Post-operative care is the most critical phase of your labiaplasty surgery in riyadh  journey, as the vulvar area is highly sensitive and requires precise attention to ensure proper healing. While your surgeon will provide specific instructions tailored to your procedure, the following guidelines represent the standard of care for a smooth recovery. 1. Immediate Post-Operative Period (Days 1–7) The first week is when you will experience the most swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Rest and Elevation: Prioritize resting. When lying down, you may find it helpful to elevate your hips slightly with pillows to reduce swelling. The Naderi Center + 1 Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications exactly as directed. If your surgeon recommends cold compresses, apply them for 15–20 minutes at a time (never directly to the skin; always wrap them in a soft, clean cloth) to manage inflammation. Quaba Plastic Surgery Edinburgh + 1 Hygiene: Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Use a peri-bottle (squeeze bottle) with warm water to gently rinse the area after every bathroom visit. Cadogan Clinic + 1 Pat the area dry very gently with a clean towel; never rub. Some surgeons may recommend using a hair dryer on a cool, low-heat setting to ensure the area is completely dry, which helps prevent infection. The Private Clinic Activity: Stay mobile but avoid strenuous movement. Short, gentle walks are encouraged to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots, but avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Plastic Surgery + 1 2. Hygiene and Wound Care Showering: You can generally shower within a day or two, but avoid soaking in bathtubs, swimming pools, or hot tubs for at least 4–6 weeks, as these environments can introduce bacteria. Plastic Surgery Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, 100% cotton underwear and loose trousers or skirts. Avoid tight leggings, skinny jeans, or synthetic fabrics that trap moisture and increase friction. Quaba Plastic Surgery Edinburgh + 1 Sanitary Products: Use soft, unscented sanitary pads to manage any light spotting or discharge. Do not use tampons or any other inserted devices for at least 6 weeks. Dr Jeremy Hunt + 1 3. Activity and Lifestyle Restrictions Work: Most patients can return to sedentary (desk) work within 5–7 days. If your job is physically demanding, you may require 1–2 weeks off. Healthline Exercise: Strictly avoid high-impact activities such as running, cycling, horseback riding, or heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks. These activities cause friction and strain that can pull on healing tissues. www.drvitasna.com + 1 Sexual Activity: Intercourse and any genital-focused sexual activity are strictly prohibited for 4–6 weeks. Prematurely resuming sexual activity can lead to tearing, poor scarring, or complications. Cadogan Clinic + 1 4. What to Watch For (When to Contact Your Surgeon) While some swelling, bruising, and minor spotting are normal, you should contact your clinic immediately if you notice: Signs of Infection: Increasing redness, warmth at the site, foul-smelling discharge, or pus. Uncontrolled Bleeding: Bleeding that does not stop with light pressure or is heavy/bright red. Dr Jeremy Hunt Severe Pain: Pain that is not relieved by your prescribed medication or that worsens significantly after the first few days. Dr Jeremy Hunt Fever: Any fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. 5. Long-Term Healing Dissolvable Stitches: Most surgeons use high-quality sutures that dissolve on their own. You may notice them as tiny threads appearing as the area heals; this is normal. Cadogan Clinic Swelling Timeline: Be patient—swelling can take several weeks to fully subside. It is normal for the area to look uneven or "puffy" during the first month. Your final results typically mature and stabilize around the 3-to-6-month mark. The Naderi Center Disclaimer: I am an AI, not a doctor. This guide is for educational purposes only. Always prioritize the specific post-operative care plan provided by your surgeon, as their instructions are based on your unique surgical case. Would you like me to help you draft a list of questions to ask your surgeon during your first post-operative check-up?