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A Complete Guide to Labiaplasty Recovery & Aftercare

Labiaplasty Recovery

When choosing to undergo a labiaplasty procedure, it’s important to understand the downtime required, the recovery timeline, and what aftercare you will need to follow to ensure a smooth recovery.

In this blog, we will provide a guide to labiaplasty recovery and aftercare so you can understand what to expect as you heal.

At CREO, labiaplasty surgery is led by Dr. Omar Tillo, our double-board certified body contouring surgeon. Dr. Tillo has mastered the delicate skills required to artfully adjust the female form to your desired aesthetics while enhancing your comfort. 

Book a consultation today with Dr. Tillo by contacting the CREO Clinic and find out how labiaplasty surgery can enhance your lower body. 

A Complete Guide To Labiaplasty Recovery &Amp; Aftercare Medically reviewed by Dr. Omar Tillo MD, MS, EBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast)

Stages of Labiaplasty Recovery

As your body heals from labiaplasty surgery, you can expect to go through several distinct stages:

Day 1 (Day of the Surgery)

In the first few hours after labiaplasty surgery, you will experience some numbness around your vagina as the anaesthetic wears off. After this, you may feel some discomfort at the incision sites and from related swelling, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. 

Week 1

In the first week of labiaplasty recovery, side effects should gradually subside, improving your comfort. Many women can walk regularly and perform light, daily activities at this stage. However, you may still have some residual swelling, bruising, and itchiness as the incisions continue to heal.

Week 2

During the second week after surgery, most patients are able to return to office work and other non-strenuous activities. At this stage of labiaplasty recovery, most side effects should be significantly reduced, and you will begin to see the results of your procedure. However, you will still need to avoid using tampons, sexual intercourse, and other strenuous activities that place pressure on the vagina. 

Week 3

At the week three mark of labiaplasty recovery, most bruising should have healed, and other side effects will continue to dissipate.  

Weeks 4-6

After six weeks of labiaplasty recovery, most patients are fully recovered from surgery and are cleared to resume strenuous exercise, use tampons, and engage in sexual activity. As the swelling should have completely resided at this stage, you should be able to enjoy the final results of your labiaplasty procedure. 

Ongoing Stages

Over time, your body will continue to heal from the surgical procedure, reducing any residual swelling and gradually improving the final results of your labiaplasty. For some patients, this can take up to 3-6 months. During this process, you should continue to carefully monitor your progress and speak to your surgeon immediately if you have any concerns. 

Aftercare for a Labiaplasty

Following labiaplasty surgery, you will be provided with thorough aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery period. In addition, you will also be given with any necessary prescriptions to ensure your comfort as your body heals. 

At CREO, we offer three follow-up appointments to monitor your labiaplasty recovery process at one week, six weeks, and six months after surgery. As you heal, Dr. Tillo will gradually clear you to resume various activities, such as exercise. 

Tips to Ensure a Faster Recovery Following a Labiaplasty

There are several things you can do to promote a smooth recovery after labiaplasty:

  • Keep the area elevated – Keeping the pelvis elevated for the first few days after surgery can help to reduce swelling by moving fluid away from the surgical site.
  • Use a cold compress – Applying a cold compress for the first 48 hours can help minimise swelling and physical discomfort.
  • Wear loose clothing – Baggy clothing and underwear can reduce friction around the vagina, which may cause discomfort. 
  • Abstain from sex – For the first 6-8 weeks, you must abstain from sex to avoid placing pressure on the vagina that may delay healing or distort your results.
  • Maintain hygiene – Keeping the surgical wounds clean can reduce the risk of infection.

Labiaplasty Recovery FAQs

How Long Does a Labiaplasty Take to Heal?

Most women make a full recovery from a labiaplasty procedure after six weeks. After this time, you can expect all swelling to have dissipated, and you can resume all activities, including strenuous exercise.

When Can You Go Back to Work After Labiaplasty?

In the second week of recovery, patients usually feel able to resume office work. For more strenuous work activities, you may need to wait until you are fully recovered, which can take up to six weeks.

Is a Labiaplasty Painful?

Labiaplasty is performed under local or general anaesthetic or sedation, meaning you won’t feel any pain during treatment. After surgery, you may feel some discomfort as your body heals, which can be managed with pain medications if required.

Does it Hurt to Pee After Labiaplasty?

After undergoing labiaplasty surgery, you may experience a burning sensation at the incision sites as you urinate. Using a spray bottle of cool water can help to relieve pain. 

How Soon Can You Walk After Labiaplasty?

You should regain your mobility 8 hours after labia surgery, though this can vary depending on the invasiveness of treatment. 

How Long After Labiaplasty Can You Have Sex?

You will need to abstain from sex for the first 6-8 weeks after treatment to avoid placing pressure on the vagina, which can delay the healing process and distort the final results. After this time, you should be healed enough to resume sexual activity.