BEFORE: For Labiaplasty, plan a quiet week with easy walking and lots of rest. You’ll be asked to share all medicines, herbs, and supplements, since some can raise bruising. Only stop anything if your surgeon tells you to. If you smoke or vape, you may need to stop for a set window because nicotine can slow healing. Shower the night before, wear loose clothes, and bring a thin pad for the ride home. Stock gentle wipes, clean water for rinsing, and soft ice packs. If you live an active beach lifestyle in Grand Rapids, MI, plan to avoid sand, pools, and tight swimsuits until you are cleared.

DURING: On procedure day, your team confirms your plan and keeps everything private and respectful. Depending on the approach, you may have local numbing with relaxation or full anesthesia. The surgeon reshapes the tissue in small, careful steps to keep a smooth edge and protect feeling. Bleeding is controlled as they work, and the area is closed with dissolving stitches that do not need to be removed. You’ll rest in recovery while staff review cleaning steps, pain control, and what is normal swelling versus a concern. Most patients go home the same day with simple instructions and a follow-up visit scheduled.

AFTER: Expect swelling, tenderness, and light spotting at first, with the biggest swelling early on. Cold packs, short walks, and keeping pressure off the area can help. You’ll likely use a thin layer of ointment and gentle rinses after using the bathroom, then pat dry instead of rubbing. Avoid sex, tampons, heavy lifting, cycling, and long runs until your surgeon clears you, since friction can open the wound. Mild itching can happen as skin knits back together. Most people feel much better in 1–2 weeks, while final shape can take several weeks more. Call right away for fever, spreading redness, thick drainage, or sudden heavy bleeding.