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How Can I Speed Up My Labiaplasty Recovery Time?

Loeb Staff | December 4, 2020 | Posted in Labiaplasty Surgery
woman in cross legged position

A labiaplasty is a type of plastic surgery that reduces the size or adjusts the shape of the labia minora. It’s ideally suited for women who are troubled by asymmetrical, oversized, or irregularly shaped labia, which can cause embarrassment and discomfort. After the surgery, women will usually feel fully recovered in about six to eight weeks, although some minor swelling may persist for up to six months. There are ways of supporting a speedy recovery from a labiaplasty. However, you should always defer to your surgeon’s instructions.

Get plenty of rest

Although it’s important to move around after surgery to keep your blood flowing, you’ll primarily want to rest, especially for the first few days. Avoid heavy lifting, and don’t push yourself to do more than you feel comfortable doing. It’s important to have someone at home to help you out during the first week or two.

As the swelling subsides and you start to feel more like yourself, you can return to light activities after a week or two. Continue to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and swimming for six to eight weeks. You’ll need to avoid sexual activity for the same period.

Keep ice on the area

Swelling and inflammation are quite common after surgery. You can reduce the swelling and manage your pain by applying an ice pack for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off, and so on. Icing the genital region is particularly important for the first two to three days of your recovery. A bag of frozen peas makes an excellent impromptu ice pack, as the peas will mold to fit your shape.

Keep the surgical site clean

It can be a challenge to keep the labiaplasty surgical site clean, as you will need to use the bathroom multiple times per day. Proper hygiene is best accomplished by filling a clean spray bottle with water. If you’re experiencing burning during urination, you can spritz water on the area while urinating. Otherwise, spritz water on it afterward to cleanse the skin. Pat dry with soft toilet paper—avoid wiping or rubbing.

In addition, note that you will need to avoid showering or bathing for the first 48 hours. You may wish to purchase baby wipes ahead of time to cleanse your body (avoid wiping the surgical site).

Inspect the surgical site daily

Surgical sites can sometimes develop infections. Using a hand mirror, examine it at least once per day for signs of an infection. For example, worsening redness, swelling, and abnormal discharge can be red flags, along with worsening pain and the development of a fever. An infection can set back your recovery, so don’t hesitate to call your plastic surgeon’s office if you notice any potential issues.

Schedule a labiaplasty consultation in NYC

Before deciding on any plastic surgery, it’s essential to choose a plastic surgeon who has extensive experience and sterling credentials, along with a successful track record of happy, healthy patients. In NYC, patients turn to the office of Dr. Thomas Loeb because of his board certification and exceptional credentials. Dr. Loeb will fully answer your questions and thoroughly evaluate you to ensure it’s safe for you to undergo surgery. Contact us today for a consultation for labiaplasty in NYC.

Additional Resources:

  1. Very Well Health, What to Expect After Labiaplasty Recovery in Week 1, https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-expect-after-labiaplasty-week-1-2709835
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Vaginal Rejuvenation, https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/vaginal-rejuvenation/labiaplasty
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