Let's dive into some fundamentals!  

Labiaplasty is personal, private and important surgery.  While some people have an emphasis on preserving diversity of anatomy, some others may opt to consider labiaplasty in order to alter the shape and contour of the labia minora, labia majora or clitoral hood.  Sometimes this may alter the symptoms that they may have experienced.

1.  Rest  

You've had labiaplasty surgery.  Focus on your recovery as though it is as an important component as your surgery itself.  Your body and tissues will go through the stages of healing.  A lot of patients who consider labiaplasty have busy lives with either work, kids or sport.  Unfortunately, there is no other way around this other than to heal well by resting.  What does rest actually mean?  It means not doing what you normally do and simply taking a rest.  Some may assume that this is a "tedious" process by doing not much.  It actually is.  Take this opportunity to focus on your self, do something different with relaxation.  Some patients look into netflix, meditation or painting.  A good rest for 1 week or 7 days will help the stages of initial discomfort and swelling which is expected following surgery.  The risks of surgery can be read here.  All patients will have varied experiences during the rest recovery stage based on individual anatomy, medical conditions, genetic makeup or lifestyle habits.

2. Good Balanced Diet.

In the first few days following surgery, eat normal healthy food.  Whilst it is important to increase your calorie intake moderately, we cannot emphasise how important it is to not eat execessive foods.  In particular food that has significant starch such as bread and pasta.  Avoid big meals and you will have a better recovery.  It is a misconception that eating anything you like after surgery is justified.  This may cause unnecessary problems such as constipation or even nausea.

Our best tip is to take a handful of blueberries and raspberries each day to ensure a good level of Vitamin C is in your diet.  This is a natural way to help with your overall healing and has the added benefit of improving discomfort.  By eating healthy fruit, you would naturally avoid junk food and would be in a better position to heal.

3. Drink up..  

Drink plenty of fluids (please note that this does not refer to fluids containing alcohol, caffeine or high with sugar).  Some may try to refrain from this because they may feel anxious to pass urine following surgery. While labiaplasty may cause temporary urinary discomfort, it should not negate the importance of good adequate hydration. Others may rightfully be concerned since they had vaginal surgery and feel more comfortable not to use the bathroom as much.  Your body requires hydration to maintain good circulation so that all your tissues can heal well especially during the recovery period.  

Tip:  If you are lost, add some lemon and mint leaves to a large jar of chilled water.  It is refreshing, healthy and hydrates your system. Click here to learn about mixing an amazing citrus mint drink!  

4.  How to sleep after labiaplasty?

We often get asked about what the best sleeping position is after labiaplasty?  Some prefer to sleep on their back or their sides.  While these may be the most comfortable positions for you to sleep in after labioplasty, you may want to consider sleeping face up.

Why is sleeping facing up important after labiaplasty?  Depending on the type of labiaplasty surgery you have,  you must ask your surgical team about the preferred sleeping position.  Most of Dr Nara's patients will be instructed to sleep face up especially for the first few days following surgery.  This is to reduce the amount of pressure that may be exerted on the tissues on the operated labia skin or clitoral hood which may be experienced in other sleeping positions.

To learn more about labiaplasty performed by Dr Nara and managed by the team at RevAesthetic click here.

5. Return to work and exercise.

Each individual will recover differently following labiaplasty surgery.  Dr Nara and the team at RevAesthetic will tailor your recovery planning based on your routine exercises or job occupation.  The instructions to return back to your usual activities following labiaplasty may change depending on your recovery.  Some patients may swell more than others or have prolonged discomfort before it starts to get better. This may affect your lifestyle,work and hobbies.  While it is good to receive instructions from Dr Nara about a set phase of rest after surgery, this may change depending on the state of your recovery.  

What should I take home from this?  Pre-empt the modulation of the recovery phase following labiaplasty surgery.  Certainly, this can be better ascertained at the time of your personalised tailored consultation of labiaplasty with Dr Nara.  To book a consultation click here.

About Dr Nara - He is a key stakeholder in cosmetic surgery being actively involved in continuous professional development, cosmetic research and patient care.  His balanced, open and trusted approach to aesthetic surgery and medicine compliments the elements required for understanding and respecting patients from all walks of life.  He sees patients in Melbourne and Tasmania.  The trusted and experienced team at RevAesthetic including practice manager Cate, cosmetic liaison Jenny and registered nurse Caroline will look forward to listen to your unique enquiry.  Our team understands and respects the unique variations of patients seeking labiaplasty . 

 All patients are assessed in line with Medical Board of Australia Guidelines.  Click here to learn more about us.