Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that can help improve cosmetic and health concerns in the vaginal area. It involves reshaping and resizing the labia to improve contour while reducing any discomfort you might have. The procedure can reduce any pain you might be experiencing while having intercourse, wearing tight clothes or exercising. This article covers Recovery after Labiaplasty and contains helpful tips from Dr Carmen – A Female Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne
It is an important question to ask yourself. Being in good physical health is vital for you to qualify for the procedure. Your skin needs to have good elasticity. If your labia is causing discomfort, Labiaplasty can be the right procedure for you. You may be eligible for a Medicare subsidy for a Labiaplasty if you meet the specific conditions. The only way to know for sure whether it is the procedure for you or not is by visiting a plastic surgeon.
Like any other surgery, Labiaplasty also comes with a recovery period. It involves taking plenty of rest, avoiding activity, and taking care of your incisions. It is important to be aware of the recovery timeline prior to getting into the surgery so you can make adequate arrangements.
You will be allowed to go home immediately after the surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe you a handful of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to take after Labiaplasty. Make sure you arrange for someone to drive you home in advance.
By day two and three, your bleeding will completely subside. You can use a cold compress to ease away the discomfort. The cold compress also helps with swelling and ease skin inflammation.
You can start walking lightly around your house. Your vagina will start to look fairly normal again. Continue with the medication and cold therapy to prevent infections and reduce swelling.
You will most likely go up on a follow-up appointment. If you have any removable stitches, they will be removed at this point. Your healing will speed up from this point onward.
Continue with the light walking and keep taking on medications that are given by your surgeon. You can skip on the cold compress as your swelling will significantly go down.
You will be able to sit comfortably and move around the house with ease. You will feel a lot less sensitive and tender. You can start with some other less strenuous exercises.
You can resume all your day to day activities. You can start with your exercise routine. But make sure to confirm with your surgeon.
Pre-surgery planning is an important part of how your recovery will go. Here is what you need to do before labiaplasty surgery:
It is common to experience slight pain and discomfort after any surgical procedure, including Labiaplasty. The discomfort will be most prominent in week one. Some women experience itching down there, combined with discomfort.
Now that you have a clear understanding of how week by week recovery will look like, how to manage the pain, let’s get to some actual tips that will help your body heal faster:
The reason most people are asked to take two weeks off from work is that they need rest post-surgery. It is hands down the most important thing that will help you heal effectively. Sleep 8 hours a day and rest as much as you possibly can throughout the day. If possible, get someone to help you around the house for the first two weeks, so you don’t have to worry about house chores.
The next most important thing after adequate rest is what you put into your body. It is important to eat healthily, avoid junk and drink loads and loads of water. Stick to fibre rich foods. Eat plenty of fruits, veggies and healthy proteins, along with keeping your body hydrated.
Alcohol and Cigarettes can slow down the recovery process, can cause bruising and will result in an uncomfortable recovery. Stay clear of smoking and drinking for four to six weeks before and after the surgery.
Moisture can cause bacteria to build up, which can lead to infections. Keep your wounds clean and dry at all times. It includes changing your dressing as needed, looking for signs of infection, blood and pus. You can also wear an absorbent pad to keep the area clean and dry.
Before you even enter the hospital for surgery. Buy some easy, breezy, loose pair of trousers that you can wear during the recovery phase. Choose materials that are breathable and won’t cling to your skin. You won’t be able to wear tight-fitting clothes for quite a while, so make sure to do any shopping in advance.
When you are stitched down there, constipation is certainly your worst enemy. Eat plenty of fibre-rich foods, drink loads of water and take over the counter laxatives if needed (after consulting with your surgeon). It will help you avoid any pain and straining after surgery.
Remember us talking about keeping the area clean and dry? You have to skip baths as it can increase the chance of getting infections. Stick to shower for the first four weeks post-surgery. As we are on the subject baths, avoid saunas and swimming pools as well till you are fully healed.
Never ever skip on follow up appointments. They are as important as the surgery itself. During these appointments, your surgeon ensures that you are healing properly and there are no complications. Also, take all your painkillers and antibiotics on time.
After one week, it is important to walk lightly around the house to reduce the chances of getting blood clots. If you feel any pain and discomfort, take a rest and resume it at a later time.
Dr Carmen can give you a lubricant to use after the surgery. It will keep the sutures moist and avoid itching and scab formation. Make sure your hands are clean prior to applying the lubricant.
Want to know more about Labiaplasty? Or need more information about the recovery period. Get in touch with us, and we will arrange a consultation for you with a specialist plastic surgeon.