Labiaplasty is a surgical technique that alters the appearance of your vagina and reduces the size of labia minora. It is a quick procedure that is completed in less than an hour and is generally performed on an outpatient basis. However, the procedure requires the right preparation and you need to follow the post-surgical instructions for optimal recovery. Most patients are eager to return to their exercise routine almost immediately after the surgery. However, there is a right time and right way to do it. Dr Carmen Munteanu is a top Melbourne Plastic Surgeon and an expert on Labia Surgery. Here are her tips for exercising after Labiaplasty.
DISCLAIMER – Always follow the advice of your Labiaplasty surgeon. Here are some useful ideas to help but every patient is different and this is general information – not specific medical advice for you.
All great things start with preparation. The right preparation will allow you to recover quickly after surgery and get started on your exercise routine. Consider the following aspects:
Most people start eating healthy after the surgery to kick start their recovery process. However, doing it in advance will get you started on the right note. Aim at sleeping 8 hours a day, eat home-cooked meals which includes plenty of protein, and drink loads of water to keep you hydrated. Keeping a check on your lifestyle will ensure that your body is prepared and ready for the labia surgery.
You will need to rest and take some time off from work. Take at least one week off from work so you can rest adequately before getting back to work.;
Purchase all your prescribed medications in advance and place them on a table beside your bed. Buy groceries, do a bit of meal prep in advance so you can rest with ease and have everything in your house.
It is a good idea to get your pubic region waxed or shaved a few days before the surgery so that you don’t have to worry about it during the healing phase.
Now, let’s get started on the part that you are waiting for. The right way to exercise post labiaplasty surgery:
You are likely to have some mild discomfort during this time frame. Keep taking all the meds given by your surgeon to manage the pain. It is common to have mild bruising and swelling. Aim at resting adequately as it will help you recover. You can walk lightly around the house for a short time each day.
At this point, you will not need any pain medication and will feel a lot better. You can easily do light housework and increase the duration of your walks up to thirty minutes. After walking, you may feel a slight itching sensation on the treatment site. Avoid scratching the area and use a cold compress instead. You may also use a topical ointment on the treatment site.
At this point, your incisions have probably healed fully and your stitches should have dissolved completely. You can take up more active forms of exercise after consulting with your surgeon. Upper body workouts are generally alright to do at this point. Any exercises that do not put pressure on your incisions or vaginal area can be done at this point. Avoid using tampons and engaging in sexual intercourse.
Most patients are almost fully healed by now. Most of the swelling and bruising will be completely gone by the eight-week marker. You can do all kinds of exercises at this point. Make sure to get the final all-clear from your surgeon. You can start lifting weights, doing high impact exercises, stretching and anything which you wish to include in your routine.
Following are the tips that can help you recover faster post labiaplasty:
The most important aspect of recovery is certainly resting and taking the medications that will be prescribed by Dr Carmen and attending the follow-up visits. If you take the meds on time and visit the surgeon during follow up appointments, your recovery will be faster.
An amazing way to relieve discomfort and swelling is by using a cold compress on the treatment site. Do not apply ice directly to the surgical site as you can “ice burn” yourself. Always wrap it up in a towel and do it for a few minutes at a time. You will still be pretty numb so be very careful.
We are what we eat and it can affect how well we recover. Your body needs the right nutrients to recover and maintain great health. Include protein, vegetables, fruits, and healthy carbohydrates in your diet along with drinking lots of fluids and water. Make sure all your meals are low in sodium and not all processed. Include lots of fibers.
Cigarettes and alcohol can really hinder your recovery process and can cause complications. Hence, surgeons will advise you to quit both six weeks before and after the surgery. Both alcohol and cigarettes can increase the chances of bruising and swelling. There is also more risk of necrosis – tissue death. Don’t Smoke! Find out the Impact of Smoking on your Surgery Results.
Make sure you follow the exercise timeline when it comes to exercising – start gently. Also, check with your surgeon to find out when to return to your exercise routine. During the first four weeks, avoid all sorts of high-impact, strenuous workouts as they can do more harm than good. Wait till you are fully healed before working out.
Use a lubricant to keep the stitches moist for at least the first two weeks post-surgery. It will keep the treatment site well moisturized and prevent scab formation. Always take special care that your hands are very clean before applying the lube to avoid any kinds of infections.
Rest is a critical part of a smooth recovery after labiaplasty. Aim at sleeping for at least 8 hours per day and nap whenever you feel tired throughout the day. Your body has undergone an invasive procedure and needs time to heal.
Avoid immersing your body in water for longer durations. So hot tubs, swimming pools, and bathing must be avoided for at least a month after the surgery. Take a quick shower to clean yourself and immediately dry the area to avoid any infections.
Your surgeon’s team will guide ow to take care of your incisions and how often do you need to change your dressings. While changing, lookout for any signs of infections, pus, blood, or odour. Immediately contact your surgeon if you suspect infection.
This is one aspect that most people ignore post-surgery. Get yourself some loose, comfortable and breathable clothes that are easy to take on and off. Avoid anything too rough or too tight as it can irritate the treated area.
While rest is important, walking for a few minutes every day is too. It helps promote blood circulation in your body and prevents blood from clotting. All in all, it will give your recovery process a much-needed boost. Slowly increase the duration of your walks. Do not push yourself too hard.
Try your best to avoid constipation as it can put stress on your incisions. Eat easy-to-digest foods that are loaded with fibre. If need be, use a probiotic or stool softener/laxative as per your surgeon’s recommendation.
Sleep on your back for at least a week. Place a pillow underneath your buttocks to avoid discomfort. Aim at sleeping for at least 8 hours per night and nap throughout the day as needed.
Take care of your incisions as per your surgeon’s instructions. Make sure to keep the area clean and dry, change the dressings as directed and look out for any signs of infections. If you notice any, immediately contact your surgeon.
Read more about Dr Carmen’s Best Answers to your Questions about Labiaplasty.
Read more about Will Medicare Cover My Labiaplasty