1. Follow All Pre-Operative Instructions
The first step in ensuring a speedy labia reduction recovery is following all pre-operative instructions provided by Dr. Edelstein. Patients should cease alcohol consumption and smoking for at least two weeks prior to surgery. They are also advised to stop taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin and blood thinners. Any drug or supplement that can increase the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery (vitamin E, ginkgo biloba and omega-3 fatty acids) must also be avoided.
2. Get Proper Rest
After the labiaplasty surgery is finished, patients will be asked to stay at Edelstein Cosmetic for several hours to recover before going home. Once they have left they should plan to rest in bed for the first two to three days. Patients should place a pillow under their buttocks to help reduce swelling and sleep flat on their back for the first week. A friend or family member should be available to help around the house for the first 24 hours.
3. Take All Medication as Directed
It is extremely important to take all prescribed medications exactly as directed. We will provide patients with a three day course of antibiotics as well as pain and nausea medication that should be taken on an as needed basis. Since it is possible to develop a yeast infection as a side effect of the prescribed antibiotics, diflucan will be provided. It should be taken if a yeast infection develops during recovery.
It may be a good idea to record the date and time when medication was taken in order to avoid missing a dose or accidentally taking more than is recommended.
4. Care for the Surgical Site
Caring for the surgical site will help decrease complication risks while also promoting healing and comfort. Patients should begin to apply anaesthetic spray during the first two days of recovery, take at least one sitz bath per day and apply ice to the operating area for three to seven days in order to minimize bruising/swelling. A thin pad should be placed between the incision site and the ice to avoid direct contact.
The surgical site should not be exposed to the sun (this includes tanning) until completely healed. Scar creams and other ointments can be used only with your surgeon’s advice.
5. Avoid Strenuous Activity
Strenuous activities (like dancing, swimming, running and most sports) cannot be engaged in for six to eight weeks after surgery. Patients must not have sexual intercourse for the first six to eight weeks as well.
6. Prepare for Some Discomfort
Some pain and discomfort should be expected during the labiaplasty recovery. Pain will last for at least one week and itching may persist for several weeks. Many patients experience constipation as a result of surgical anaesthetic and pain medication. Laxative medications can begin to be used two to three days after the procedure with your surgeon’s advice.
7. Follow All Hygiene Guidelines
We provide our patients with recovery guidelines that will encourage healing and decrease risks. These include notes on hygiene. Patients may resume showering (using mild soap) after three to four days, but must otherwise keep the surgical area clean and dry. Shower water will likely appear tinted from dried blood during recovery. Until the incisions are fully healed (usually six weeks) contact with pool and ocean water is not allowed. After going to the bathroom, the surgical area must only be gently patted, not wiped.
8. Wait the Appropriate Amount of Time to Resume Normal Activities
Patients may return to work a few days after surgery as long as their job doesn’t involve physical labour. They must not drive for a period of three days to two weeks (until the use of narcotic pain medication has ceased). Tampons cannot be used for six to eight weeks.
9. Maintain a Positive Outlook
The results of a labiaplasty procedure can take time to develop and it’s important not to get discouraged during this time. Tissue swelling will hide results for the first few weeks following surgery. Incision lines will fade and treatment benefits will apparent within the year. For the first six weeks the genital area will appear bumpy, swollen and irregular while healing. The sutures used in surgery will dissolve over time, but may reach the surface of the skin during recovery.
10. Do Not Hesitate to Contact Edelstein Cosmetic
Edelstein Cosmetic urges patients to contact the clinic if they have any questions or concerns regarding their labia reduction, particularly if rashes, incision line tenderness/redness or allergic reactions to medication develop. Follow-up appointments are scheduled so that Dr. Edelstein can monitor your recovery.
