1) Post-operative processes after the Labia Minora Plasty/Labia Minora Reduction
- After the surgery, 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. When you are conscious with normal vital signs, the anesthesiologist will allow you to be monitored in the Inpatient Building.
- Nausea and vomiting may be experienced as a side effect of the General Anesthesia or the Intravenous (IV) Sedation, which is relieved as soon as its effects wear off.
- In the Inpatient Building, where you will get an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory drug, and an acetaminophen drug, as prescribed by Dr. Vitasna.
2) The symptom and processes after Labia Minora Plasty/Labia Minora Reduction
- 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.
- A day after the surgery, you will be able to have movement and walk around. You should not take a shower, which may potentially cause infection (perhaps rub the body dry), cleaning the perineum area after fecal excretion may be done using water and toweling gently.
- Within the first 1-2 days after the surgery, apply a cold pack (s) to the surgical site 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 infection.
- Within the first 1-2 days after the surgery, you are expected to be able to walk. Dr. Vitasna will allow you to return home after the following things are checked, 1) no abnormal bleeding from the surgical wound, 2) the post operative care instructions are being reviewed with you, and 3) you can urinate after the urinary catheter removal.
3) Post Operative Care Instructions at home after the Labia Minora Plasty/Labia Minora Reduction
At home, you must take an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory drug, and acetaminophen, as prescribed by Dr. Vitasna, especially the antibiotics which should be wholly completed.
Within the first 1-2 days after the surgery, you should not take a shower, which may potentially cause infection –perhaps rub the body dry. After rub the body dry, a blow dryer may be used to dry the area for at least 10-15 minutes.
After 1-2 days of the surgery, you are allowed to take a quick 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 use a warm dryer for 10-15 minutes around the surgical wound after you took a shower in the morning and before bedtime to keep the area dry. This you have to continue for at least one more week.
Within the first 2-3 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.
Within the first 2 weeks after the surgery, cleaning the surgical wound and the perineum area after urinating may be done with sanitary wipes (-Do not use the tap water-). After defecating, use water and towel gently. You should try to avoid moisture around the surgical wound as to keep the area dry to let it heal faster.
4) Things you should know after the Labia Minora Plasty/Labia Minora Reduction
You may experience light reddish bleeding out of the surgical wound in around 1-2 weeks after the surgery, and 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 or come to see Dr. Vitasna for the surgical wound examination.
After the surgery, you may have all kinds of food, with the exceptions of alcohol drinks, pickled food, and smoking for about 2 weeks.
During the inflammatory phase of healing, which last up to 2-4 weeks after the surgery, there is a wetting of the Labia Minora skin due to the moisture from the vaginal discharge in the surgical wound area. Sloughing off of tissues or necrosis can also be observed. This should not be a cause of worry as it may happen during the process of healing of the surgical wound in the vulvovaginal area.
The material used for the surgery is the sutures which dissolve slowly (within 4-6 weeks). However, for some women, the sutures take longer than 4-6 weeks to completely dissolve. Sometimes women experience 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 vaginal itching or green-curd like discharge as a result of vaginal fungal infection, possibly following taking antibiotics. You may need an oral anti-fungal medication or suppository.
Frequently Asked Questions about Labia Minora Plasty
The Risk & Complication of Labia Minora Reduction
5) Recovery period after the Labia Minora Plasty/Labia Minora Reduction
Recovery varies individually, you may return to work after 2-3 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, 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 4-6 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 surgery.
Labia Monora Reduction/Labia Minora Plasty is one of the most complex and meticulous cosmetic surgeries performed today. It requires extensive experience, precision, and accuracy to create the optimal results you desire and deserve. Many surgeons have little to no experience with this type of advanced cosmetic surgery. You should research and be conscious of the surgeon’s educational background, training, and practical experience.