After an inner labia reduction (labia correction), this area will need time to recover. The average recovery period is 6 weeks, but this varies from person to person. We often get asked what you can and cannot do after a labia correction and how to promote recovery. To get the most MOOI results, it is important to follow certain instructions carefully.

Although the plastic surgeon informed you about the procedure beforehand, in order to obtain the most MOOI result and to speed up your recovery, we recommend the following (unless expressly stated otherwise by the plastic surgeon):

The first days after the labia correction

After surgery, you can usually go home the same day. We check that everything is fine with you and after our plastic surgeon’s approval, you may go home. In general, women experience little pain after a labia correction but swelling almost always occurs after this surgery. This lasts for about 3 days, after which the swelling gradually decreases. The labia may also turn blue and feel sore; this is a normal reaction of the body and goes away on its own. After a labia correction, some bleeding can sometimes occur and this may persist for the first week.

DON’T: DRIVE YOURSELF HOME

One thing you should not do immediately after surgery is get behind the wheel yourself. So make sure there is someone with you who can drive you home safely. The advice is not to drive a car for one week after surgery.

DO: ICING THE AREA

On the day of surgery, it is important to ice the area. To do this, cool the area for about 10 minutes every hour for the first few days. It is best to use a wet sanitary napkin from the freezer, or a bag of frozen peas. It is important to put something between the skin and the cold compress (i.e. the chilled sanitary napkin) for protection. Wear sanitary pads and sturdy underwear for the first few days.

It is important not to sit on a swim ring or donut. This may actually cause the wound to swell more and become more painful.

DON’T: STRENOUS ACTIVITIES

Take it easy for the first week but keep moving; good blood flow promotes healing. After one week, you can return to work. Avoid sports, cycling and heavy bending and lifting for a few more weeks. We recommend that you avoid sexual contact for the first six weeks.

DO: SHOWER AND RINSE

Rinse the labia well with lukewarm water twice daily. Showering is allowed, but not too hot to prevent post-bleeding. Be careful not to rub the wound dry. It is best to use dabbing motions to dry the area with a clean cloth. However, you should not bathe for the first 2 weeks until the scars are completely healed.

Peeing may be painful and cause a burning sensation for the first few days. When you flush with water this soothes the are while urinating. Try using a water bottle, or shower head. Rinse the wound with lukewarm water every time after using the toilet.

DON’T: SMOKING AND DRINKING ALCOHOL

Definitely don’t! Smoking adversely affects blood flow to the tissues, which is precisely what is important for proper recovery. We therefore recommend that you stop smoking at least 6 weeks before and after treatment. It’s also better not to smoke after treatment. This accelerates the aging process and increases the risk of complications.
Do not use alcohol in the first week after treatment because of the risk of post-treatment bleeding.

DO: TAKE PAIN MEDICATION

If necessary, use paracetamol as directed. Use blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ascal (acetyl salicylic acid), ibuprofen, etc. in consultation with the plastic surgeon.
If you were taking certain medications before surgery, such as blood thinners, you can resume them in consultation with the plastic surgeon.

DON’T: USE TAMPONS

Our advice is not to insert tampons or menstrual cups for the first six weeks after the labia correction. Use sanitary pads and rinse the labia twice daily with lukewarm water and after every toilet visit.

Two weeks after your labia correction

After two weeks, you come back for a check-up at MOOI Clinic. During this checkup, also discuss any activities you want to resume. The labia have good blood flow so the wound will heal quickly.

A scar takes 9 to 12 months to fully mature. The color and thickness of the scar achieved by this point will likely remain.

SUTURES

The stitches dissolve on their own. Any knots will be cut during the check-up after 2 weeks.

Six weeks after your labia correction

After six weeks, you’re usually well recovered from the surgery. It’s hard to tell when the labia integrate naturally with your body. This varies from person to person and depends on the amount of wound fluid or bruising under the skin. On average, this takes about 6 weeks.

Most people can resume all their normal activities after 6 weeks. You can bath, use the sauna, and do sports again.

Final check-up and result

After about 3 months, you will come to MOOI Clinic for a final check-up. The result will now be more visible. Hopefully you’re happy with the results and you no longer experience pain or discomfort from your labia.

Do you have any doubts about your situation, as to whether or not you should be allowed to do something? Then contact us!