Labiaplasty

What you need to know before a consultation with your plastic surgeon about labiaplasty surgery:

• Share your health information with your plastic surgeon, remember to mention if you have allergies, previous surgeries, use of medications, vitamins or supplements and any other relevant medical information
• Your surgeon will ask you questions about what you would like to improve on your genital area, what your expectations are and inform you of what can realistically be achieved.
• You will be physically examined to determine skin quality, amount of tissue that will be needed to remove, and which will be the best technique to perform for your particular case
• Photos at different angles will be requested in order to carry out a complete evaluation
• Pre-surgery blood tests will be ordered
• You’ll need to quit smoking completely
• You will need to wax or shave the pubic area prior to your procedure

How is labiaplasty surgery performed?

It is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed in the doctor’s office, under local anesthesia.

The procedure takes 1-2 hours.

Incision and sutures: depending on the excess of existing tissue, the technique to be used for each particular patient will be decided. The incisions can be made vertical or horizontal to the labia, it will depend a lot on your anatomy and what you expressed during your previous consultation with your plastic surgeon.

The incision is made along the labia to shorten its size. Once the process is finished, the incision is closed with a very fine suture that will be reabsorbed after a couple of weeks.

Right After Surgery

After the procedure has been completed, a dressing will be placed to protect the area, it is also recommended that the patient use an antiseptic spray to achieve adequate intimate hygiene during the following days of recovery. You will also be given a prescription with antibiotic medications, analgesics and those that the surgeon deems necessary for your recovery. The date of your next appointment for review will be indicated.

During the after care for labiaplasty surgery, your plastic surgeon will prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.

After care will also include:

• Relative rest 7 to 10 days
• No sexual activity for 6 weeks
• Maintain proper intimate hygiene with antiseptic spray
• Wear cotton underwear and underwear protectors for the next 10 days
• You should not exercise or exert yourself in the next 4 weeks
• Take the medications as prescribed
• You can shower the day after the procedure with water and neutral soap
• You should not sunbathe for the next 4 weeks
• You shouldn’t be touching your wounds
• During the recovery period you should not place anything inside your vagina. If you have your period during this time, you will not be using a tampon, only outer pads instead.
• You should not smoke

It is important that you follow the recommendations of your surgeon to obtain a good result.

Recovery process after a labiaplasty

During the recovery period your surgeon will provide with a list of things to take care during this time. It is usually recommended for the patient to have approximately 5-7 days stay at the destination, in order to have proper after care and medical check ups with your surgeon.

Recovery is quite quick, you will be able to return to your hotel/home immediately after the procedure.

It is normal for you to have edema and a little pain, however it will be controlled with postoperative medications.

The stitches are absorbable, so it will not be necessary to remove them.

The results are immediate, however local inflammation can last up to 14 days.

Risks after labiaplasty surgery are low when a good surgical preparation is done, if patients follow the recommendations for after care treatment, complications rarely occur , but can include:

• Anesthesia complications
• Hematomas
• Infection
• Dyspareunia
• Changes in sensitivity
• Asymmetry and irregularities

In order to minimize the risks, your surgeon will order a series of blood tests and if necessary a cardiac evaluation to ensure that you are in good health for your procedure.

Following the recommendations of your surgeon will promote a good result.