Your Guide to Labiaplasty Swelling and How to Reduce It

In terms of plastic and reconstructive surgery, a labiaplasty is a pretty minor procedure. It’s an outpatient one, meaning that not only will surgery take just a few hours, but you’ll go home the same day, too.

However, it’s still considered a surgery, so you’ll have to go through a recovery process. Part of that is having swelling after labiaplasty, which can be uncomfortable and even painful.

How long does labia swelling take to go down? And what can you do to speed it up? Read on for a guide to labiaplasty swelling and how to reduce it.

The Labiaplasty Recovery Process for Swelling

Having a swollen labia after surgery is normal. However, knowing how it’ll decrease can put your mind at ease.

While swelling will affect each person differently, here’s a general timeline.

Week 1

This is when you’ll have peak swelling; more specifically, on days 3-5 after the procedure. The area might appear puffy and bruised, and it may feel tight or uncomfortable.

It’s common for one side to swell more than the other.

Week 2

The swelling will begin to subside noticeably, as well as any accompanying bruising. The discomfort will typically lessen too.

Weeks 3-4

You’ll continue to see a steady decrease in swelling. As a result, you can resume most normal activities (except for sexual intercourse and strenuous activity).

After 6 Weeks

The majority (up to 80%) of swelling should be gone at this point. In that case, you can often resume all normal activity, including sexual intercourse if it’s cleared by your surgeon.

3-6 Months

The swelling should fully resolve, and therefore, you’ll be able to see the final results. Any remaining puffiness or firmness should disappear as well.

How to Help Labiaplasty Swelling Go Down Faster

Understandably, you don’t want to stay swollen for longer than needed, and you want some comfort after your surgery. Fortunately, there are some effective strategies to reduce swelling and support healing.

Cold Compresses

Cold compresses are crucial in the first 48 to 72 hours. Wrap a cold pack in a clean cloth and hold it to the surgical area in 15-minute intervals. This should help minimize early swelling and discomfort, paving the way to a smoother recovery.

Rest and Elevation

Gravity will naturally pull fluids downwards, and this contributes to swelling. After your surgery, you should rest in a reclined or slightly elevated position. In addition, avoid sitting upright for long periods early on.

Try lying down with a pillow under your hips. This can help reduce pressure and promote drainage.

Compression Garments

Some surgeons will recommend loose compression underwear or support garments. If yours does, then make sure to wear them. These can reduce swelling without putting too much pressure on the area.

No Heat and Friction

Both heat and friction can cause your surgical site to swell more. So during the early recovery phase, you shouldn’t use hot baths, hot tubs, saunas, or tight clothing.

Plus, don’t do the following until you’re cleared:

• Biking
• Horseback riding
• Sexual activity

Mild Walking

Studies show that moderate intensity physical exercise can have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Considering that you’re healing from surgery, you should avoid strenuous activity or anything that stretches or compresses the surgical site, of course. But light walking can still help stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation.

Hydration and Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Hydration is vital to a faster recovery, and it can help with swelling. You should avoid processed or salty foods, which can worsen it.

Instead, eat a low-sodium, anti-inflammatory diet. Good foods include:

• Leafy greens
• Berries
• Lean proteins
• Healthy fats

Medication as Prescribed

You should take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, but only if you’ve been cleared by your doctor. Don’t take aspirin unless directed either, as it can increase your bleeding risk.

How to Tell if Something’s Wrong

Swelling is a natural response from your body when it experiences a wound, which is what surgery causes. But how can you tell if something’s wrong?

The signs of complications are:

• Rapid increase in swelling, especially on one side
• Swelling that’s hard, hot, or red (this may signal an infection or hematoma)
• Excessive bleeding or large blood clots
• Severe or worsening pain not relieved by meds
• Fever over 100.4 F
• Pus, foul-smelling discharge, or yellow/green fluid
• Separation of stitches or open wounds

What to Do if You Suspect a Problem

If you notice any of the above complication signs, you need to contact your surgeon immediately. You shouldn’t wait for your next scheduled follow-up, as this may be too late.

As soon as you notice symptoms, take note. Document any changes with photos if your surgeon advises you to.

You may be tempted to try home remedies, but don’t use topical ointments for relief unless they’re prescribed. They can interfere with healing or cause more irritation and swelling.

Lastly, don’t try to drain or treat swelling on your own. This is especially important advice if you suspect that you have an infection or hematoma. Let the professionals examine you and make recommendations instead.

Final Healing Tips

It’s essential that you follow all post-op instructions carefully. It may be tedious, but the effort will be worth it when your swelling goes down fast, as well as any pain or discomfort.

In general, you should avoid tampons, douching, or inserting anything into the vagina for at least 6 weeks. In addition, keep the area clean and dry, using a peri bottle for gentle cleaning (especially after urinating).

You should also attend all post-surgical follow-ups to ensure proper healing.

Have a Smooth Recovery

Labiaplasty swelling is something all patients have to go through. However, there are things you can do to make it go away quicker.

If you follow all post-op instructions, that’s a great starting point. On top of that, it’s important to not overextend yourself, as well as live a healthy lifestyle. Resting, icing, elevating, and wearing compressing garments can further speed up the healing process, and before you know it, the swelling will be gone.

Schedule a consultation with us now if you’re interested in labiaplasty. Dr. Valdez is a recognized member of leading global and national plastic surgery organizations.