While a labiaplasty is not the most invasive of surgical procedures, it still comes with a recovery period. As such, it’s important for patients to know what they need to do to minimize the chance of post-surgical complications and heal quickly and comfortably.
Follow the Instructions Provided
Instructions will be provided before patients go home after their labiaplasty procedure. These instructions need to be followed very carefully in order to avoid issues during the recovery period. The details will typically include caring and cleaning for the affected area, following various activity modifications, and taking time off from work.
Take Medications as Prescribed
Following a labiaplasty session, patients will be provided with prescriptions for medications that they will need to take during recovery. Antibiotics will be prescribed to help prevent infections. While pain after labiaplasty is relatively mild and short-lived, pain medication will also be prescribed to be used by those who need it. Take these medications as directed to ensure effective results.
Apply a Cold Compress
There will be swelling, sometimes bruising, and mild discomfort following labiaplasty. Applying a cold compress will help to soothe discomfort and reduce swelling. A cold compress can be used multiple times a day. It’s important to avoid keeping it on the area for longer than 15 minutes each time, since this can result in damage to the skin.
No Sexual Intercourse
After labiaplasty, patients will need to abstain from sexual intercourse for six to eight weeks. This will allow their incisions to heal properly. Reopening incisions can lead to complications and prolong the healing process.
Eat Healthy
Proper nutrition provides the body with what it needs in order to speed up the recovery process after the procedure. A lot of the bodily functions rely on a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, nuts, and leafy greens. A good diet will also result in a stronger immune system, which is vital when healing from the procedure.
Avoid Drinking and Smoking
Drinking and smoking have been known to affect the speed of recovery after a surgical procedure. They can inhibit many of the body’s functions, such as blood circulation and oxygen delivery, and can increase the presence of toxins in the bloodstream. While not required, by quitting these habits during labiaplasty recovery, patients will heal faster.
No Strenuous Activities
It’s very important for patients to avoid any activity that could put a strain on their bodies while they are still healing from the labiaplasty. This applies to both fitness routines and work. Patients are advised to rest as much as possible during this time and to avoid stress as much as possible.
Light Exercise
Patients will benefit from gentle movement while they are recovering from labiaplasty. Short strolls would be the best option. The idea is to promote blood circulation, which is important for the recovery of the body after an operation.
As the patient heals, these light exercises can gradually increase in duration and intensity until the patient has fully recovered. Even light exercise should be avoided early after surgery. Our staff will guide you on when you can start increasing your activity.
Learn More Today
Learn more of the best tips for recovering from labiaplasty—contact Ganchi Plastic Surgery for your personalized consultation. Dr. Parham Ganchi is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience.