Post-Operative Care Instructions for Labia Majora Reduction (Labial Lift)

1. Post-operative processes after the Labia Majora Reduction (Labial Lift)

• After the Labia Majora Reduction (Labial Lift), the surgical wound needs to be covered with a gauze pack to stop the bleeding, and done together with a urinary catheter for 1-2 days after the surgery.
• Nausea and vomiting may be experienced, as a side effect of the General Anesthesia, which is noted to be relieved as soon as its effect wears off. You will be monitored at recovery room for 1-2 hours. When you are conscious with normal vital sign, the anesthesiologist will allow you to be monitored in the Inpatient Building.

In the Inpatient Building,

• you may experience pains, so you should take an acetaminophen, an anti-inflammatory drug, and an antibiotic, as prescribed by Dr. Vitasna. In case you have no recovery from the acetaminophen, you will get the analgesic injection. You should take a rest to monitor and reduce pain and inflammation around the surgical wound.
• Within the first 1-2 days after the surgery, you are expected to be able to walk. Dr. Vitasna will ensure that no abnormal bleeding from the surgical wound occurs, and you can urinate by yourself after the catheter removal, as well as you are asked to review post-operative care instructions. Then Dr. Vitasna will allow you to return home.

2. Water contact & 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, especially the antibiotic should be wholly completed.
• Within the first 1-2 days after the surgery, applying a cold pack (s) to the general surgical site to decrease swelling is possible. 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 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. 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 the area 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
• .Within the first 2 weeks after the surgery, cleaning the surgical wound and the perineum area after urinary excretion may be done with sanitary wipes (-Do not use the tap water, because we want the surgical area as dry as possible-), and after fecal excretion done using water and toweling gently. You should try to avoid moisture around the surgical wound to keep the area dry to let it heal faster

Things you should know after the surgery

• 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.r.
• After the surgery, you may have all kinds of food, but should refrain from alcoholic drinks, pickled food, and smoking for about 2 weeks.
• After the Labia Majora Reduction (Labial Lift), you may experience itching or green curd like discharge as a result of vaginal fungal infection, possibly following taking antibiotic to avoid post-operative infection, and needing oral anti-fungal medication or suppository.

 

Before and After Photos

 

 

3. Recovery period after the Labia Majora Reduction (Labial Lift)

• Recovery varies with each woman.  You may return to work after 3-5 days of the surgery. Moreover, 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 are 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 energy-consuming activities, running, soaking in the bathtub, swimming, heavy lifting, cycling, other heavy activities, and sexual intercourse for 6-8 weeks after the surgery.

4. Suture removal after the Labia Majora Reduction (Labial Lift)

• The material (s) used is the suture which dissolves slowly (within 4-6 weeks). However, for some women, the suture takes longer than 4-6 weeks to completely dissolve, consequently causing irritation. For women who experience itching caused by the dissolving sutures and the process of healing, you will be prescribed antihistamine to control the itching.

5. Appointment after the Labia Majora Reduction (Labial Lift)

• Dr. Vitasna will have a post-operative appointment in 1-2 weeks after the Labia Majora reduction (Labial Lift) or as appropriate. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.