Following labiaplasty, the patient will require a few days of rest and restricted activity before she can go resume her normal routine.
The surgeon will discuss the recovery process at the time of initial consultation. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides labiaplasty to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.
Post-operative Recovery
Day 1
The labia minora (inner labia) and labia majora (outer labia) will be quite swollen the first day following the surgery. The skin over the clitoris may be inflamed as well despite there being no incisions in this area.
The patient should apply cold compresses to the site to help reduce the pain and inflammation on the first day. It is advisable not to keep the cold compresses on the site for more than 15 minutes at a time to avoid skin damage.
Taking arnica and bromelain pills one week before the surgery could help with bruising and inflammation. But the patient should only take such medication if allowed by the surgeon.
It is normal to have mild blood-tinged drainage. The patient can use a spray bottle filled with water to squirt on the incisions as they urinate to dilute the urine running over the incision and reduce the stinging. Furthermore, it helps the area remain clean after urination.
Some surgeons will ask the patient to apply antibiotic ointment on the site. The patient may experience moderate to severe friction from their underwear and even from simply walking. For this reason, she should take some time off work.
Day 2
Day 2 will be similar to day 1. However, the inflammation may be worse. The swelling usually becomes worse before it gets better. This should not be alarming to the patient. The patient should continue using the spray bottle with urination for pain relief and to keep the area clean.
The cosmetic surgeon may allow the patient to take a sitz bath 24 hours after the procedure. The patient should continue to take her pain meds and apply ointment to the incisions. She may continue to ice the area if instructed by the surgeon. The patient may feel uncomfortable from the friction caused by fitted clothing.
The patient should not expect to be normal and will still have inflammation. She will notice fluctuations in the level of labial swelling as she starts to move around. It can be normal to have asymmetrical inflammation.
The patient may have blood-tinged drainage, which is normal. The patient should not wear any tight clothing or underwear in case she is sensitive to pressure.
She should use ointments and pain meds as instructed by her surgeon. She should also clean the area after using the restroom. In case the surgeon permits, the patient should continue icing if they feel the need for extra pain relief and help with inflammation.
Day 6 and 7
The inflammation should improve slightly but will not appear anywhere near normal. The patient will experience pain, but it will be lessened. She should use ointments and pain meds as instructed by her surgeon. The surgeon will likely taper the patient’s pain meds at this point.
The patient should continue cleaning the area after using the restroom. There will be some itching around the sutures, which is normal. At this time or in the following one to two days, the patient will likely have a post-op appointment.
After the surgeon takes out the stitches, the patient will be in a position to resume an active lifestyle. However, she should avoid vigorous activities and sexual contact for around one month. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for labiaplasty.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:
Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.