1) Post Operative Processes after the Labia Majora Reduction (Labial Lift)
After the Labia Majora Reduction (Labial Lift), you are assured to be well taken care of in a safe and professional way by our highly trained and educated staff. You will be monitored for 1-2 hours at recovery room. Dr. Vitasna may ay suggest some women to stay overnight at the hospital. A Foley catheter may be inserted to avoid the retention of urine especially in the first day after the surgery. You will be monitored for 1-2 hours at recovery room. When you are conscious, anesthesiologist will allow you to continue being monitored in Inpatient Building.
Nausea and vomiting may be experienced as a side effect of the General anesthetic or the Intravenous (IV) Sedation, which is relieved as soon as its effects wear off.
You will be given an antibiotic to prevent post-operative infection, a laxative drug to prevent constipation, an anti-inflammatory drug, and an acetaminophen to lessen the wound pain, as prescribed by Dr. Vitasna.
2) The symptom and processes after the Labia Majora Reduction (Labial Lift)
Pain levels depend on an individual’s pain tolerance. Pain varies from person to person. If the pain cannot be relieved from the acetaminophen, the nurse will administer an analgesic by injection as ordered by Dr. Vitasna.
Dr. Vitasna will ensure that no abnormal bleeding from the surgical wound occurs, and you can urinate by yourself after the catheter removals as well as you are asked to review post-operative care instructions. Then Dr. Vitasna will allow you to return home.
3) Post Operative Care Instructions at home After the Labia Majora Reduction (Labial Lift)
At home, you must take an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory drug, and an acetaminophen, as prescribed by Dr. Vitasna, especially the antibiotics which should be wholly completed.
Within the first 1-2 days after the surgery, you are expected to be able to walk. You should not take a shower, which may potentially cause infection–perhaps rub the body dry. Cleaning the surgical wound and the perineum area after fecal excretion may be done using water and toweling gently.
Within the first 1-2 days after the surgery, applying a cold pack to the surgical area in order to decrease the swelling. A cold pack with ice in a plastic bag is not recommended, because the moisture and steam from the plastic bag may potentially cause inflammation and infection.
Within the first 2-3 days after the surgery, you should not take a shower, which may potentially cause infection (–perhaps rub the body dry–).Clean the wound with antiseptic daily in the morning and before bedtime. Then use a warm dryer for 10-15 minutes around the surgical wound to keep it dry.
After 2-3 days of the surgery, you are allowed to take a shower, you should clean the surgical wound and the perineum area with soap daily, when you are taking a shower in the morning and before bedtime. Continue to clean the wound with antiseptic daily after you took a shower in the morning and before bedtime, then using warm dryer for 10-15 minutes around the surgical wound to keep the area dry for 1-2 weeks after the surgery.
Within the first 3-5 days after the surgery, you should take a rest (refrain from work) and be still to enable the wound to heal faster, and have little movement as possible to avoid wound disruption.
4) Things you should know after the Labia Majora Reduction (Labial Lift)
You may experience light reddish bleeding out of the surgical wound in around 1-2 weeks after the surgery. You should use a sanitary napkin to monitor the bleeding. In case of excessive bleeding or reddish blood clot, swollen wound and high fever, please contact the Center immediately for suggestions or come to see Dr. Vitasna for the surgical wound examination.
Within the first 2 weeks after the surgery, clean the surgical wound and the perineum area after urinating using sanitary wipes (Do not use tap water). After fecal excretion you may use water and towel gently. You should try to avoid moisture around the surgical wound to to keep it dry to let it heal faster.
After the surgery, you may have all kinds of food, but should refrain from alcoholic drinks, pickled food, and smoking for about 2 weeks.
The sutures material used for the surgery dissolve slowly within 4-6 weeks. However, for some women, the sutures take longer than 6 weeks to completely dissolve. Irritation may be experienced. For the women with itching caused by the dissolving sutures and the process of healing, Dr. Vitasna may prescribe antihistamine to relieve the itching.
After the surgery, you may have itching or green-curd like discharge as a result of vaginal yeast infection, possibly following taking the antibiotics; oral anti-fungal medication or suppository may be prescribed.
5) Recovery period after the Labial Lift
Recovery varies individually, you may return to work after 3-5 days of the surgery. Dr. Vitasna will have a post-operative appointment with you within 1-2 weeks after the surgery, you should follow Dr. Vitasna’s appointment for follow up examination or treatment.
Within the first 2 weeks after the surgery tissues are beginning to produce and form new blood capillaries, and the surgical wound is expected to start healing. You may start your daily activities gradually.
After the first 2 weeks to 4 weeks after the surgery, the surgical wound is expected to heal appropriately, you may start your usual activities gradually, and strenuous physical activities should be limited.
After 4 weeks of the surgery, you may do your usual activities. Relaxing exercises and lifting light weights are permitted. However, you should refrain from running, soaking in the bathtub, swimming, heavy lifting, cycling, other heavy activities, and sexual intercourse for at least 6-8 weeks after the surgery.
If you decide to have a consultation with Dr. Vitasna, please call or e-mail a member of staff to make an appointment date for the consultation or surgery.