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If you’re considering labiaplasty but want to know more about what to expect following the procedure, here’s an overview of a typical labiaplasty recovery timeline.
Women who are concerned about the size or shape of their labia may be considering if labiaplasty, which is a surgical cosmetic procedure that permanently alters the appearance of the labia by removing excess skin from the area, could be a good solution for them.
Labiaplasty is a surgical cosmetic procedure that permanently alters the appearance of the labia by removing excess skin from the area. It’s important to note that individual experiences with the procedure can vary. The recovery process can be a key concern which deters suitable candidates from proceeding with the treatment.
The first few days after labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is usually performed as a day procedure with either local or general anaesthetic to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Immediately following the procedure, while the anaesthesia is still in effect, some patients may not experience discomfort. However, individual experiences can vary, and some patients may experience discomfort as the anaesthesia wears off. As this can take some time, it’s important to arrange for someone to drive you home from the clinic or hospital and stay with you overnight while you rest.
In the first few days following labiaplasty, your labia will appear swollen as your body supplies extra blood to the area to aid the healing process. It’s also common for the area to feel itchy and you may notice some blood-tinged drainage which is completely normal. If you notice a strong odour, excessive drainage or you are experiencing significant pain following the procedure, you should contact your surgeon immediately.
It’s likely the itching and swelling around the area will continue for most of the first week—during this time you can use a cold compress to minimise the swelling and bruising. Make sure you keep the area as clean and dry as possible. You may also require some pain relief medication to help you feel comfortable as you recover.
While some patients may be able to resume light activities the day after the procedure, it’s important to listen to your body and allow adequate time for recovery. The timeline for resuming normal or strenuous activities can vary for each individual.
1-2 weeks labiaplasty recovery
While your labia won’t return to normal for some time yet, the majority of the swelling and itching should have subsided after one week. It’s common for the labia to still feel tender at this point, however any pain caused by the procedure should have lessened meaning you’re less likely to require as much pain relief medication as you may have immediately following the procedure.
Some patients may be able to return to non-strenuous work within 1-2 weeks, but it’s important to remember that the recovery timeline can vary for each individual. It’s important to continue to keep the area as clean and dry as possible to avoid infection.
3-5 weeks labiaplasty recovery
By this point, some patients may feel relatively normal and able to resume their regular lifestyle and fitness regime. However, it’s important to remember that the recovery timeline can vary for each individual. It is still important to avoid sexual intercourse as the increased friction and blood flow to the area could be detrimental to your recovery.
It’s likely the treatment area will still feel firm as the scar tissue continues to heal. If your surgeon used dissolvable stitches during the procedure, these should also disappear around this time.
6-8 weeks labiaplasty recovery
Some patients may have made a full recovery by this point and are able to resume all their regular activities, including sexual intercourse. However, it’s important to remember that the recovery timeline can vary for each individual. While you shouldn’t be pressured to have sexual intercourse until you feel ready, by this stage the skin around the treatment area should be strong enough to withstand the increased friction.
You may still notice some scar tissue under the skin’s surface which will gradually soften over several months. It’s also common for the procedure to leave a faint scar which will fade over time and is generally very hard to notice when hidden among the labia minora tissue.
Labiaplasty at Me Clinic
With clinics in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and a range of other locations, Me Clinic has a team of experienced cosmetic surgeons in Australia.
We have a long history in the field of cosmetic surgery, with over 35 years of experience, and provide a discreet and welcoming environment to ensure you feel comfortable to explore the available treatment options and decide if labiaplasty surgery is right for you.
Find out more about labiaplasty at Me Clinic or contact us to arrange a personal consultation with one of our surgeons.
