Patient Information: Labiaplasty Post-Operative Care
Our goal is to make sure that you are comfortable after you leave the office/hospital and have proper instructions how to take care of yourself in order for you to have a safe and successful surgical experience.
Immediate Labiaplasty Post-op Instructions
Immediately following labiaplasty you should remain as flat as possible. Ice packs should be applied every 4-6 hours for the first 24 hours while awake, placed over a over a thin Telfa pad or minipad. Ice packs should never be applied directly to the skin. Use of ice packs will markedly reduce the amount of post-operative swelling and discomfort. It is normal to have swelling and bruising of the labia. This will resolve over the next two weeks.
Dressings
The surgical dressings can be removed anytime they are saturated and then replaced with a sanitary napkin or maxipad. There will be bloody or blood-tinged drainage for a minimum of 1- 2 weeks following your labiaplasty. Antibiotic ointment should be applied to the incisions twice a day for 14 days. Please apply a thin coating only. Excessive amounts of ointment are not necessary. You may switch to an Aloe Vera ointment after two weeks.
Pain Medication
You will be given a prescription for a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as Ibuprofen and a mild narcotic pain medication, such as Vicodin. You should take the NSAID as directed regularly for the first 3-5 days. It is not narcotic and won’t cause sedation or interfere with driving. It will help to reduce swelling and decrease your overall need for stronger pain medications. You can use the narcotic pain medication in addition to the NSAID if you are not getting adequate pain relief, especially in the first 24 hours. Keep in mind that narcotic pain meds are sedating so you shouldn’t drive while taking them. They can also be constipating. Using a stool softener and a fiber laxative can reduce constipation associated with these medications.
Activities
Most patients will experience relatively minor discomfort after a labiaplasty. However, some patients do experience moderate to severe swelling that can cause much discomfort. Diligent post-operative application of ice packs may reduce swelling thereby reducing pain. Patients who experience minimal swelling and bleeding should be able to resume sedentary work activities within a few days, resume light exercise at one week, and have no restrictions after two weeks (following your postoperative visit). Patients with more excessive swelling and discomfort may want to limit their activities until they feel comfortable and gradually progress to their normal activities.
Sexual Activities
As a general rule, you may resume sexual activity 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. This is totally patient-dependent. We will let you know when you are sufficiently healed.
Healing of sensory nerves
The skin of the labia may be partially numb for several months while the wounds are healing. Permanent numbness is very rare.
Call us (even outside normal office hours) if you have:
- Significant bleeding from the surgical site
- A fever over 100.4° F within the first three days following the procedure
- Significant pain in the area that is not relieved with pain relievers
- Drainage from the site or redness around the surgical site
At Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists, located at 1085 East Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, Ohio 43230, we are committed to your comfort and recovery following your procedure. If you have questions about your labiaplasty post-op care or wish to explore other services, our qualified team is available to assist you. As experts in plastic surgery Gahanna residents trust, we prioritize your well-being and provide detailed guidance to ensure a smooth healing process.
We invite you to contact us at 614-682-5095 to schedule a follow-up appointment or consultation. Whether you’re considering further enhancements or need post-operative support, our specialists offer the highest standard of care in plastic surgery Gahanna can offer. Trust Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists to be your partner in achieving your aesthetic goals with professionalism and expertise.
