Labiaplasty Swelling and Scars: What's Normal

Swelling and bruising are a normal part of healing after labiaplasty and can last several weeks. Your scars then soften and fade over the following months.

This page explains why the area swells, what normal bruising looks like, Dr Reema Hadi's simple Vaseline routine for scar care, and the signs that mean you should call us.

Why the area swells

Swelling is your body's normal response to surgery. Fluid and healing cells move into the area to repair it.

The labia are soft, stretchy tissue with a rich blood supply, so they swell easily and show bruising clearly. Sitting, standing for long periods and rubbing from clothing can all make swelling more noticeable, especially later in the day.

How long swelling lasts

• First few days: swelling and tenderness are usually at their most noticeable. The labia can look much larger than they will once healed, and this is expected.
• First 2 weeks: soreness, bruising and swelling are normal during this time, and they should be gradually improving.
• Several weeks: swelling and bruising can last several weeks after labiaplasty, fading a little more each week.
• The following months: small amounts of swelling can come and go, often after a long day or exercise, as the tissue keeps settling. Dr Hadi checks your healing at 3 months and 12 months. The 12 month check is most important, however, you are welcome to come back for follow up at any time.

One side can swell more than the other in the early weeks. Try not to judge the shape or symmetry until the swelling has gone down. It take about a year to see the final result.

How to help swelling settle

• Ice: hold ice wrapped in a tea towel over the area on the day of surgery and the next morning, in short sessions. Never put ice straight onto the skin.
• Rest: sit on a soft cushion and avoid sitting for long periods in the first week.
• Loose clothing: choose dresses, skirts and loose cotton underwear, so nothing presses or rubs.
• Pace yourself: follow the activity timeline in labiaplasty recovery week by week. Doing too much too soon can bring swelling back.
• No smoking: stay smoke-free for at least 6 weeks after surgery.

What normal bruising looks like

Bruising is common after labiaplasty and is usually purple or dark blue at first. As it fades it turns green, then yellow, before it disappears.

Bruising can spread a little beyond the stitch lines, for example into the outer labia. Normal bruising slowly fades and does not become more painful.

Other things that are normal while you heal

• A small amount of ooze or light spotting for around a week. A pad absorbs it.
• Stinging when you wee for the first few days.
• Mild itching as the stitch lines heal.
• Small firm spots or knots along the stitch line while the dissolvable stitches break down
• A feeling of tightness along the join, which eases as the tissue softens.

Where your scar will be

Every operation leaves a scar. Where yours sits depends on the technique Dr Hadi uses for your anatomy, and she will show you at your consultation.

• Wedge ("butterfly"): a section is removed from the middle of each labium and the edges are joined. The scar runs across the labium, away from the natural edge. This is the technique Dr Hadi uses most.
• Hood scars. The superior hoodectomy can leave a faint scar. Dr Hadi will show you examples of this during your consultation.

Either way, the wound is closed in layers with stitches that dissolve on their own, so there is nothing to remove. Compare the options in labiaplasty techniques.

Scar care: Dr Hadi's Vaseline routine

Dr Hadi's scar care is simple and uses one product: Vaseline (plain petroleum jelly).

1. After every visit to the toilet, rinse the area with lukewarm water.
2. Pat dry gently with a clean, soft towel. Do not rub.
3. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline over the stitch lines.
4. Apply it again as often as needed, generally about three times a day.

Vaseline keeps the healing skin moist and helps protect it from urine and rubbing. Keep going for as long as Dr Hadi advises. Please check with her before using any other cream, oil, gel or scar product on the area.

Will there be a colour difference?

Sometimes. The front part of the inner labia is often pink, and the back part is greyer or browner. When the two are joined, there can be a slight colour difference along the join at first.

In Dr Hadi's experience, the colours tend to blend together over time with everyday friction from clothing. How much they blend varies from woman to woman.

How your scars change over time

• First weeks: stitch lines are visible, pink and swollen. You may feel the stitches as they dissolve.
• 6 weeks: the stitch lines have healed enough for sex, tampons and menstrual cups, as Dr Hadi advises. See exercise, sex and tampons after labiaplasty.
• The first few months: the skin keeps healing and the scar becomes flatter and softer.
• 12 months: scars keep fading through the first year. Dr Hadi sees you for a final check-up at 12 months.

Results vary from person to person, and scars heal differently in every woman.

What is not normal

Call the clinic on 02 9526 6885, or Dr Hadi on her direct number, straight away if you notice:

• a temperature above 38°C
• heavy bleeding
• pain, redness or swelling that is getting worse instead of better
• sudden swelling on one side, especially a firm, painful lump, which can be a collection of blood (haematoma)
• redness that spreads, or skin that feels hot
• a discharge that smells unpleasant
• a wound that looks like it is opening

If you are unsure whether something is normal, call and ask. We would much rather hear from you early.

All surgery carries risks, including scarring, slow healing and swelling that lasts longer than expected. Read about them in labiaplasty risks and complications, and see the labiaplasty page for an overview.

Frequently asked questions

How long does swelling last after labiaplasty?

Swelling is usually most noticeable in the first few days and should improve over the first 2 weeks. Some swelling and bruising can last several weeks, and small amounts can come and go for months as the tissue settles. Most of the swelling will have improved by 6-8 weeks depending on the procedure you have had.

Is it normal for one side to be more swollen after labiaplasty?

Yes, one side can swell more than the other in the early weeks. Wait until the swelling has gone down before judging symmetry. Call us if one side suddenly becomes very swollen, firm and painful.

When will I see my final labiaplasty result?

The tissue keeps settling for months after surgery, and scars keep fading through the first year. It will take up to a year to see the final results. Results vary from person to person.

Will my labiaplasty scar be visible?

Every operation leaves a scar. With the wedge technique the scar sits away from the edge of the labia. Dr Hadi will explain where yours will be.

What can I put on my labiaplasty scar?

Dr Hadi recommends Vaseline: after the toilet, rinse, pat dry and apply it, generally about three times a day. Check with her before using any other product.

Is a colour difference normal after labiaplasty?

A slight colour difference along the join can happen, because the front of the labia is often pinker than the back. The colours tend to blend over time with friction from clothing.

Why do I have bruising after labiaplasty?

The labia have a rich blood supply, so bruising is common. It usually starts purple or blue and fades through green and yellow over a few weeks.