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Everything You Need To Know: Recovery From Labiaplasty!6 min read

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For women, feeling confident about their bodies is essential and should encourage them to seek proper medical treatment for body areas that may cause daily interruptions. 

Sometimes, the genital region can be one of these areas.

That is why skilled plastic surgeons now offer a variety of procedures under the umbrella term of vaginal rejuvenation.

One of these vaginal rejuvenation procedures that are sure to solve all the aesthetic issues in your feminine area is labiaplasty.

If you’ve decided to undergo a labiaplasty procedure, you will likely have plenty of questions about it, including details about the recovery process.

So, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about your future labiaplasty procedure!

What is a Labiaplasty Procedure?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin in the labia minora or reshape them if they are abnormally formed.

Labiaplasties sometimes include plumping up the labia that have been stretched and thinned with aging or excising excess skin and tissue. 

A labiaplasty becomes medically necessary if the vaginal lips are abnormally shaped, the vaginal area has suffered tears after giving birth, or there is cancer that needs to be removed.

Labiaplasties also become advisable if the size of the labia minora causes consistent discomfort during sexual intercourse or certain types of exercise, such as biking and hiking.

A labiaplasty can also rejuvenate the vaginal area after a physically stressful event like childbirth.

Undergoing a labiaplasty will help restore a youthful appearance to the vaginal area and even reduce uncomfortable aesthetic imperfections such as “camel toes.”

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Labiaplasty

There are two types of surgical labiaplasties: the edge technique and the wedge technique.

In the edge or trim labiaplasty, excess tissue and skin are removed from your labia minora by trimming its edges.

This technique is perfect for restoring symmetry to the vaginal region.

In the wedge technique, your plastic surgeon will remove a wedge of tissue from the thickest part of your labia minora.

Ideal patients are typically women who are conscious of the appearance of their labia as well as functional issues such as pain during intercourse or discomfort wearing certain clothing. 

The most common non-surgical labiaplasty involves using naturally harvested fat or a filler to plump up the labia minora and reduce age-caused thinning.

labiaplasty surgery

How Should I Prepare for the Procedure?

Once your labiaplasty is marked on your calendar, you can take a few steps to make the entire process more comfortable.

First, make sure you have an in-depth conversation with your surgeon about your goals for the surgery.

Your surgeon may have you complete several labs or scans to assess your health and any potential risks prior to surgery.

They will also advise you on medication, clothes, and nutrition after surgery.

Make sure you have everything prepared before the procedure to reduce postoperative stress and ease the healing process.

How to Speed Up Labiaplasty Recovery Through Preparation

One key factor in undergoing your labiaplasty is preparing your body for the upcoming procedure.

Being rested before the surgery will make your recovery much easier.

Therefore, make sure you get enough sleep in the weeks preceding your labiaplasty and adhere to a healthy diet that includes plenty of water.

In addition, you will need to take some time off work following the procedure to rest well into recovery.

What Will Labiaplasty Recovery Week By Week Look Like?

Your labiaplasty recovery will take place in the comfort of your home. You will have one to two follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon during your recovery process to ensure you are healing well. Your provider may recommend abstaining from sexual activity and physical exercise during the first 6-12 weeks of recovery. In addition, you should use sanitary towels, not tampons, for the first several weeks following surgery.

Labiaplasty Recovery After 1 Week

Patients should remain at home and take all the prescribed medications during the first week of recovery.

In addition, a patient recovering from a labiaplasty should wear loose clothing and alternate 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off with an ice pack.

You can also lay with your bottom elevated to help reduce inflammation and pain.

Finally, your plastic surgeon will recommend gently washing the surgical area with water every day.

You may also experience some postsurgical side effects during the first week after your labiaplasty, such as minor bleeding, bruising, and inflammation, which will shortly go away.

Labiaplasty Recovery After 2 Weeks

On week two, you may still experience bruising, inflammation, or tenderness from the surgery.

Due to these symptoms, activities such as peeing and sitting may cause some discomfort.

Take up to two weeks off work if your side effects are slow to go away.

This way, you can ensure you are in the comfort of your own home during the most challenging part of recovery.

Continue wearing loose undergarments and clothing that does not chafe or rub the surgical area.

It would be best if you also continued washing the area and taking your prescribed medications for as long as your plastic surgeon indicates.

Labiaplasty Recovery After 3 Weeks

Around the third week of your recovery, you should notice a decrease in tenderness and bruising, although some swelling may remain.

Again, avoid physical and sexual activities and wear loose-fitting undergarments that do not cause discomfort.

Around this time, you will likely be able to comfortably return to work.

Labiaplasty Recovery After 4 Weeks

In four weeks, your recovery process will be near its completion.

Although swelling may persist for several months, other postprocedural side effects will be gone.

To allow the wound to heal properly, however, you will need to slowly ease into physical and sexual activities until six weeks after your labiaplasty.

Let Dr. Chang Guide You in Your Labiaplasty Journey!

Ready for your labiaplasty? Come meet with us at 19500 Sandridge Way, Suite 350, Leesburg, VA 20176, or call us at (703) 574-4342 for a complimentary consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang before moving forward with your procedure. If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process, from beginning to end. Also, remember to check out our blog and social media for more information on cosmetic surgery trends!

Let Us Help You!

Our office can provide you with helpful information, schedule a free consultation, and walk you through the many services and procedures we provide.

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