Is labiaplasty painful? Labiaplasty Recovery & Healing

Is labiaplasty painful?

Most patients opt for general anaesthetic when undergoing a labiaplasty, so they won’t feel any pain. Any discomfort or pain experienced after the surgery will be controlled with medication provided by the doctor and this will usually subside within a few days. Discomfort is usually the result of swelling which tends to subside after the first days of recovery.

Date: 16th February 2021

Last reviewed: 16th January 2024

Is labiaplasty painful?

Although this part of the body is sensitive and delicate, a labiaplasty is not considered to be particularly painful.

A labiaplasty can be carried out here at the Cadogan Clinic using either a general anaesthetic or a local anesthetic. If the patient opts for a local anesthetic, the surgery can be performed with or without sedation.

However, most patients opt for general anaesthetic when undergoing a labiaplasty, so they won’t feel any pain. Any discomfort or pain experienced after the surgery will be controlled with medication provided by the doctor and this will usually subside within a few days. Discomfort is usually the result of swelling which tends to subside after the first days of recovery.

A labiaplasty is a straightforward procedure, taking around one or two hours. Once our specialist nursing team is happy that the initial recovery is complete and a patient is safe to return home, they will be allowed to leave the clinic accompanied by a friend or family member.

The patient is able to go home the same day as the surgery, regardless of the type of anesthetic used in the procedure.

Labiaplasty

It is common for women to have concerns about the size, shape or definition of their labia, the inner and outer folds…

How painful is labiaplasty recovery?

Labiaplasty is not a particularly painful procedure, and patients are encouraged to be up and about straight away. Some swelling, bruising and soreness should be expected post-procedure. Most of the swelling usually settles in the first few days or early weeks. Some residual swelling may persist for months, but does not normally interfere with day-to-day activities. Most patients will have returned to all normal activities between 4 and 6 weeks following their operation. Your surgeon will discuss the aftercare plan with you in greater detail.

There are a number of things that a patient can do to help aid recovery from labiaplasty. Wearing loose clothing will avoid friction and irritating the affected area. Patients should avoid exercise and rigorous activities. Anyone who has undergone a labiaplasty should abstain from sex for at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Tampons should also be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. Sanitary towels are recommended for the first menstrual period after surgery.

Laying with your bottom elevated can help to reduce swelling. Placing an ice pack over your underwear ‘20 minutes on, 20 minutes off’ could also help.

The area is likely to be sore rather than painful. If the labia is sore following surgery, patients are advised to take painkillers.

Itching after labiaplasty is common in the first week while everything is healing. However, if the itching persists, this could be a sign of a yeast or bacterial infection, or an allergic reaction to medication. If this happens, please seek medical advice.

How long does it take for a labiaplasty to heal?

Labiaplasty is a safe, effective and straightforward surgery, and it does not take long for patients to return to their normal activities. It takes 6 weeks to fully recover from labiaplasty.

Following labial surgery at the Cadogan Clinic, patients are advised to take a few days off work with the option of a full week if required, with a view of returning to normal day-to-day activities after about one week. Swelling is greatest during the first few days and the treated areas can be quite uncomfortable with excessive movement. Although it is advisable for patients to mobilise as soon as is comfortable following surgery, they should be sensitive to their body and not to do too much too soon.

Driving can also be resumed 1 or 2 weeks post-surgery. Patients should sleep on their back for 2 weeks after the labiaplasty to avoid causing irritation to the affected area.

Exercise, including the gym, and restricted sexual activity can be resumed between 4 and 6 weeks.

The key is to listen to your body and not push yourself, otherwise you risk delaying the healing process.

Once home following labial surgery, patients will have access to the Cadogan Clinic’s dedicated oncall nursing team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This team of specialists are dedicated to your comfort and pain control, and are there to field any questions you may have in the immediate post-operative phase.

Patients who have undergone labiaplasty will have a follow-up appointment one week after surgery with our nursing team, who will ensure the incision sites have been properly reviewed. We recommend patients also meet with one of our on site aestheticians to discuss ongoing treatment to support the healing and scarring process.

A final check-up will take place with the surgeon 6 to 8 weeks following the procedure.

Labiaplasty

It is common for women to have concerns about the size, shape or definition of their labia, the inner and outer folds…

Will I lose feeling if I have a labiaplasty?

Women who chose to have the procedure because their labia were getting twisted, tugged, or torn during intercourse have said that having a labiaplasty has increased their sexual satisfaction. This also goes hand-in-hand with body confidence.

A labiaplasty should not result in any loss of feeling in the labia. The surgery will not change a woman’s ability to become sexually aroused or achieve orgasm. However there is a small risk of reduced sensitivity of the genitals.

Any numbness around the incision settles in a month or two and is rarely persistent.

Can you walk after a labiaplasty?

Yes, you can walk after a labiaplasty. Labiaplasty is not a particularly painful procedure, and patients are encouraged to be up and about straight away, as soon as they feel comfortable. However they should be sensitive to their body and not do too much too soon. The affected area will be swollen and sore following the procedure.

Patients are able to go home on the same day as undergoing a labiaplasty at the Cadogan Clinic.

What does the scar look like after labiaplasty?

Often the scar blends in very well into the labia minora tissue, which naturally has multiple wrinkles and folds. Labiaplasty produces a natural result and often it is impossible to tell that the procedure has been carried out.

After the stitches dissolve, the scar tissue will become firm before it softens after several months.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Gynaecology

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty reduces the size and shape of the labia to aid confidence in the cosmetic appearance.

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