Labiaplasty
Pre-operative Instructions
Obtain medical evaluation and clearance by Dr. Mecham 3-4 weeks prior to scheduled procedure.
Arrange for recovery by ensuring arrangements are made for time off from work and any strenuous activity. Arrange for extra help where applicable in your daily routine.
Smoking tobacco, cigarettes and or using other forms of nicotine will delay wound healing and can cause poor healing and even excessive scarring. It is required that you can pass a nicotine screening prior to the procedure if you are an active nicotine user.
Avoid food, drinks and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. Refer to the attached list of medications to avoid. Ensure to use Tylenol in place of other over the counter medications.
Fill prescriptions. Our medical staff will call you prior to sending medications to discuss the medications and answer any questions. They will then send over the following medications to desired pharmacy 1-2 days before scheduled procedure:
Cephalexin: antibiotic
Celebrex: anti-inflammatory & pain relief
Gabapentin: controlled substance for nerve pain
Oxycodone: controlled substance pain medication
Xanax (if the procedure is in office under local anesthetic): controlled substance for anxiety prior to procedure.
Hibicleans: antiseptic soap
It is recommended you have a caregiver to drive you home following the procedure. Ensure to make these arrangements prior to coming to appointment.
It is recommended to shave prior to the procedure, but not necessary. If you decide to do so, please shave 2 days prior to the procedure.
LABIAPLASTY Post-Operative Instructions
You can ice the area for the first few days to a week with a cold compress for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. This will reduce swelling and discomfort.
Make sure to take Tylenol, Celebrex, and Gabapentin around the clock for pain and discomfort. Oxycodone can be used in conjunction if needed. Do not take more than 3,000 mg of Tylenol within a 24-hour period.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine as these will dramatically slow the healing process.
Eat a diet high in protein and fiber, and low in sodium and fat. This will aid in healing and reduce swelling.
Stay hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day.
Limited physical activity is recommended for the first week after your procedure. Avoid sitting in an upright position for prolonged periods, and make sure to walk as often as you can. You can slowly resume normal daily activity a few days after surgery and can return to light exercise in 2-3 weeks. Swelling may transiently be worse with exercise.
If menstrual cycle begins, no tampons are to be used for 6 weeks following the procedure. Pads or menstrual underwear can be used in place of tampons.
Do not drive if you are currently taking controlled substance pain medication. You must be off the controlled substance for 24 hours before driving. Avoid long driving trips for weeks.
No vaginal intercourse for 6 weeks or until cleared by Dr. Mecham.
Wear loose, breathable clothing and undergarments to help with irritation, tight fitting clothing can cause irritation.
You may shower with and use an antibacterial soap the day following surgery. Replace your pad after showering.
No bathtubs, jacuzzi, swimming pools, etc. until your incisions have healed and are approved by Dr. Mecham. It is best to wait 4-6 weeks to use a hot tub as they tend to have more bacteria than a swimming pool.
How To Take Care of Your Incisions
Antibiotic ointment will be used at the incision sites and a panty liner in your underwear. You may change your liner as needed.
Use Bacitracin triple antibiotic ointment on the incision lines once per day, unless instructed twice per day.
Stitches are dissolvable.
What You Can Expect
Drainage can occur from incision sites for the first week following the procedure. You may continue to use a panty liner if this occurs.
Bruising will normally heal after about 2-3 weeks.
Swelling in all surrounding and affected areas is to be expected for a few weeks. This is an area which is known to have excessive swelling and is normal. The swelling can improve with rest and ice. Exercise and physical activity can worsen the swelling but is encouraged after the recommended wait period.
Itching at the incision sites is normal for a few days. You may take Benadryl to help relieve the itching.
Pain – sensitivity, stinging during urination, discomfort, soreness, and fatigue for several days to weeks after your procedure is normal to experience as your body is recovering.
You may feel reduced or heightened sensation in the vaginal area for a few weeks to months.
It may take 3-6 months to see the results of the procedure.
Do Not’s
DO NOT apply hydrogen peroxide to incision sites.
DO NOT soak in baths, Jacuzzis or hot tubs until all incisions have fully healed.
DO NOT take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other blood thinners until your surgeon clears it with you.
DO NOT apply heating pads to the treated areas unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon.
Emergency Situations – When to Call Our Office/Go To The ER
Signs of infections include spreading redness, extreme swelling, increased drainage output or pus, worsening pain, and warmth at the incision sites. Temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
Excessive bleeding – if the dressings are becoming saturated with bright red blood and you are having to make frequent dressing changes.
Other emergency situations include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, severe vomiting, pain or asymmetric swelling in your legs, light headedness that does not quickly resolve.
Shopping List
Prescriptions that have been sent to your preferred pharmacy.
Tylenol: alternative to narcotic pain medication if pain is not severe. DO NOT take NSAIDS.
Antibiotic ointment: Bacitracin Triple Antibiotic ointment for incision lines.
Pads or panty liners: to wear while drainage occurs and replace as necessary.
Laxative: can be used as narcotic pain medications cause constipation.