Learn how to care for your incisions after undergoing labiaplasty i.e. labia reduction surgery, and know what to expect while recovering.

Labiaplasty surgery is regularly performed as an outpatient procedure. Recovery time after surgery often breaks down as follows:

  • 60-90 minutes in the recovery area while recovering from anesthesia after which you will be discharged to go home.
  • 36 hours pampering yourself at home using a fresh ice pack every 1-2 hours while awake to help reduce swelling. Swelling can be very prominent for 1-2 weeks.
  • 48-72 hours e. 2-3 days before you can go back to light work or desk work. This does not include jobs which require heavy lifting, straddling objects or strenuous activity.
  • 1 week before you resume full daily activities like walking moderate distances, shopping and running daily errands.
  • 2 weeks before most of the superficial swelling dissipates.
  • 3-4 weeks before you may resume upper body weight lifting and an elliptical exercise machine (but no straining of the pelvic floor, squatting, lunges, and running).
  • 6 weeks before you may have sex and impact exercise.
  • 6-8 months before the deep edema and firmness resolves and the tissue softens.

What to Expect: Day 1-2

Swelling & discomfort. In fact, you will experience swelling and bruising for a few weeks after surgery. Asymmetric swelling, which is when one side swells more than the other, is common so make sure to wear loose clothing. Avoid thongs, bikinis or tight jeans as their use can result in rubbing, which can hurt and prolong recovery.

To deal with the swelling apply cold compresses wrapped in a towel to avoid frostbite.  We recommend using frozen peas from your local grocery store. Keep one or two bags of peas in the freezer while you are using the other to ice down the surgery. After 1 to 2 hours, replace the thawed bag of peas with a newly frozen one. You may experience stinging with urination, which is normal. Just make sure to keep the area clean by using a hand sprayer as often as necessary and pat the area dry as needed or using a hairdryer to gently dry the area.

Mild pain. Since the procedure is performed under anesthesia, Marcaine or another long-lasting pain suppressor will be administered. This will prevent you from feeling any pain until about 2 hours after surgery. To manage pain and discomfort post-op you will be given pain medication by your doctor that you must take as directed. Depending on your unique condition, your prescribed medication may vary as follows:

  • o Narcotics – including Norco, Percocet, Lortab or Vicodin.
  • o Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories – Toradol 10 mg by mouth every 6 hours for 2.5 days and then follow up with Motrin 800 mg 3x per day for 10 days.  

In addition to these medications, it is also recommended that you take your daily doses of vitamins and herbal supplements. In fact, your doctor is likely to prescribe Arnica and Bromelain pills before and after surgery for up to 3 months post-op to help with the bruising and swelling.

Your doctor may also recommend the use of stool softeners to reduce the risk of straining during your bowel movements. The feeling of constipation is common post-op, so in addition to plenty of water and prune juice any of the following may alleviate any discomfort: Milk of Magnesia, Colace, Metamucil, Miralax, Fibercon, Dulcolax suppositories, and even Fleets Enemas.

Mild blood or discharge drainage. This is totally normal. Make sure to use feminine pads to absorb any blood or discharge produced by surgery. Avoid using tampons of any kind during your entire recovery time. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any excessive bleeding, odorous discharge, fever, or increase swelling.

What to Expect: Day 6-7

Around this time you will start to experience itching around your stitches due to healing. This is totally normal. If needed, buy over the counter Benadryl and take as directed as this will help with the itching. Continue to care of the area as you have and expect the swelling to subside a little bit more each day. You should continue to limit your activities and avoid any heavy lifting (including lifting children), extraneous activities, or swimming. You will be due for your first post-op doctor appointment around this time.

What to Expect: Day 15

Continue to care of the area as you have while gradually resuming mild to moderate activities, like strolling. Do not engage in impact exercises like jogging or aerobics. If an activity feels uncomfortable stop immediately and wait to resume in a few more days.

What to Expect: Week 6

Around this time, you will gradually resume all normal activities, including sex. The result of your surgery won’t be complete until 4 to 6 months after. With some good care and patience, you will be happy with the results.