Genital Surgery Procedure and Recovery explained as the surgical process and healing period focused on safety comfort and optimal outcomes

Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

The Surgical Environment

Aesthetic genital surgeries are performed in accredited surgical facilities or hospitals. The environment is sterile to prevent infection. The operating room is prepared with specialized equipment tailored for gynecological and plastic surgery procedures.

The team typically includes the lead surgeon, a surgical assistant, a scrub nurse, and an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. Patient privacy and dignity are paramount, with draping used to expose only the necessary surgical field.

  • adherence to strict sterile protocols
  • specialized gynecological positioning equipment
  • multidisciplinary surgical team
  • Prioritization of patient privacy
  • regulated temperature and lighting
Icon LIV Hospital

Anesthesia and Patient Comfort

Depending on the plan, the patient is administered anesthesia. For local anesthesia, numbing injections are placed carefully after the patient is sedated or uses numbing cream. For general or IV sedation, the anesthesiologist continuously monitors vital signs.

Long-acting local anesthetics are often injected into the surgical site even if the patient is asleep. This provides pain relief that lasts several hours after waking, smoothing the transition into recovery.

  • administration of selected anesthesia
  • continuous vital sign monitoring
  • Infiltration of long-acting local blocks
  • management of patient anxiety
  • ensuring intraoperative stability
Icon 1 LIV Hospital

The Surgical Process

The surgeon performs the procedure according to the preoperative plan. For labiaplasty, precise incisions are made using lasers or radiofrequency scalpels to minimize bleeding. Tissue is removed, and the remaining edges are meticulously sutured.

For vaginoplasty, the posterior vaginal wall is opened, muscles are tightened with heavy sutures, and excess mucosa is removed. The closure is done in layers to ensure structural integrity. Throughout the surgery, hemostasis (stopping bleeding) is strictly maintained.

  • precision excision of tissue
  • utilization of advanced energy devices
  • layered closure of muscles and mucosa
  • meticulous attention to hemostasis
  • continuous assessment of symmetry

Suturing Techniques

Surgeons use absorbable sutures (stitches) that dissolve on their own. These are typically fine stitches for the delicate labial skin and stronger, longer-lasting stitches for the vaginal muscles.

The suturing technique is critical for minimizing scarring. Subcuticular closures (stitches under the skin) are often used so that no suture marks are visible on the outside. The knots are buried to prevent irritation.

  • Use of absorbable suture materials
  • layered closure for tension reduction
  • Subcuticular techniques for scar concealment
  • burying of knots to prevent irritation
  • selection of suture tensile strength

Immediate Post Op Phase

After surgery, the patient is moved to the recovery room. Nurses monitor blood pressure and pain levels. An ice pack is immediately applied to the genital area to control swelling.

Patients are observed until the anesthesia wears off and they can urinate comfortably. Being able to void (pee) is a key criterion for discharge, especially after vaginoplasty, to ensure the urethra is functioning normally.

  • monitoring in the recovery unit
  • immediate application of cold therapy
  • management of post-anesthesia nausea
  • verification of spontaneous voiding
  • discharge instructions and handover

Pain Management Strategy

The pain is typically described as soreness or burning, similar to a bad scrape or childbirth recovery. Oral pain medication is prescribed for the first 2 to 3 days. Anti-inflammatory medication may be avoided initially to reduce bleeding risk.

Applying ice packs for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off, is the most effective pain-relief method. Patients are advised to lie down with their hips elevated to reduce throbbing and swelling.

  • prescription of short-term narcotics
  • transition to acetaminophen
  • strict regimen of cold compress application
  • elevation of the pelvis to reduce edema
  • avoidance of pressure on the surgical site

Hygiene and Wound Care

Keeping the area clean is vital. Patients are instructed to use a peri bottle (squirt bottle) with warm water to rinse the area after every bathroom visit. Patting dry (no rubbing) or using a hair dryer on a cool setting helps keep the area dry.

Antibiotic ointment is typically applied to the suture lines several times a day. This keeps the incisions moist for healing and prevents infection. Sitz baths (soaking in shallow water) may be recommended after a few days to soothe the tissues and dissolve stitches.

  • Use of a peri bottle for irrigation
  • gentle patting or cool air drying
  • application of topical antibiotics
  • initiation of sitz baths (timing varies)
  • Maintenance of a dry environment

Swelling and Bruising

Swelling is significant in the genital area due to the loose nature of the tissue and rich blood supply. It is normal for the labia to look distorted, large, or purple in the first few days. This is not the final result.

Bruising may extend to the thighs or buttocks. The majority of swelling subsides within 2 weeks, but residual puffiness can persist for up to 6 weeks. Patience is required as the tissues settle.

  • expectation of significant edema
  • discoloration and bruising patterns
  • temporary distortion of anatomy
  • gradual resolution over weeks
  • psychological management of appearance

Activity Restrictions

Rest is mandatory for the first 3 to 5 days. Walking should be limited to bathroom trips to minimize friction and swelling. Sitting upright puts pressure on the area and should be avoided; reclining is best.

Strenuous exercise, lifting heavy objects, and cycling are restricted for 4 to 6 weeks. The tissue needs time to heal without being pulled or stretched. Returning to work depends on the job’s physical demands.

  • strict bed rest/reclining for initial days
  • Limitations of walking and standing
  • avoidance of the seated position
  • restriction of exercise and lifting
  • gradual return to daily activities

Clothing Choices

Loose clothing is essential. Patients should wear loose skirts, nightgowns, or baggy sweatpants. Tight underwear, jeans, or leggings must be avoided for several weeks as they can rub against the stitches and cause pain or wound separation.

Mesh underwear (often provided by the hospital) is excellent for holding pads without pressure. Going commando (no underwear) while lying down allows air to circulate and aids healing.

  • preference for skirts and loose pants
  • avoidance of tight or restrictive garments
  • utilization of mesh recovery underwear
  • allowing for air circulation
  • minimizing friction on suture lines

Managing Itching

As the nerves heal and stitches dissolve, itching is a very common symptom. It is a sign of healing, but can be annoying. Patients must not scratch the area.

Keeping the area moisturized with the prescribed ointment helps. Sometimes an oral antihistamine (like Benadryl) is recommended at night to help with itching and sleep.

  • recognition of itching as a healing sign
  • strict prohibition of scratching
  • Maintenance of tissue hydration
  • use of oral antihistamines
  • patience during the dissolution phase

Diet and Bowel Movements

Constipation is a risk due to pain medication and inactivity. Straining to have a bowel movement can be painful and put pressure on the repair, especially after vaginoplasty.

Patients are advised to drink plenty of water and eat a high-fiber diet. Stool softeners are routinely prescribed to ensure bowel movements are effortless and do not stress the surgical site.

  • high fiber diet and hydration
  • routine use of stool softeners
  • avoidance of straining (Valsalva maneuver)
  • management of opioid-induced constipation
  • support of pelvic floor recovery

30 Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical

Book a Free Certified Online
Doctor Consultation

Clinics/branches
Prof. MD. Yaşar Çokkeser Prof. MD. Yaşar Çokkeser Plastic Surgery
Group 346 LIV Hospital

Reviews from 9,651

4,9

Was this article helpful?

Was this article helpful?

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does the surgery take?

A simple labiaplasty takes about 1 hour. A vaginoplasty takes about 1 to 2 hours. Combined procedures will take longer. You are usually at the surgery center for 3 to 4 hours total, including prep and recovery.

You can usually shower 24 hours after surgery. Let the water run gently over the area; do not scrub. Avoid soaking in a bath for the first week or until your surgeon gives the clear (except for prescribed sitz baths).

Spotting and light bleeding are normal for the first few days, as they are at the end of a period. Wear a sanitary pad. If you experience heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour) or pass large clots, contact your surgeon immediately.

No. You cannot insert anything into the vagina (tampons, menstrual cups, etc.) for at least 6 weeks. You must use sanitary pads for any bleeding or menstruation during the recovery period.

You can drive once you are off narcotic pain medication and can sit comfortably without pain distracting you. This is usually around day 5 to 7 for labiaplasty, but may be longer for vaginoplasty due to discomfort sitting.

Spine Hospital of Louisiana

Let's Talk About Your Health

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

Let's Talk About Your Health

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

How helpful was it?

helpful
helpful
helpful
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)