The decision to undergo cosmetic body surgery is a very personal one – usually made after a lot of research, considerations and consultations. Once you have decided that a particular procedure is right for you, you may still have some questions about your procedure and what you can expect during your recovery.
Many women considering the labiaplasty procedure wonder about the recovery period. Dr. Christy Walker is a dual-board-certified cosmetic surgeon and gynecologist performing the labiaplasty procedure in Plano, Texas. Here are five things Dr. Walker wants patients to know about recovering from the labiaplasty procedure.
Prepare for Mild Pain. While the labiaplasty surgery is performed with local anesthesia and you will feel nothing during the procedure, it is not uncommon to have mild pain after your surgery. The labia have many nerve endings and are very sensitive, so while laser surgery is much less invasive than traditional surgery, it can cause some women discomfort. Take all medication as instructed by Dr. Walker to minimize pain.
You May Swell. Swelling is a normal side effect experienced by many women after the labiaplasty procedure. It can last one to two weeks after your procedure. To reduce the swelling, you can use an ice bag wrapped in a cloth or towel. Be sure to drink plenty of water to flush out excess fluid.
Bruising is also normal after the labiaplasty procedure and will subside in a few weeks.
Wear Comfy Clothes. To reduce discomfort and pain after your procedure, we recommend that you wear loose clothing. Tight-fitting clothes such as leggings or yoga pants can rub against the labia and cause pain. It can also slow down recovery.
Avoid Tampons. After your labiaplasty procedure, we recommend that you avoid using tampons during your recovery for at least four to six weeks or until cleared by Dr. Walker. Instead, use pads and panty liners and a squirt bottle to gently clean the area as needed.
Skip Sex. For at least six weeks after your labiaplasty procedure, you should abstain from intercourse. This allows for healing and reduces the risk of infection. If you have questions about sex after your labiaplasty procedure, call Dr. Walker for more information.
Returning to Normal Routines. Most labiaplasty patients return to work and their regular routines within three to five days after their procedure. While getting back to your routine may seem to happen quickly, full healing can take several months. For best results, be sure to follow your post-op instructions from Dr. Walker.
Learn more about the labiaplasty surgery and other cosmetic procedures offered by Dr. Walker by calling 972-696-2963 today.
