Vaginal Surgery Labiaplasty & Vaginoplasty Operation Risks or Side Effects

Like all surgical procedures, there is always a possibility of complications or side effects and, although rare, these can include infection (such as urinary tract infections), a reaction to the anaesthesia, blood or fluid collection underneath the skin (haematoma), prolonged bleeding, nerve damage, and an irregular or a “lop-sided” appearance to the labia after the operation.

Following labiaplasty you should expect some slight bleeding for the first 24 hours with discomfort and swelling at its worst in the first 72 hours, disappearing after about 2 - 3 weeks. Bruising in the area should be minimal. The incisions should heal quickly without scarring, making them unnoticeable.  As dissolvable stitches are usually used there is also no need for these to be removed. You should be up and about and resuming normal activities within 48 - 72 hours, expect to be off work for up to 7 days. Full healing takes approximately 6 weeks.

Following vaginoplasty you should expect some slight bleeding for the first 24 hours and to feel sore and swollen for several days, disappearing after about 2 - 3 weeks. Bed rest is advisable post-surgery as you will not be able to walk comfortably for a few days. Depending on the extent of surgery you can expect to be off work for 7 - 10 days. Full healing takes approximately 6 weeks.

In both cases, urinating post-surgery may be difficult and somewhat painful, due to the burning/stinging sensation caused by the urine passing over the wound. This can be alleviated by either urinating in the shower, or by pouring a jug of lukewarm water over the area as one urinates in the toilet.

Following hymenoplasty you should expect some slight bleeding for the first 48 - 72 hours. The risk of infection is very low since the hymen is relatively avascular, i.e. it doesn’t have its own bloody supply which is required for an infection to take hold.

What should you do after vaginal surgery?

It is very important that you follow the advice of your surgeon carefully after vaginal surgery.

Post-surgery advice may include:

• Using recommended painkillers as required.
• Contacting your surgeon immediately if you notice any signs of infection or if you experience prolonged bleeding or a sudden increase in pain.
• Avoiding baths and only taking showers for the first few days following surgery. Showering permitted 24 hours after surgery.
• Avoiding vigorous exercise for 2 – 4 weeks.
• Avoiding sexual intercourse (vaginal penetration) for a period of 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the type and extent of surgery.
• Avoiding tight underwear such as thongs or g-strings for 1 – 2 weeks, choose loose fitting knickers.
• Wearing a pad, similar to a sanitary pad for 2 – 3 days post-surgery; this acts as a surgical dressing for the collection of any blood or bodily fluids which come from the wounds.
• Avoiding using tampons, only sanitary towels and panty liners are to be used in the first 4 - 6 weeks following surgery.