Once you’ve scheduled your San Diego labiaplasty, it’s time to prepare yourself, your recovery space, and your personal supplies. Below, La Jolla labiaplasty surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus shares a free labiaplasty recovery checklist—plus a few additional tips—to help you enjoy a speedy recovery and the best results possible.
Before your labiaplasty surgery
- Medications: Pick up everything Dr. Gallus prescribes as soon as it’s sent in—pain medication and Diflucan (fluconazole) for yeast infection prevention if needed. It’s a good idea to fill any regular medications you take as well. There’s no downside to having everything on hand before surgery.
- Comfortable clothing: Pack soft, loose cotton underwear in your bag the night before your procedure. You’ll leave the office with an ice pack and a pad in place, and you’ll need something to hold both. (A thong won’t work here.)
- Pads: Stock up before surgery—you won’t be using tampons or cups for four to six weeks post-op. If your period happens to start on or around your surgery date, just let Dr. Gallus and Bri know. It happens more often than you think, and it won’t affect your procedure or your healing.
- Recovery space: For the first 72 hours, the goal is to lie as flat as possible with your pelvis slightly elevated on a pillow. Patients who commit to this consistently heal faster and with less swelling. Set up your recovery spot before surgery—pillows arranged, everything you need within arm’s reach—so it’s all ready for you when you get home.
- Help and support: Arrange help with children, pets, and household tasks for at least the first two weeks. You won’t be able to lift anything heavy until Dr. Gallus clears you, and having good support in place from the start makes a real difference in how smoothly your recovery goes.
- Scheduling tip: Many of our patients prefer to schedule their procedure on a Friday. It gives you the full weekend to rest before returning to a desk job or work-from-home situation on Monday.
- Out-of-town patients: Plan to stay in the San Diego area for at least one week after surgery (ideally two) so Dr. Gallus can see you at your in-person follow-up. Your four-week appointment can often be done virtually. Avoid planning beach trips within four weeks of surgery, and don’t schedule international travel in the two weeks leading up to your procedure. For more tips, see our out-of-town patient guide »
Post-surgery labiaplasty supplies
- Your Restore SD aftercare kit: Every Restore SD labiaplasty patient goes home with a custom aftercare kit with everything you need for the first phase of recovery. Dr. Gallus designed this kit based on what her patients actually needed most in those first days. Keep reading below for a full breakdown of what’s in it and how to use each item.
- Water bottle: Keep it filled and within easy reach throughout recovery. Staying well hydrated helps your lymphatic system flush the fluid buildup that causes swelling, which speeds the process along.
- Ice: Ice is your friend for the first 3 days as you are laying flat. You want to have one ice pack in the freezer ready to go at all times.
- Extra pads: Change them regularly, especially in the first week. No tampons, menstrual cups, or any internal products until Dr. Gallus clears you at six weeks — or at your four-week appointment if healing is ahead of schedule.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: In addition to prescribed medications, you may want OTC pain relievers available once you no longer need prescription strength.
- Stool softeners: Pain medication and reduced activity often lead to constipation. Having a gentle stool softener like Colace on hand before surgery — rather than having to run out for it after — is worth the forethought.
- Loose, comfortable clothing: Soft pajama bottoms or flowy dresses are ideal for the first week. Avoid anything with a tight waistband or seams that sit against the incision area. Save your leggings and workout clothing for after the two-week mark.
- Entertainment: Recovery requires rest, and rest is easier with a plan. Catch up on your favorite shows, read, listen to podcasts (check out our plastic surgery podcast “All the B’s”!), or scroll guilt-free. Have whatever will keep you occupied within arm’s reach.
Your Restore SD aftercare kit
Every Restore SD labiaplasty patient goes home with a custom aftercare kit. Here’s what’s in it and how to use each item.
- Ice pack and pad combo: You’ll leave the office with one already in place. At home, rotate fresh ice packs as needed, placing them over your underwear rather than directly on the skin. Consistent icing in the first 48–72 hours makes a meaningful difference in swelling and comfort.
- Dermoplast spray (blue cap): Dr. Gallus includes this specifically for the itching phase of healing. Use the blue cap version. As the dissolvable sutures dissolve—typically around the one-week mark—and as nerves begin to regenerate, itching is normal and expected. Dermoplast helps take the edge off. It’s tempting, we know, but do not scratch.
- Arnica: You will go home with this. We recommend taking three tablets three times a day to help with healing.
- Aquaphor: Apply to your incisions once a day and as needed for the first week.
- Peri-bottle: Add some warm soapy water to clean the area, then pat dry.
“I recently had a procedure done to reduce the discomfort I have with my body & Dr. Gallus & Bri are amazing! I was very much anxious about this procedure since I’ve never done anything else but they were both super helpful answering all my questions & easing my anxiety. I’m now post 3-ish months & my life has definitely improved much more than it was prior to the procedure.”
—Review from real labiaplasty patient of Dr. Gallus
Additional post-labiaplasty considerations
This checklist is a general guide; Dr. Gallus will provide specific post-op instructions based on your anatomy, health, and the details of your procedure plan. Labiaplasty is a highly individualized procedure, and her recommendations for you may differ from what’s listed here.
Your follow-up appointments are important. Dr. Gallus will see you at one week to confirm healing is on track, and again at four weeks where she may clear you for activities earlier than the six-week mark if everything looks good. Follow-up appointments are also a great opportunity to ask any questions that come up as you progress.
Lastly, listen to your body. No sex, tampons, strenuous exercise, surfing, or shaving near the surgical site for six weeks, or until Dr. Gallus clears you. Patients who respect the 72-hour rest period and two-week activity restriction consistently have smoother recoveries. Give yourself the time your body needs to heal properly—the results are worth it!
Still have questions? Check out our related blogs:
- Your Uncomfortable Labiaplasty Recovery Questions, Answered
- When Is Labiaplasty Covered By Insurance?
Curious about your recovery timeline? Try our recovery calculator:
Dr. Katerina Gallus is a board-certified female plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. She performs labiaplasty weekly at her private, Quad A-accredited surgery center in La Jolla, CA, serving patients throughout San Diego, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Rancho Santa Fe, Carlsbad, and beyond.To meet Dr. Gallus and her team, call Restore SD Plastic Surgery at 858-224-2281 or schedule a consultation online.
