23 May 2017
 Categories: , Articles

Vaginal rejuvenation is a broad term that encompasses many different surgeries, laser treatments, and other procedures used to improve the tone, shape, and appearance of the entire pubic area. While each recovery process is different based on the specific treatments combined during the rejuvenation process, there's a general timeline that most patients are recommended to follow when recovering. Get familiar with the five phases of recovery to determine if you're ready for this kind of procedure.

Immediately After Surgery

Most patients choose general anesthesia or must have it due to the nature of their rejuvenation, so the first few hours after leaving the doctor's office are spent recovering from that. To control both pain and swelling, you should keep flexible ice packs on the surgery area and rotate them every hour or so for adequate cooling. Minimal activity is acceptable, such as moving around the house to prepare food or take care of yourself, but rest is preferred for at least the first few hours by most patients.

First 48 Hours

Many patients resume their usual activities within 24 hours of the procedure, while others need a full 72 hours before soreness and swelling subsides enough for them to comfortably walk and sit as much as they usually do. It's fine to keep using the ice pack over the first two days as needed to relieve discomfort. Wait at least 48 hours to drive unless you're still taking narcotic painkillers prescribed by your doctor, which should not be combined with operating a vehicle. Wear loose fitting clothing, including over sized cotton underwear with a generous hi-cut fit, to reduce inflammation and friction in the affected area.

Week One

As you resume your normal routine in anywhere from two to seven days after the rejuvenation, keep up with your doctor's instructions about wearing any provided compression garments and monitoring any drains inserted under the skin. If you had a laser resurfacing or only minimal treatment with no major incisions, you may only need to wash gently with water alone and apply an antibiotic or steroidal cream provided by your doctor to aid healing. Most women find that discomfort is mostly gone by the end of the first week, although a little lingering soreness is not unusual either.

Week Two to Six

The majority of vaginal surgery patients report an end of all discomfort by the second week, so talk to your doctor if you're still feeling sore. You should be back to your usual routine by now, but keep avoiding activities that put specific pressure and friction on the vaginal area, such as riding a bike, running, or riding a horse. Avoid all heavy lifting and other strenuous activities during the first month of recovery, especially if your rejuvenation included any surgical alterations to the inside of the vagina. No matter how well you feel, avoid all sexual activity during the first six weeks of healing and the use of tampons and other items inserted into the vaginal canal.

Past Six Weeks

Your doctor should schedule one last consultation around the six week mark to verify you're done healing and then give you the green light for resuming sexual activity. Some women who only choose to have a few minor procedures may be able to restart their sex life after only one month, but this must be approved by the doctor because an early return could result in permanent damage to the vaginal tissue. After you've cleared the six week mark, everything should be back to normal with your body. It does take most patients a period of adjustment with regards to sex after a rejuvenation, but any pain or problems after a few patient attempts must be addressed with your doctor.

Contact a dermatology office like Refined Dermatology to learn more about these procedures.