Over the past few years, labiaplasty has become increasingly popular. Labial reduction is commonly sought by patients who feel uncomfortable wearing tight clothing or are self-conscious about their appearance. Typically, lipoplasties are performed as outpatient surgeries under local anestethics. The treatment is generally well tolerated, with high satisfaction rates reported. Here are five tips suggested by Toronto-based gynecologist Dr David Gerber, on how to optimize labiaplasty aftercare:
Incision Care
Taking care of the incision is one of the most important aspects of labiaplasty aftercare. The day after surgery, you may resume showering. Leading labia reduction surgeon Dr David Gerber recommends gently washing your incisions with soap and running water for the first two weeks after surgery. Gently pat the region dry afterwards and apply a light application of vaseline and a thin pad in your undergarment. It is common for mild bleeding to occur during early healing. Over the first few days, this will decrease to light spotting.
Follow up Care after Labiaplasty Surgery
There are some things to keep an eye out for when you’re recovering from your labiaplasty surgery. When you come home from your surgery, you will likely be prescribed some pain medication and an anti-inflammatory. Make sure you take your prescribed medications as directed and make sure to keep taking the anti-inflammatory medication once it is prescribed for longer than the prescribed time. You will also likely be given some ice packs to help with the swelling. Wrap the ice packs in a towel or use an elastic band to hold it in place if it’s too big for your hand. When you come home from the hospital, it is important to wear a compression garment. This will help to reduce swelling and keep your stitches from pulling up. You will likely be instructed to wear your compression garment at night and during the day for the first few days after surgery.
Recovery Time after Labiaplasty and When to Expect Results
There is no magic formula for how long you will take to recover from labiaplasty, explains Dr David Gerber. It depends on your specific health condition and the extent of the surgery. Your doctor will advise you on how long you will need to rest and how you can best speed up the healing process. While labiaplasty recovery time is not longer than most other surgeries, you need to take it easy when you come home from the hospital. You will likely be prescribed some pain medication and an anti-inflammatory. Make sure you take your prescribed medications as directed and make sure to keep taking the anti-inflammatory medication as well.
Final Steps of Postoperative Care
There are several steps you will need to follow after your surgery to help your body heal as quickly and fully as possible. You will likely be prescribed some pain medication and an anti-inflammatory. Make sure you take your prescribed medications as directed.
It is important to avoid exercise, strenuous activity, or heavy lifting for one month following labiaplasty. These activity restrictions will lower risk of bleeding and increased swelling at the surgical site. When you are standing, the labial tissues are dependant. Swelling may increase when you stand for any length of time during early healing. Increased friction may also result at the incisions with prolonged walking. For the first 48 hours, applying cold compresses while lying down is important to reduce swelling.