Before labia minora surgery, the thing most people work out is probably “how many days do I need to take off.” Once the surgery is over, though, the questions change a little. Day-to-day decisions keep coming: whether the swelling you feel now is at an acceptable level, whether it is okay to sit on a chair, when you can exercise again.
If you are still deciding about surgery, you may want to read what to look at when the labia minora chafe and feel uncomfortable first. This article focuses on the time after surgery.
How does it feel in the first few days after surgery?
The area may be swollen, sore or throbbing, and peeing or sitting may be uncomfortable. These changes are common while a wound is healing, but how strong they are and how long they last differ from person to person.
As general guidance, the UK NHS explains that after labia minora surgery, pain, bruising, and swelling can last for up to about 2 weeks, and that peeing and sitting can also be uncomfortable during this time. It notes that it can take a couple of months for the skin to fully heal. In the first few days, a little blood may also show on underwear or a pad.
While swelling remains, the left and right sides may look different, or the edge of the wound may feel uneven. It is hard to judge the result from how things look during this period. Write down your questions and ask them at your follow-up visit.
How should I take care of myself at home?
The basics are to keep the wound clean and dry as instructed after surgery, and to reduce pressure and rubbing. How to wash, which prescribed medicines to use, and when your next visit is are explained by the facility that performed the surgery, based on the condition of the wound.
- Pat dry after washing After peeing or showering, wash around the wound in the way you were shown, then press gently with soft gauze or a towel to remove moisture. Do not rub hard or use strongly scented products.
- Wear loose clothing Tight bottoms and leggings can press on the wound and cause rubbing. Choose roomy, breathable underwear and loose trousers or skirts, and if you use pads, change them often.
- Avoid sitting for long periods Even with a soft cushion, it is better not to stay seated in one place for long. When resting, some people find it comfortable to lie on their side with a cushion between their knees. Crossing your legs or squatting can put pressure on the wound.
- Do not strain during bowel movements Straining hard because of constipation can put stress on the wound. Drink enough water, and talk to your medical team if you become constipated.
- Follow the instructions for medicines and stitches Use prescribed medicines such as painkillers and ointments as instructed. Do not pull out or cut your stitches yourself, and check whether they are dissolvable or need to be removed.
It is safer not to use tampons or vaginal douching devices until you have been told the wound has healed. Also ask separately when you can start soaking in water for a long time, such as taking a bath, going to a public bathhouse, or using a sauna.
When can I go back to work, exercise, or have sex again?
When to restart is decided by the medical team after checking the extent of the surgery and how well the wound has healed. In general, light daily activities such as walking come first, and the more an activity presses on or pulls at the wound, the later it is postponed.
As general guidance, the NHS explains that you may need up to about 2 weeks off work to recover, and that you should avoid sex for at least 4 weeks and physically demanding activity for 4–6 weeks. These periods are only a reference, however, and the periods given vary somewhat from source to source. The instructions from the medical team who has actually seen your wound come first.
| Activity | What to consider before starting |
|---|---|
| Going to work or school | Whether you sit for long periods, and how far you travel and how long you stand |
| Walking | Relatively low-strain, but cut back if rubbing or pain increases |
| Running and strength training | Whether abdominal pressure rises and the lower body rubs repeatedly |
| Cycling, indoor cycling, horse riding | Whether the saddle presses directly on the wound area |
| Swimming and baths | Whether the wound stays under water for a long time, and whether it has healed |
| Sex | Whether penetration or friction pulls at the wound, and whether pain remains |
If soreness or swelling gets worse again after you restart, stop that activity and check the timing again at your next visit. If pain continues after you resume sex, it is better to tell your medical team rather than put up with it. Another person’s return date is hard to use as the basis for your own schedule.
Which symptoms mean I should get in touch right away?
If you see signs that recovery is going backward, such as bleeding or pain that keeps getting worse, a fever, or pus coming from the wound, do not wait for your next appointment; contact the medical facility where you had the surgery.
Risks that can come with surgery, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, and changes in sensation, are things you will have heard about in the pre-surgery consultation. If you suspect one of these problems during recovery, getting examined to check your condition comes first, rather than judging it yourself or switching ointments.
What should I ask at my follow-up visit?
Ask specifically what you can do next, given how your wound is now. Because your schedule may be adjusted to how fast you are recovering, it is better to check again at each visit rather than only remembering the schedule you were first given.
What to check before surgery and general guidance during recovery are also set out on LILEAP’s Labia minora surgery · labiaplasty guide. During recovery, rather than rushing, it is fine to get back to everyday life one step at a time while watching how your body responds.