Is supervision necessary after a labiaplasty?

Question

Preferably I would like to deal with recovery alone even in the first 72 hours after the procedure

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Most labiaplasties done under local require no supervision. However, if something unexpected happens during the procedure that requires monitoring, it's probably a good idea to have a trusted friend available to keep an eye on you. They don't need to know what you had done. If your procedure is done under general or deep sedation, it is mandatory to be accompanied by a responsible adult that you know and the Uber driver doesn't count. These anesthetics have lingering effects that take hours to wear off.

Mark N. Scheinberg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questionIt is advisable to have someone with you for the first 12-24 hours after surgery for safety. Once you have demonstrated all is well then further supervision is unnecessary.

Michael A. Reed, MD · Answer

I echo the sentiments of my colleagues that if general anesthesia or twilight anesthesia is given during your procedure you should have someone observe you overnight to be assured the medications used leave you body without harmful affects. If however, your procedure is  performed under local anesthesia this will allow you to recover alone, without having someone else in the house. Prior proper preparation will be necessary. It is important for you to have plenty of food available so that you won't have to leave the house for a few days. With the Trim method it is important to have little to no activity including driving for at least three days. If having a wedge procedure, I would add two more days for a total of five days with little to no activity. The day of surgery it is recommended to have a friend, family member or Uber to drive you home. Prior to receiving your local anesthetic you will usually receive an anti-anxiety medication to help you to relax which could have detrimental effects on your ability to drive. Finally, at my office I provide my patients with a "Love Bag". It has all the necessary items needed for your post op recovery. Here is what is included: Peri-bottle (to keep the area clean after restroom breaks), ice packs, Telfa pads to prevent the sutures sticking to underwear/maxi pads, disposable underwear (you could always buy a few pairs of “granny panties”), Tucks pads (nothing worse than TP getting stuck to your incision lines), Dermoplast spray (for itching and superficial pain), inflatable ring cushion, 5 Cu-3 hydrating cream, and Arnica (a homeopathic medication used to help with swelling and bruising). Best of luck! Dr Michael Reed aka @thecosmeticgyn Davis, CA

Richard Bloy, MD, FACOG · Answer

Yes, you can recover alone. 
The few issues may be that we typically use Ativan to relax you for the procedure. It requires that someone drive you back home. 
At our clinic, we help make traveling arrangements for people who are traveling to our office for the procedure, or even at times, a staff member will take patients back to the hotel. We don’t allow Uber or Lyft for patients who have been given any medication.
The other issue is simply that for the first 24 hours, you may be sent home with an ice pad machine and be required to rest in a reclined position. Therefore, food access needs to be pretty easy so you can just grab it and go back right to resting again.
After the first 24 hours, you're completely independent. You can travel.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Please follow the instructions provided to you by your surgeon. Usually, these instructions include assistance in the first day or two after surgery, particularly if general anesthesia is administered. This is for your safety.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! I recommend having a caregiver for at least the first 24hrs as you will be prescribed pain medication as needed. Schedule a consult with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself to create a surgical plan based on your goals.

Ellen A. Mahony, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question!

The associated details of elective surgery include:  type of anesthesia, pain management, risk of immediate complications, ability to care of yourself and follow instructions, rides to and from office or sugery center, date of first post op visit, when showering is allowed.... to name a few.

As female patients undergoing surgery on our lady parts, I think many of us would like to manage ourselves after the procedure- we all want a little privacy.  However, surgery is essentially a "team sport" such that the results are a function of both the patient and the surgeon.  For this reason, the answers to the short list I outlined above fall within the direction of the surgeon and his or her best judgement.

Hope that provides some insight!

In good health,
Ellen Mahony, MD

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question.
If labiaplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia, no supervision is typically recommended. It is best to relax and recover home at home for the first 2-3 days wearing loose comfortable clothes and applying cold compresses to the area for the first 24 hours.
If procedure is performed under general anesthesia, supervision is typically recommended during first day after surgery.
I would definitely discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

Because Labiaplasty can be performed without general anesthesia and is a localized procedure to a small area of the body, you do not need supervision after Labiaplasty. With a caring medical team you should have all of the postoperative supplies given to you at your pre-op visit. This should include ice packs, ointment and nonstick gauze. Did I say ice packs? Ice is a key ingredient to the post-op process. Not only does it decrease pain but it also decreases swelling. Find a careful team that will help you to have a Labiaplasty done under local anesthesia and with proper postoperative supplies and you can drive yourself to the surgery, drive yourself home and have everything you need at your fingertips to recover without supervision.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI girlsrituals,

Supervision is not really necessary after a labiaplasty. Of course , if you have a a general anesthetic or
a local anesthetic with sedation, someone needs to drive you home and watch you until you are fully alert. After that, you should follow the instructions of your surgeon. it would be helpful if you have bought groceries and medical supplies BEFORE the surgery so you do not have to drive to get necessities.
Hope this helps.

Best,
Dr. Christine Rodgers

Michelle Jones Singer, MD · Answer

Recovery after a labiaplasty is quite possible if the anesthesia being used is local and you are awake. Make certain that your home is prepared and stocked with food and supplies that you will need for the recovery during that time. No driving for 3 days at least. Inform your surgeon that you will be recovering alone and call if there are any concerns during the recovery.