Following the labiaplasty surgery, it is essential to provide your mind and body with ample opportunity to rest and recuperate. Expect to experience increased fatigue and reduced energy during the initial weeks of your recovery phase. Post-surgery bruising and swelling are anticipated outcomes and shouldn't cause concern. Typically, bruising subsides within 2 to 3 weeks, while a significant portion of the swelling diminishes within a 6-week timeframe. However, it's important to note that a certain degree of swelling may persist for a period of 3-6 months following the surgery.
- You can begin taking showers 48 hours after the surgery, but be extremely gentle and avoid scrubbing the incisions.
- Apply Vaseline to the incision line 3 times daily. You do not need to cover the area from a medical standpoint, but you may want to use a pad, panty liner, or ABD pad to protect your clothing and underwear from the Vaseline.
- Until the incisions are fully healed, usually around 4 weeks post-surgery, refrain from taking baths, using Jacuzzis, steam rooms, saunas, swimming, or immersing the incisions in water.
- Avoid sexual intercourse for 4 weeks after the surgery.
- Avoid use of tampons for 2 weeks following the surgery.
- Ice can be helpful for swelling and discomfort. You may apply an ice pack or a baggie with frozen vegetables like peas or corn to the surgical site for 10 minutes at a time. Ice should be on for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Be sure to have a barrier between your skin and the ice. A paper towel often works well.
- Be careful with using the bathroom. Instead of wiping with toilet paper, try to pat dry or dab with it instead.
- The suture that is used is dissolvable. Sometimes the suture material can snag on underwear or clothing. If you find that this happens, you can wear a panty liner or use a dressing like an ABD pad to protect the surgical site and prevent the suture from snagging.
- For 2 weeks, avoid lifting anything heavier than 2 pounds.
- Activity Timeline:
- Week 1: Limited indoor walking.
- Week 2: Short, light walks around the neighborhood.
- Week 4: Engage in light weightlifting and cardio activities.
- Week 6: You can resume all regular activities.
