Labiaplasty aftercare
At Merchant Medical Group, we are dedicated to supporting your recovery after labiaplasty surgery. Below, you’ll find essential aftercare instructions to help guide you through the healing process and give you an idea of what to expect. While these recommendations are general and apply to most patients, please keep in mind that recovery times can vary, and some individuals may heal more quickly than others. We are here to answer any questions and ensure your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Before you leave the hospital
MEDICATIONS
You will receive prescribed painkillers to take home, along with numbing gel for additional comfort.
CHANGE OF DRESSINGS
We recommend using simple pant liners over your wounds, which should be changed regularly to ensure proper hygiene and healing.
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS FOR DRESSING CLINICS
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for a wound check with a nurse. This will allow us to monitor your healing progress and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Labiaplasty instructions
- Have someone drive you home after surgery.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Your labia minora will look very different immediately after surgery compared to what they will look like in a few weeks. Do not be alarmed by this!
- Your mood may fluctuate after surgery, and you may doubt having had the procedure. Don’t worry; this is normal, and you will feel better as the pain and swelling ease and your wounds heal.
- Start walking gently as soon as possible to help reduce swelling and lower the chance of blood clots. Do not overdo it.
- Blood staining on the inside of your dressings is expected during the first few days.
- You will experience discomfort and pain, typically worse over the first 48 hours after surgery. These will ease gradually. Take pain medication as prescribed. If you have been provided with numbing gel, you can use this as needed. Your need for painkillers should reduce after the first few days.
- Cold compresses can be helpful in the first 48 hours. Use these only with a thin pad or undergarment between the wounds and the compress. Only use cold compresses while awake, and never apply them directly to your skin wounds.
- Follow a balanced diet. Decreased activity may promote constipation, so consider adding more raw fruit and fiber to your diet. Increase fluid intake. It is important to avoid constipation, as straining may increase the risk of bleeding. A gentle laxative such as Lactulose may also help.
When can I go back to work after labiaplasty?
Wound Care Instructions
- Showering/Bathing: Shower daily with mild baby shampoo or shower gel. Pat the area dry with a towel and allow it to air dry. A warm, salty bath (up to 15 minutes) can help soothe the area.
- After Urination: Clean the area with warm salty water after urinating to reduce stinging.
- Swelling: Swelling is common in the first week and may worsen before improving. It usually subsides within 7-10 days. If swelling feels hard or tender, it may be due to a small blood collection.
- Cold Compresses: Apply cold compresses in the first 48 hours, with a thin pad or undergarment between the compress and the wounds. Use while awake, and never directly on the skin.
- Healing: By week 3, swelling should reduce and wounds should heal. Some small openings or asymmetries may remain but will heal over time.
- Dissolvable Stitches: Dissolvable stitches may cause irritation and should disappear by the end of week 4. Any remaining stitches will rub off naturally.
Activities after labiaplasty
You may bathe or shower once home. Daily showers are recommended, and a warm salty bath can help with healing. Use a mild baby shampoo or shower gel. Dry gently with a towel and apply antibiotic ointment for the first few days.
Avoid smoking for at least two weeks, as it can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
Avoid alcohol while taking pain medications. Even without pain meds, it’s best to refrain from alcohol for at least three weeks, as it may increase swelling.
Sleep in a position that is comfortable for you.
Avoid driving for at least 4-5 days, as pain medications and discomfort may impair your ability to drive safely.
Light exercise can be resumed at around 4 weeks. Use lubrication if necessary to prevent rubbing, and gradually return to full exercise by 6 weeks.
Avoid intercourse for 4-6 weeks or until your wounds are fully healed. Use a good lubricant, and take it slow when resuming activity.
Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing.
Do not use tampons until the area is fully healed.
We recommend waiting at least four weeks after surgery before traveling, to ensure proper healing and avoid potential complications.
Follow-up
- 1 Week After Your Operation: A follow-up appointment with the nurse will be scheduled 1 week after your surgery to check your recovery and ensure there are no issues. There are no stitches or dressings to remove. If you live far away, this appointment can usually be skipped.
- 4-6 Months After Surgery: You will have a follow-up with your surgeon at 4-6 months to discuss the results of your surgery and address any concerns.
- Please Note: Some patients may reach out before the 4-6 month appointment. We’re happy to address any concerns over the phone or via email. If you prefer to be seen in person, you can schedule an appointment (at no extra cost) before your 4-6 month follow-up.
When to Call
- Increased Swelling or Bruising: If you notice swelling or bruising that is not settling and feels hard or painful.
- Bleeding: If you experience bleeding that does not stop.
- Severe or Increased Pain: If you have severe pain that is not relieved by medication.
- High Temperature: If you have a temperature over 38°C (100.4°F).
- Discharge from Incisions: If you notice persistent yellowish or greenish discharge from the incisions.
- Concern: If you are concerned about any aspect of your recovery, please get in touch with the hospital where your procedure was performed.
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