Preparing for Your Labiaplasty

Before undergoing labiaplasty, a woman needs to prepare adequately. In the days leading up to the procedure, the patient can take steps to help ensure everything goes according to plan and that the process is successful. Discover some of the ways to prepare for the surgery and expectations for what happens after.

Reasons for a labiaplasty

A woman who chooses to have her labia surgically corrected may do so for several reasons. The labia may have stretched and grown as a side effect of childbirth. Some women are born with larger labia and have dealt with the discomfort ever since. Regardless of how it got that way, a patient with this condition may experience pain and discomfort partaking in everyday activities, including intercourse. A woman may also seek to have the surgery for cosmetic reasons. The procedure to correct large labia typically does not take long and may be done under general anesthesia as outpatient surgery.

Steps to prepare for the surgery

Preparing for labiaplasty is similar to that of other outpatient procedures. The physician overseeing the procedure may suggest specific measures to ensure that the patient is ready for the surgery. These instructions take precedence, but a woman can follow some general suggestions in the days before admission.

Watch the diet

A bland diet is never a bad thing to stick to in the days leading up to surgery. Water intake should be increased to ensure proper hydration. Avoid consuming too many starches or fatty foods to help avoid an upset stomach. Alcohol and nicotine should also be stopped as these can thin the blood and make excessive bleeding a possibility. The day before surgery, the doctor will advise the patient to fast. According to the Mayo Clinic, fasting decreases the risk of aspiration while under anesthesia.

Decide on pain management

The physician will counsel the woman on the type of pain that can be expected after a labiaplasty. Since the skin is cut away and the area sutured, there is a reasonable likelihood of discomfort, especially immediately after surgery. When the anesthesia wears off, the pain will be at its highest. Therefore, it is a good idea to formulate a plan on how to manage it before the incision is made. Oral and topical medications are usually prescribed. Over-the-counter painkillers may be successful in reducing discomfort as the healing process progresses. The use of these medications will vary based on the individual.

Recover afterwards

Most sources recommend taking up to a week at home to recuperate after a labiaplasty. This directive may vary on a case-by-case basis, so always follow the treating doctor's orders. A patient should get plenty of rest, wear looser clothing, and apply ice packs intermittently to help reduce swelling around the sutured area. Antibiotics and external medication are usually prescribed to help ward off infection. The patient should abstain from sexual intercourse until the doctor indicates it is safe. In most instances, this takes about a month.

Conclusion

A labiaplasty may solve discomfort and pain that can be associated with certain conditions involving the labia. Once a woman decides to go through with the surgery, understanding what happens during and after can help alleviate any stress and shift focus to recovery.

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