Labiaplasty is a common type of vaginal rejuvenation that Dr. Regina Rosenthal is pleased to offer. The procedure focuses on the refinement of the inner labia and, in some cases, the outer labia. In light of the recent scrutiny of laser vaginal rejuvenation treatments, there is more reason to consider the long-term effects of a well-performed labiaplasty. One of the most important questions our patients ask is what they might expect after their procedure.

Here, we provide a general timeline for recovery after labiaplasty.

Days 1 to 3

The first few days after labiaplasty are the “worst.” The good news is, they aren’t intolerably painful. Dr. Rosenthal’s patients are prescribed appropriate pain medication to maintain comfort and are encouraged to take medication as directed. Waiting to see how uncomfortable you get may lead to unnecessary stress. Once pain occurs, it is much more difficult to control. In addition to taking medication at regular intervals, patients are also instructed to rest. The first few days after labiaplasty, swelling and bruising may be noticed, but this decreases consistently with adequate rest.

Weeks 2 to 4

By the end of the first week after labiaplasty, most patients feel well enough to resume light activity and may return to work. Pain medication may no longer be necessary at all or may include only over-the-counter pain reducers. During this second-stage of recovery, the most uncomfortable side effect may be persistent itching around incisions. The area should not be rubbed or scratched but may be treated with cold compresses to reduce itchiness.

Throughout the following weeks, degradable sutures dissolve, and more forms of activity can be resumed. Sexual intercourse and tampons still need to be avoided.

Week 6

At six weeks after surgery, the majority of healing has occurred. By this time, most patients are cleared to resume tampon use and sexual intercourse. Swelling and bruising are as much as 90% reduced by this time, but can still take another few months to resolve fully.

Minor scarring does occur after labiaplasty due to the incisions that are made. This is usually unnoticeable as the appearance of scars blends with surrounding tissue and folds.

After Labiaplasty:

• Follow your surgeon’s instructions
• Rest as much as needed for the first several days after surgery
• Take at least one week off work
• Sit on a donut pillow to reduce pressure on the surgical area
• Use water irrigation rather than toilet paper to clean after urinating or pat the area with a wet wipe

Labiaplasty is a common procedure through which women can feel more comfortable and confident with their intimate areas. For more information, call our Los Gatos area office at 408-559-4700.