Labiaplasty has become quite the superstar in the field of cosmetic surgery. Some refer to labiaplasty as the go-to procedure for a designer vagina. We refer to it as a beneficial surgery for women who want to feel better physically and emotionally.
What is labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is the surgical method used to refine the appearance of the external tissue that surrounds the vaginal opening. It is not intended for tightening the vaginal canal, which means that labiaplasty is not capable of improving the symptoms of vaginal atrophy, such as stress urinary incontinence (that is a job for ThermiVa). What labiaplasty does is reduce excess tissue that causes discomfort and skin irritation. If you’re struggling with the self-consciousness and physical frustrations of excess genital tissue, you may be an excellent candidate for labiaplasty in our Reno plastic surgery office. If you’re considering labiaplasty, we presume you have similar questions to most other patients.
What kind of scarring is there after labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty usually involves the placement of dissolvable sutures to close the small incisions that are made during surgery. These stitches are usually completely dissolved within 3 to 4 weeks. Initially, the scar tissue that forms may feel firm. However, this softens over time. The location of incisions in the natural folds of the labia minora usually leads to scars that are so discreet they aren’t even noticed during gynecological exams.
How long does itching and swelling last after labiaplasty?
The two most common sensations after labiaplasty are swelling and itching. Swelling may increase somewhat over the first few days after surgery but tends to peak by day three. After this point, swelling will continue to decrease for a few weeks. Itching is a natural side effect of both incisions and swelling. Patients usually notice a dramatic decrease in itching by the end of the first week. If itching worsens or persists for more than a week, we may want to follow up to make sure a bacterial or yeast infection has not developed.
Can healing be helped along?
The brain is fascinating in how it perceives sensations like itching and pain. Research has demonstrated that cold overrides these sensations. Therefore, one of the best ways to soothe itching after labiaplasty is to apply cold compresses for short periods of time. The good news is that cold therapy is also recommended for swelling. For additional support with itching, use witch hazel applied on a cotton ball or pre-soaked pad.
Activity after Labiaplasty
We realize it can be difficult to curb your normal activities after cosmetic surgery. However, it is necessary to limit physical exercise to walking short distances for the first month after labiaplasty. Usually, patients are able to comfortably work out after 2 to 4 weeks of healing. However, sexual intercourse may need to be postponed up to 8 weeks, providing sufficient time for scars to heal completely.
Schedule your labiaplasty consultation in our Reno office by calling (775) 826-4477.
