Undergoing a labiaplasty can be incredibly daunting, but it’s typically a fairly quick and straightforward procedure. Carried out to reduce the size, or appearance of the labia, the procedure has become increasingly popular in recent years.

If you’re considering undergoing a labiaplasty, it’s a good idea to learn everything you can about the procedure, including the recovery process. In order to get the best results, it’s crucial you follow the labiaplasty recovery instructions provided by the surgeon. While each patient’s recovery is slightly different, here, you’ll discover how quickly you can expect to recover from a labiaplasty.

How long will a labiaplasty take to heal?

In total, it usually takes up to six weeks to heal fully from a labiaplasty. For the first few days after the procedure, you may experience some pain and discomfort. You’ll also likely experience bruising and swelling, though pain medication may be prescribed to help make the pain and discomfort more manageable. During these first few days, it’s crucial you get plenty of rest and walk around as little as possible.

Within a week, some bruising and swelling may still persist, but any pain should have largely subsided. You’ll usually be able to return to work within a week, and normal physical activity may be resumed. You may experience a lot of itchiness at this point, though it’s really important to avoid scratching the area while it heals.

Within three to four weeks after the surgery, you’ll be able to resume more strenuous physical activities. If you have dissolvable stitches, these should also have gone by this time. You may still be advised to avoid sexual intercourse and the use of tampons up until week six.

On week six, you should be 90% healed, and you’ll get to see part of the final results of the surgery. However, be aware that you won’t see the full results of the labiaplasty until around four to six months.

Will there be scarring after a labiaplasty?

Minor scarring will be present due to the small incisions made during the surgery. However, you’ll typically find that the scars blend into the labia tissue, as well as hide behind natural folds and wrinkles.

Top labiaplasty recovery tips to follow

The above advice is just a general outlook of what to expect from labiaplasty recovery. All patients recover differently, so it’s important to follow the advice given to you by the surgeon.

You’ll need to make sure you’re attending all of your follow-up appointments, and ensure you wear loose-fitting underwear until you’re fully healed. You may also want to avoid wiping the area with toilet paper, instead washing it with warm water. Ensuring you get plenty of rest is also important, and you may find it more comfortable to use a doughnut pillow during the first week after the surgery.

As you can see, the recovery process of a labiaplasty is fairly straightforward. Provided you follow your surgeon’s post-op advice, you should be fully healed within six weeks. Never try to resume normal activities until your surgeon approves it, otherwise, you could jeopardise the results.

Thanks to significant improvements within the industry over the past decade, cosmetic surgery is now considered a largely safe and common thing to have done. However, even the non-surgical procedures can still present numerous risks.

If you’re thinking of undergoing cosmetic surgery, there’s a lot of factors you’ll need to consider. One of which, is whether you’re actually fit enough for the surgery. Here, you’ll discover three health considerations you should take into account before opting to go under the knife.

1. Your BMI

If you want to get the best possible outcome from your surgery, your BMI should ideally be below 30. Patients who are overweight are more susceptible to the risks and complications of surgery. Not only does the procedure itself pose more of a risk if you’re carrying excess weight, but the anaesthesia is riskier too.

So, if you are overweight, it would be a good idea to lose some before going under the knife. That way, the risks will be greatly reduced and you’re more likely to recover quickly.

2. Existing health conditions

If you suffer from existing health conditions, these will need to be taken into account before you have cosmetic surgery. The two main conditions to be mindful of are diabetes and asthma.

If you suffer from diabetes, it can lead to issues with either high or low blood glucose after the surgery. This can impact how quickly the wounds heal. So, you’ll need to make sure your blood glucose levels are well controlled going into the surgery.

Those with asthma will also need to make sure the condition is under control. If it’s not, you could experience a flare up either during or after the surgery. It’s best to see your doctor a week prior to the surgery to ensure you’re in the best possible health to go ahead with it.

3. Smoking and drinking

If you smoke, you’re going to need to stop at least six weeks prior to the surgery. You’ll also need to continue to not smoke for six weeks after the surgery. There have been a lot of studies carried out which have shown smokers need an average of 33% more anaesthetic and 23% more pain medication after surgery than non-smokers. Nicotine is known to constrict the blood vessels and restrict blood supply to the tissues and organs which can significantly slow down wound healing.

If you drink a lot of alcohol, you’ll also want to quit approximately two weeks before the surgery. Alcohol increases the risk of bleeding and can negatively interact with the anaesthetic. So, quitting a couple of weeks before going under the knife is a sensible idea.

The above are just three health considerations to take into account before undergoing cosmetic surgery. Your plastic surgeon will be able to assess your general health and make recommendations on anything you’ll need to improve before undergoing cosmetic surgery, which is why the cosmetic surgery consultation is such an important part of the process.

Cosmetic surgery has become deeply ingrained within society today, allowing us to change practically any aspect of our appearance. From rhinoplasty and liposuction to breast augmentation or the facelift – there’s a huge choice of procedures available. However, did you know that many of the procedures that are so popular today, were developed and benefited greatly from advances made in World War I?

Here, we’ll look at how WWI impacted cosmetic surgery, turning it into the phenomenon it is today.

How modern cosmetic surgery was born

The events of World War I had a horrific impact on humanity and have recently been the focus of much renewed interest as we celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the end of the war. Although the exact figure is unknown, it is estimated that a staggering 20 million lost their lives and a further 21 million were wounded. It was the worst event in human history and surgeons were required to develop new techniques in order to deal with the catastrophic injuries presented.

By the time the war had ended, 735,487 British troops were discharged due to severe injuries. Of these, 16% of the injuries affected the face, with over a third being classified as severe. This often left the survivor with serious deformities, making it difficult for them to eat, drink and even breathe properly.

It was Harold Gillies, a young New Zealand Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon, who decided to develop new techniques to repair these severe deformities. So, in 1916, he set up the first plastic surgery centre in Aldershot within the Cambridge Military Hospital. Expecting around 200 patients upon its opening, Gillies was instead met with over 2000 patients to treat.

A process of trial and error

Although some work that was carried out at the centre was based on previous work in India, the majority of techniques were developed via trial and error. This led to one of the main techniques, the pedicle skin graft, to be introduced.

The graft involved separating a piece of skin without detaching it, from a healthy area of the body. It was then stitched inside a tube, before being attached to the affected area. The patient would need to wait for a set amount of time for the blood flow to develop before the suture was detached and the tube was opened for the flat skin to be stitched over the area.

The results from this procedure weren’t perfect, but they did drastically improve the lives of the injured soldiers. Even after the war ended, procedures were carried out for years and they were continuously improved.

The advancement of anaesthesia

Another of the major developments in the field of cosmetic surgery was in anaesthesia. Due to the level of work required to repair severe facial and head injuries, better anaesthetic was required to make the procedures bearable. Anaesthesia was actually developed into a speciality area and the people administering it were properly trained.

A properly trained and qualified cosmetic surgeon in the UK is known as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon as the latter will inform and enhance surgery performed for aesthetic improvements to the face or body.

A new survey has revealed 40% of UK adults are considering undergoing a cosmetic surgery op in the next 12 months. The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll for RealSelf, shows that millennials are driving the trend, with 62% of adults aged 18-34 considering non-surgical treatments in the next year.

Here, we’ll look at why cosmetic surgery rates are increasing and the types of procedures which are proving to be the most popular.

Why are cosmetic surgery rates increasing?

There are a number of factors driving the increase in cosmetic surgery popularity. Firstly, procedures and techniques have been consistently improved and developed over the years. This means going under the knife is no longer as risky as it used to be. Many treatments are also non-invasive, meaning they’re quick and simple to carry out and require very little downtime.

The younger generation is also helping to improve attitudes toward cosmetic procedures. While it was once something to be ashamed of, these days it’s common for young people to undergo numerous procedures. There is less and less stigma related to cosmetic surgery these days and even the rates of male plastic surgery are increasing year upon year.

Social pressures, such as social media, also play a role. The selfie generation has placed a lot of pressure onto young people to always look their best. Cosmetic surgeons have seen a huge increase in the number of people enquiring about procedures which will make them look better in selfies.

Non-invasive treatments lead the way

The study revealed that the top treatments Brits are considering undergoing in the next 12 months are laser hair removal and cosmetic dentistry. Approximately 44% of those surveyed claimed they were looking into cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, while 29% were considering laser hair removal. Other non-surgical treatments leading the way include facial aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers and muscle relaxing injections.

It is unsurprising non-invasive treatments topped the list due to both how they are perceived and the minimal recovery times experienced.

Tummy tuck and facelift top surgical procedures

In terms of surgical procedures, the tummy tuck leads the way with 31% considering the treatment. This is followed closely by a facelift, liposuction, neck lift and breast augmentation. Improvements within the techniques used for surgical procedures are largely behind their increase in popularity.

Things to consider before undergoing cosmetic surgery

While cosmetic procedures have improved over the years, it is still important to think carefully before going under the knife. When done for the right reasons, cosmetic surgery can boost confidence, help to eliminate embarrassment and help to give you a greater quality of life. However, when done for the wrong reasons, patients could end up regretting their decision.

It’s also crucial to ensure you’re choosing a reliable, qualified cosmetic surgeon. Any type of surgery is risky, and an inexperienced surgeon puts you at even greater risk. So, be sure to opt for a plastic surgeon who has an exceptional reputation and years of experience.

If you’re thinking of undergoing a cosmetic procedure, book a consultation today to discuss your options.

After the recent death of British woman, Leah Cambridge, the dangers of having cosmetic surgery abroad have once again been pushed back into the limelight.

Thousands of women fly to foreign countries each year to undergo cheaper cosmetic procedures. However, many don’t fully realise the dangers they are putting themselves in. The tragic story of 29-year-old Leah Cambridge should, therefore, serve as a serious warning to those considering travelling abroad for surgery.

Here, we’ll look at the dangers of cosmetic surgery abroad and the things you need to consider before going ahead.

Why is cosmetic surgery abroad considered dangerous?

As the cost of cosmetic surgery abroad can save patients anything from 40% to a staggering 80%, it’s easy to see why so many are tempted. However, what you need to realise is that it isn’t just the cost you need to consider when undergoing a cosmetic procedure.

All cosmetic surgery is risky. Each procedure poses its own risks and complications, even when carried out by a highly-qualified surgeon. However, in the UK the industry is highly regulated. This means, practising surgeons are required to have in-depth training and experience. Sadly, you don’t get the same level of regulation in most other European countries. This means, there are a lot of inexperienced surgeons operating abroad.

When you undergo cosmetic surgery with an inexperienced surgeon, the risks and complications are greatly increased. In some cases, like that of Leah Cambridge, the results can even prove to be deadly.

Understanding what could go wrong

What can go wrong will largely depend upon the procedure you’re looking to undergo. In Leah’s case, she underwent the popular Brazilian Butt Lift procedure.

Made famous by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, the Brazilian Butt Lift is currently considered one of the most dangerous procedures to undergo.  If the injections aren’t done correctly, they can trigger a fat embolism which travels up to the lungs, leading to premature death. It requires an expert surgeon who knows exactly what they’re doing.

Other risks of having cosmetic procedures carried out abroad, include infection and the chance it could go completely wrong. Many patients have had to undergo additional procedures in the UK after having botched procedures carried out abroad.

The importance of choosing an experienced surgeon

Due to the advancements in the cosmetic surgery field, the risks of modern-day procedures should not be life-threatening. If patients take the time to research the clinic and surgeon they are thinking of using, they will clearly be able to see whether or not they are reliable and experienced.

You should always look for a surgeon who is properly trained, experienced and registered. Of course, it’s also recommended patients use the services of a local surgeon, rather than travelling abroad in the first place. You may save money, but the risks certainly aren’t worth the lower cost. Undergoing any procedure is a major deal and there will always be some level of risk involved. However, with a qualified, highly-trained surgeon, these risks are greatly reduced.