What to Expect from Labiaplasty Recovery
Labiaplasty, a procedure to reduce the size of the Labia Minora and the inner vaginal lips, has increased rapidly in popularity according to Dr. Ronald DeMars, Portland Plastic surgeon. The reasons given by patients for seeking this surgery are about evenly split between wanting to diminish discomfort and wanting an improved cosmetic appearance.
Dr. DeMars performs this procedure in his private licensed and accredited surgical facility and the majority of patients are ready to go home about an hour after the operation is completed.
Of course, patients have questions about what to expect after the operation both in the recovery period, but also afterward, and he discusses this thoroughly during each consultation. While every surgery has risks, the chance of a problem is quite low but includes an infection that may require pills or creams to resolve, and postoperative bruising and swelling that can vary between one patient and another in its severity.
In the first few days after surgery patients are told they may move around the house but need to avoid any vigorous or strenuous activity in order to minimize the swelling and any bruising. These are usually nearly resolved by the end of the week.
All surgery comes with some degree of discomfort and Dr. DeMars prescribes pain medication a woman may take during the early healing if needed but the majority of patients need very little medication and are surprised how rapidly the discomfort resolves.
As far as specific activities go, Dr. DeMars recommends his patients avoid hard exercise for 2-3 weeks depending on how they feel and how fast the swelling resolves and asks his patients to avoid any type of vaginal insertion, including tampons, for six weeks to ensure these delicate tissues are fully healed.
The scarring from the surgery is usually close to invisible within 3 months and Dr. Ronald DeMars has not had any patients that have had trouble with the tissues being either less sensitive or the reverse, uncomfortable during sexual activities.
If you feel you may be a candidate for the Labiaplasty procedure, you can make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. DeMars by calling his office at 503-253-3458.
