindly and compassionately throughout the process.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 215-829-6900 or fill out our online contact form.