With any cosmetic procedure, it is important to follow all of your doctor’s recommendations to ensure a speedy and comfortable recovery. Labiaplasty is no different. Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that decreases the size while improving the function of a woman’s labia, which may have stretched due to age, heredity, and childbirth. While the recovery period of any procedure is never ideal, keeping the following in mind will allow for the best recovery possible.
Prepare a Comfortable Recovery Space
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure; however, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night of your recovery. In order to ensure a smooth transition, it is helpful to have a comfortable space prepared with a lot of pillows and easy access to everything you may need.
Refrain From Sexual Activity
Due to the invasiveness of the procedure, it is necessary that you abstain from intercourse for one to two months to allow your body to fully heal. You should also refrain from wearing tampons during this time.
Limit Physical Activity
While you can often return to work after one week (physically demanding jobs may require longer), it is important that you refrain from heavy physical activity for at least three weeks. It is, however, recommended that you stand and take easy, non-strenuous walks around your house or neighborhood as this increases blood flow and promotes healing.
Stop Smoking
This is important to remember both before and after your surgery. Smoking increases the possibility of complications during your surgery and hinders your recovery afterward as it decreases blood flow and weakens the immune system.
Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing
After your procedure, you will be required to wear a compression undergarment to control swelling and increase blood flow. Afterward, form-fitting clothing, such as yoga pants or skinny jeans, should be avoided to increase comfort and healing.
Remember to Relax
You decided to undergo labiaplasty for yourself. So take this recovery time for yourself as well. Relaxing in a stress-free environment is one of the best recommendations for a speedy recovery. Listen to your body, don’t push yourself before you’re ready, and remember that it is okay to relax and heal.
During your consultation, Dr. Alexander will provide you with a detailed explanation of what you can expect during your recovery.