The labiaplasty recovery timeline is the period following labiaplasty — a surgical procedure that reduces and/or reshapes a woman’s inner labia, or labia minora. (The labia majora are the outer folds of the vulva.)
Although it is not frequently discussed, the problem of having extra-long inner labia can be both physically bothersome and emotionally embarrassing for many women. Less pronounced labia can help women feel more confident and make them more comfortable in underwear, bathing suits, and other clothing. Many women seek a labiaplasty to help bring their inner labia into proportion with their labia majora.
Labiaplasty surgery procedure can also address issues related to vaginal dryness and incontinence.
During your labiaplasty healing process, you will experience some bruising, swelling, and light spotting. For the most part, your entire labiaplasty healing timeline will be relatively short and relaxed. Patients should take it easy and focus on maintaining healthy habits and getting plenty of rest.
Let’s take a closer look at the healing process and what you should expect during each phase of recovery. First, though, here’s a closer look at what labiaplasty surgery actually includes.
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is the reduction or alteration of the inner labia. Rarely, the outer labia can also be altered. Most of the time, it is the inner labia that patients want to amend so that it is more in proportion to the labia majora.
The main reason patients want to alter their inner labia after childbirth is comfort. Extra-long inner labia can be uncomfortable, especially in underwear, bikini bottoms, or tight jeans.
Patients are also interested in shortening their inner labia to improve the labia’s appearance, increase pleasure during sexual intercourse, reduce swelling, and improve their overall confidence.
Labiaplasty Recovery Week by Week
The majority of patients require a week off from work. Here’s what to expect during the labiaplasty healing time week by week!
Directly After Surgery
Make sure to rest as much as possible directly after your surgery and refrain from sexual activity. Make yourself comfortable at home. Get some help with meals, childcare, pain medication, and other chores so that you can prioritize sleep and rest. Some patients actually pick up their prescribed pain medication prior to surgery, but not all plastic surgeons allow for this.
You will experience some discomfort and swelling of the labia minora as well as some light bleeding during the recovery period. Use your anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications as prescribed to manage pain and keep swelling of the labia minora at a minimum.
First 1 to 3 Days
During the first few days after surgery, you will have some continued pain and soreness. This is what the pain relieving medication is for. There will be light bruising and swelling as well, and you may experience additional light spotting also. This spotting should decrease with each passing day.
After about the third day, you should be able to start walking. Being mobile after your surgery with normal activities (no strenuous activities and nothing too physically demanding, just your usual activities of daily life) will aid in your recovery and increase blood flow and circulation. According to our experience as well as healthcare professional peer reviewed studies, cold compresses can help to reduce pain too.
1 Week After Labiaplasty
Continue resting and getting plenty of sleep during the first week of the recovery process. Most patients are able to return to work after one week in recovery. During the second week, continue to avoid strenuous activities, but do get up and walk around frequently to promote circulation.
4 to 6 Weeks Post-Surgery
During the first three or four weeks after surgery, you should not smoke or drink alcohol. Be sure to drink lots of water each day, and eat a healthy diet.
In regards to your labiaplasty after four weeks, you may be able to return to your regular exercise routine at this time. However, talk to Dr. Smita about this to be sure your incision sites are healed well enough. For most patients, it will be at least a month before real physical activity (exercise) can be reintroduced.
Patients are usually able to return to tampon use and pubic hair maintenance, if desired, at around four to six weeks after surgery as well. Some residual swelling mild pain may persist throughout this time.
6 Months After Labiaplasty
Most patients will not experience any symptoms aside from light swelling by two months post-surgery. Once you fully recover by the six month mark, scar tissue has formed, sexual activity can resume, all of the remaining swelling should be gone, and you will be fully healed.
* Keep in mind that this is the recovery timeline for labiaplasty alone. If labiaplasty is part of a combination procedure such as a mommy makeover, the recovery timeline for a mommy makeover may be different.
How Painful is Recovery from Labiaplasty?
While you will experience some discomfort and soreness, which will peak in the first few days after the procedure, labiaplasty is not generally known as a painful procedure. The pain should be dull and localized and should subside within a week.
One good way to understand the discomfort levels you should expect after labiaplasty is to read some recovery testimonials from patients who have actually experienced the procedure and subsequent recovery.
Also be aware that pain medications can be prescribed for discomfort. If discomfort is too severe or prolonged, call your surgeon for an additional plastic surgery follow up appointment. Your board certified plastic surgeon will want to rule out possible complications such as problems with labiaplasty stitches, a bacterial infection, or other health concerns.
Labiaplasty Recovery Process Tips
Help speed up your recovery from labiaplasty with these useful tips.
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- Restrict your activity level. Take it easy for the first few weeks.
- Ask for help at home. Arrange for childcare and have a friend or family member stop by to assist with meals, chores, and errands.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol after surgery.
- Eat a healthy diet full of protein and fiber.
- When you are cleared to exercise, start taking short, frequent walks to promote circulation.
- Take your medications as prescribed.
- Rest and get plenty of sleep. When you’re not sleeping, this is a great time to catch up on your favorite TV shows, immerse yourself in a good novel, or chat with friends over the phone. Relaxation is the order of the day.
Labiaplasty Recovery Week by Week FAQ
How Long Does It Take For Vagina To Look Normal After Labiaplasty?
The main reason why the vaginal area may not look “normal” right after labiaplasty is due to swelling. Slight bruising, bleeding and physical discomfort may be initially present as well. However, all of these symptoms will diminish quickly.
The swelling will take the longest to go away, and sometimes, patients still have a bit of swelling even six months out from surgery but a cold compress can help alleviate the symptoms.
Still, patients should feel confident with the appearance of surgical scars in their labia right away, and the overall look should be back to “normal” after about four to six weeks. This is generally the point at which patients are able to safely resume intercourse as well.
How Long Does Labiaplasty Swelling Last?
Residual swelling from a labiaplasty procedure may last up to six months. However, the majority of the swelling you experience after outpatient procedure should be gone after the first four to six weeks.
Are There Side Effects After Labiaplsty?
Labiaplasty surgery side effects may include soreness, swelling, light bleeding, and bruising. Most side effects should go away within one week.
What Can You Not do After Labiaplasty?
To optimize post-operative recovery after labiaplasty, it is crucial to minimize activity. Refrain from engaging in exercise, sexual activity, strenuous physical activity, or lifting objects weighing over 5 lbs for a duration of one month. Adhering to these activity limitations will effectively reduce the risk of bleeding and excessive swelling at the surgical site.
Will Insurance Cover Labiaplasty?
Typically, insurance does not cover labiaplasty because it is a cosmetic procedure, requiring patients to pay out of pocket. Rarely, coverage may apply if deemed medically necessary.
Should I Air Out My Labiaplasty?
Yes, allowing your surgical area to air out is beneficial for healing after you undergo labiaplasty. Gentle air exposure helps keep the area dry and can help prevent infection. However, this should be done carefully and hygienically.
You can air out the area while lying down in a clean, private space for 10-15 minutes several times a day. Avoid tight clothing during recovery, and opt for loose, breathable cotton underwear or go without underwear when resting at home. Always ensure your hands are clean before any contact with the surgical area.
When Can I Sit Normally After Labiaplasty?
Most patients can begin sitting more comfortably within 1-2 weeks after labia surgery, though this varies based on individual healing progress. Initially, you may need to use a donut cushion or sit at an angle to avoid direct pressure on the area.
Severe pain while sitting should gradually decrease with prescription pain medication and proper care. By week 3-4, many patients can sit normally for longer periods. Listen to your body throughout your healing journey and gradually increase sitting time as comfort allows for a smooth recovery.
How Long Do Labiaplasty Stitches Take to Heal?
Labiaplasty stitches typically dissolve and heal within 2-3 weeks after surgery. The exact timeline depends on your individual healing and the type of sutures used. During the first week, you may experience some discomfort that can be managed with medication for pain relief.
The area will be tender, but severe discomfort should subside within the first few days. Most surgeons use dissolvable sutures that don’t require removal. Monitor your healing and contact your surgeon if you notice any signs of infection or delayed healing.
How to Clean Yourself After Labiaplasty?
Proper cleaning is essential to prevent infection and ensure proper healing after surgery. Gently rinse the area with warm water 2-3 times daily, avoiding soap directly on the incision sites. Pat the area dry with a clean, soft towel; never rub.
Use a peri-bottle or handheld showerhead for gentle cleansing. Avoid baths, swimming, or submerging the area until your surgeon approves. Change into clean, loose cotton underwear frequently, avoiding tight garments that can irritate the healing tissue. This careful hygiene routine supports your recovery.
How to Soften Labiaplasty Scars?
Scar softening typically begins 4-6 weeks after surgery, once initial healing is complete and your surgeon approves scar treatment. Monitor your healing carefully before starting any scar management.
Gentle massage with vitamin E oil or silicone-based scar gels can help soften tissue once the area has healed sufficiently. Some patients find relief through gentle, circular motions during massage. Avoid tight garments that might irritate developing scars. Your recovery is unique, so consult your surgeon before beginning any scar treatment to ensure it won’t interfere with healing.
Contact Our Office Today To Schedule Your Labiaplasty Consultation
Dr. Smita is a female double board-certified plastic surgeon in Jersey performing labiaplasty and other cosmetic surgery procedures for patients throughout New Jersey.
To learn more about the labiaplasty surgery procedure and find out if you’re a good candidate for surgery, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ramanadham.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-to-expect-at-every-stage-of-your-labiaplasty