Vaginal rejuvenation surgery is becoming more and more popular each year. In particular, many women are turning to labiaplasty surgery to help create or restore a more feminine, youthful, and desirable intimate appearance. For many women, one of the first questions they have about labiaplasty surgery is what to expect during recovery. In this blog, you’ll find helpful information regarding labiaplasty recovery and healing from Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon and internationally recognized vaginal rejuvenation provider Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz.
WHAT IS A LABIAPLASTY?
Labiaplasty is a widely used vaginal rejuvenation technique that aims to surgically enhance the labia majora, labia minora, or both. Labiaplasty surgery is primarily used to correct changes associated with childbirth, though it can also benefit women who have naturally long, asymmetric, or otherwise “abnormal” labia, as well as women who may have experienced trauma to their labia. Some of the most common cosmetic and functional concerns that can be significantly improved with labiaplasty surgery include:
- Long labia
- Hanging labia
- Asymmetric labia
- Loose labia
- Overly large labia
- Excess labial skin
- Pain with intercourse due to enlarged labia
- Recurrent infections
- Discomfort while sitting or wearing tight clothing
- Unflattering appearance in leggings or swimsuits
- Self-esteem issues regarding appearance of labia
HOW IS LABIAPLASTY SURGERY PERFORMED?
In the majority of cases, labiaplasty can be performed using local anesthesia only, meaning patients can drive themselves to and from our office for the procedure. Additionally, patients are able to “participate” in their own surgery by collaborating with Dr. Schwartz and seeing the changes he makes each step of the way. Based on the woman’s particular concerns and desired outcome, Dr. Schwartz may utilize either a trimming technique or a wedge approach to remove excess skin. The incisions will then be closed with dissolvable sutures, and the patient will be given postoperative guidelines to help make their labiaplasty recovery as smooth, quick, and comfortable as possible.
HOW LONG IS LABIAPLASTY RECOVERY?
The vaginal skin and tissues are extremely resilient and can heal very quickly. In fact, many women report their labiaplasty incisions healing within 1 – 2 days after surgery. However, the skin and tissues need time to repair and reinforce themselves, which can take several weeks.
Generally speaking, patients are able to return to work and other light activities about 5 – 7 days after labiaplasty surgery. If cleared by Dr. Schwartz during your labiaplasty follow-up appointment, sexual activity may be safe and appropriate about two weeks after surgery. In more complex cases, patients may need to wait 4 – 6 weeks before resuming sexual activity and strenuous exercise.
WHEN DO LABIAPLASTY STITCHES FALL OUT?
Depending on the type of sutures used during your labiaplasty, your stitches may take anywhere from about 1 – 6 weeks to dissolve and be resorbed by the body. During your initial consultation for a labiaplasty in Beverly Hills, CA, Dr. Schwartz will take ample time to discuss the details of your procedure, including what to expect during recovery, so that you can feel confident, comfortable, and excited heading into surgery.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CONFIDENCE WITH LABIAPLASTY SURGERY IN BEVERLY HILLS, CA
If long or hanging labia are preventing you from wearing your favorite styles of clothing or being intimate with your partner, we can help. To learn more about the life-changing benefits of labiaplasty surgery, call to schedule your one-on-one consultation with internationally acclaimed Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz today.