Patient Guide
Vaginoplasty (Vaginal Tightening) Post-Operative Instructions
Recovering from a surgical procedure can be a journey, and knowing what to expect can help you navigate it smoothly. Here are some key guidelines to follow after your procedure. Remember, these are general tips, and it’s important to contact our office if you have any specific questions or concerns.
Vaginoplasty Recovery
Post-Operative Instructions For
First Follow-Up Appointment
- Schedule Check-In Your first post-op visit will occur 3-5 days after your surgery. We highly recommend calling our office or having someone make the appointment for you.
Managing Bruising and Swelling
- Bruising It’s common to experience significant bruising around the vaginal and labial areas. Sometimes, the bruising can spread to nearby areas but it usually resolves within 1-3 weeks.
- Swelling Swelling is a typical response to surgery and often takes several weeks to fully subside.
If you notice excessive swelling, asymmetry, or increased pain on one side, these could be signs of bleeding. Please contact our office immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Bathing Instructions
Showering You can take a sponge bath or shower 24-48 hours post-surgery.
- Remove any dressings and undergarments.
- Have someone close by during your first shower in case you feel dizzy.
- Use tepid soapy water and gently rinse, followed by patting the area dry. Avoid hot showers as they can increase swelling.
Caring for Your Incision
- Post-Bath Care After bathing, apply antibiotic ointment to the incision site, then cover with a maxi pad and undergarment.
- Dressings Feel free to change your dressings regularly to maintain cleanliness and dryness. Maxi pads are a great alternative to expensive surgical gauze and are gentle on healing tissues.
Activity and Exercise
- General Activity Light daily activities are encouraged to keep your blood circulating, especially in your legs. Avoid strenuous activities initially.
- Lifting Restrictions Do not lift more than 5-10 pounds for several weeks.
- Driving Driving is not recommended until you are no longer taking pain medication and feel physically capable.
Returning to Work and Other Activities
- Work The timeline for returning to work varies depending on your job. Many patients are able to return to work with limited restrictions within 1-2 weeks.
- Sexual Activity Avoid all sexual activities for at least 4 weeks to prevent pain and complications. Your ability to resume sexual activities will be assessed during your second postoperative visit.
Expectations
Keep in mind that we are trying to achieve significant improvement, not perfection. If your expectations are realistic, you are much more likely to be happy with the final result. Be patient, it may take up to 6-12 months to see optimal results from vaginal tightening surgery.
Questions?
Questions about your recovery? Call or text our office anytime. Call or text (312) 809-9983.