Labiaplasty aftercare

• Have someone drive you home after surgery.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Your labia minora will look very different right after surgery compared to what they will look like in a few weeks. Do not be alarmed by this!
• Your mood may fluctuate after surgery, and you may doubt having had the procedure. Don’t worry; this is not uncommon, and you will feel better as the pain and swelling ease and your wounds heal.
• Start walking gently as soon as possible; this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots. Do not overdo things.
• Blood staining on the inside of your dressings is expected during the first few days.
• You will experience discomfort and pain, typically worse over the first 48 hours after surgery. These will ease gradually. Take pain medication as prescribed. If you have been provided with a numbing gel, you can use this as needed. Your requirement for painkillers should reduce after the first few days.
• Cold compresses can be helpful in the first 48 hours. These should be used only with a thin pad/ undergarment between the wounds and the compress. You can only use these while awake; never apply them directly onto your skin wounds.
• Follow a balanced diet. Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may wish to add more raw fruit and fibre to your diet. Increase fluid intake. It is essential to avoid constipation, as straining may increase the risk of bleeding. It may help to take a gentle laxative such as Lactulose.

Showering/ bathing – You can shower at home and do this daily. Use a mild baby shampoo/ shower gel. Dry thoroughly with gentle patting with a towel and let the area get some air. It may help to have a warm salty bath for a short soak (no more than 15 minutes).

It may sting when you wee, and it is worth cleaning the area with warm salty water after going to the toilet.

Some patients will experience a lot of swelling, which can look dramatic during the first week. It may worsen before it improves and usually has improved by 7-10 days. Rarely, swelling may be caused by a small collection of blood. The affected area may feel hard and tender if so.

Cold compresses can be helpful in the first 48 hours. These should be used only with a thin pad/ undergarment between the wounds and the compress. You can only use these while awake; never apply them directly onto your skin wounds.

By the start of the third week, your wounds should be healed, and most of the swelling should be down. Some patients may notice small openings and asymmetries. Any remaining raw areas will usually heal.

Your dissolvable stitches will still be visible, and these can cause some irritation. They should have disappeared by the end of week 4. If present, any remaining stitches will usually rub off.