What to Expect After Labiaplasty: Recovery Week 1

Labiaplasty recovery time varies among individuals. In the first week after surgery, you may feel uncomfortable, itchy, and in pain. By the end of the second week, most people can resume normal daily activities. You will need to abstain from sex for at least six weeks, and it can take three to six months to recover fully.

Though often considered cosmetic surgery, labiaplasty—a procedure to change the appearance of the skin folds surrounding the urethra and vagina—also has a medical purpose. It can relieve the physical discomfort associated with having a larger-than-average labia and be a part of gender-affirming care.

This article discusses labiaplasty recovery. It explains how to prepare for a labiaplasty and what to expect during the all-important first week after surgery.

Preparations for Recovery

Before you have your surgery, consider taking some steps that will make that first week easier:

• Buy a spray bottle and fill it with water. (Keep reading to find out why.)
• Take a few days off work and/or from any exercise/training routines. If you cannot do this, you may want to reconsider scheduling the surgery for a time when you can rest afterward.
• Get a supply of Arnica and Bromelain, which are supplements that will clear up swelling and bruising. (Check with your physician first.)
• Remove pubic hair.
• Abstain from sex.

Day 1

The first day after surgery, expect the inner and outer labia (the labia minora and labia majora, respectively), to be quite swollen. The skin over your clitoris may be bulging as well even though no cutting was done in this area.

Absolutely do not expect them to look “normal.” Genital tissue is quite compliant, meaning it can stretch significantly. It may look alarmingly swollen now but will soon return to its normal state. On the first post-surgery day, applying a cold compress to the area will help with pain relief and swelling. Avoid keeping the compress on the area for longer than 15 minutes at a time to avoid skin damage. Otherwise, get the first week off to a positive start by:

• Taking Arnica and Bromelain, as directed by your physician. Expect to continue taking the capsules for a few days after your procedure.
• Taking the pain pills recommended by your surgeon. You may manage just fine with acetaminophen (Tylenol), but you may need something stronger, such as a narcotic (Norco, Vicodin). Stay ahead of the pain so you won't have to "chase" it. Your surgeon may also prescribe a lidocaine ointment that you can apply directly to your incisions.
• Expecting some mild, blood-tinged drainage. Friction from your underwear and even from shifting in a chair or walking can cause moderate to severe discomfort as well as drainage. This is exactly why many patients take off work for a few days: so they can rest and keep the symptoms in check.

Day 2

The swelling may intensify. This is typical, for it often gets worse before it gets better. So try not to become alarmed. Continue using the spray bottle when you go to the bathroom. Once you put more than 24 hours between you and the surgery, your surgeon may allow you to take a sitz bath.

Continue to take your pain medications and apply ointment to the incisions as directed by your surgeon. Pain and/or discomfort is normal. Blood-tinged drainage on your underwear or a sanitary napkin is normal, too.

You may be unable to wear tight clothing or underwear if you’re sensitive to the pressure they may apply to your skin. Continue icing if permitted by your surgeon. Bouts of cold should help greatly with pain and swelling.

Days 6 to 7

By days six and seven, the swelling should improve slightly. The pain will likely still be present but should be lessened. Ointments and pain medication should be used as directed by your surgeon. At this point, you will likely begin tapering off your pain medications.

Some itching around the stitches is normal. You will likely have a postoperative appointment around this time or in the next day or two.

What's Next

Once you've made it through this critical first week, it should become easier for you to make the lifestyle adjustments necessary to heal from a labiaplasty. You still have several weeks ahead of you. And while every woman's recovery looks different, it's fair to expect that:

• You may be able to return to your normal lifestyle and fitness routine between two and four weeks after surgery.
• The dissolvable stitches should be gone in three or four weeks.
• It may take six to eight weeks until the surgical scars are strong enough to withstand intercourse. But check with your physician first.
•  The scar tissue will become firm before it softens, usually after several months.

Summary

The first day after your labiaplasty may set the tone for the remainder of your recovery. So resign yourself to be a good patient by: taking Arnica and Bromelain (unless directed otherwise by your physician); taking the pain pills recommended by your surgeon; and expecting itching, pain, some drainage, and maybe a fever. There is a remedy for all of these symptoms, so don't try to soldier on without them. You need rest, too, to properly heal. And if itching and pain prevent you from resting and sleeping, you will end up depriving your body of getting the restorative benefits it needs.