FAQ Intimate surgery:

Here you will find answers

to the most frequently asked questions

In the first 3 months after an intimate surgical procedure (mons pubis lift, mons pubis reduction, labiaplasty, labia reduction, etc.), intensive UV radiation and thus visits to the solarium should be avoided.
Similar to direct and excessive sun exposure, the UV radiation of the solarium could lead to hyperpigmentation or discoloration of the affected scar area. Moreover, the heat in the solarium may cause swelling in the scar area. Even after the recommended 3 months of abstaining from direct sun and UV radiation after an intimate surgical procedure (mons pubis lift, mons pubis reduction, labiaplasty, labia reduction, etc.), it is advisable to continue to ensure adequate sun protection in the form of sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.

During the first 3 months after an intimate surgery (mons pubis lift, mons pubis reduction, labiaplasty, labia reduction, etc.) a visit to the sauna should be avoided.
The heat in the sauna could cause swelling in the scar region, leading to complications or a prolonged healing process. It could also trigger infections. For the same reasons, a visit to the steam bath or spa should also be avoided in the first 3 months after an intimate surgery (mons pubis lift, mons pubis reduction, labiaplasty, labia reduction, etc.).

During the first 3 months after an intimate surgical procedure (mons pubis lift, mons pubis reduction, labiaplasty, labia reduction, etc.), extensive sunbathing or intense UV radiation should be avoided.
In general, it is not advisable to expose the skin to the sun without protection, as this could accelerate the aging process of the skin, promote wrinkling and cause skin cancer. Even greater caution should be exercised with fresh scar tissue, as excessive UV radiation could cause hyperpigmentation or discoloration of the affected area. Even after the recommended period of 3 months after intimate surgery (pubic mound lift, pubic mound reduction, labiaplasty, labia reduction, etc.), the affected skin should not be directly exposed to the sun, i.e. adequate sun protection in the form of sunscreen with a high sun protection factor is still recommended. It is important that the sunscreen is also renewed regularly.

Since a labiaplasty or labiaplasty, labia lift, labiaplasty, pubic mound correction or similar is a surgical procedure in the intimate area, the body should generally be given an appropriate rest period for sufficient regeneration. The genital area can be severely swollen, especially in the first three days after the genital surgery, as this area generally offers little drainage into other parts of the body and prolonged sitting and standing in particular can quickly lead to tissue congestion. In order to reduce tissue congestion, the pelvis should be elevated as often as possible.
This initial swelling largely disappears in the week after the operation. Nevertheless, in the weeks that follow a labia minora operation, there is still an increased tendency for the tissue to swell, also depending on the degree of physical exertion, whereby a physical rest period of at least 4 to 6 weeks is advisable (see also “How long does the wound healing in the genital area or after intimate surgery?”).
To support you, we recommend decongestant medication from the pharmacy, which our practice team will advise you on separately.

When you are able to work again after an intimate operation depends on the nature of your work and the physical strain – our specialists for plastic and aesthetic surgery, Dr. medical Andrea Wolff and Dr. medical Isabel Edusei, on this individually.
In the first 4 to 6 weeks after a labia correction, heavy physical exertion, sport and sexual intercourse should be avoided in order not to disturb the wound healing process. In general, at least 3 days of complete rest and recovery should be allowed after intimate surgery. In addition, in the first week after a labia reduction, labia tightening, labia correction, pubic mound correction or similar, sitting for long periods should be avoided, as this can lead to unpleasant swelling in the intimate area and the associated pressure can lead to pain and discomfort. Standing for a long time can also provoke tissue swelling in the first few weeks after intimate surgery.

The superficial wound healing takes place extremely quickly after a labia minora operation and is usually completed after about a week. The inserted threads are shortened after a week in the practice clinic and then dissolve in the tissue after a few weeks. The deeper wound healing takes much longer after an intimate surgical procedure, which is why a physical rest period of at least 4 to 6 weeks (this also applies to sport and intimate sex) is advisable and long periods of sitting or standing should be avoided in order not to disturb the wound healing process or this to support optimally. After the rest period, the healing process is still not completely complete, but is usually stable under load.

Since an intervention in the intimate area, e.g. labia reduction, volume increase of the labia or correction of the mons pubis, is an aesthetic intervention, the costs of the intimate surgery are usually not covered by health insurance. Only in very rare cases, i.e. if there is a very pronounced, functionally limiting finding and the indication is made by another specialist group (e.g. gynecology), is there the possibility that the health insurance company will cover the costs for an intimate surgery in whole or in part. – However, this should always be clarified individually and in advance of the treatment with your own health insurance company. In our practice for plastic and aesthetic surgery, we carry out cost-covering intimate surgical operations exclusively for private patients and in self-pay mode.

Experience has shown that pain occurring after surgery in the intimate zone tends to be minor. According to the grading scheme of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the treatment of pain with medication, the pain after a labia reduction or a mons pubis lift is to be classed at Level 1 (mild). As a rule, pain medication on the day of the operation and the day after that is perceived as helpful. Subsequently, painkillers can be taken as required and depending on stress or strain, and for the trimming of the sutures after 1 week. Apart from that, elevation of the pelvis and gentle cooling of the operation site on the day of the operation itself and in the first three days thereafter can have a detumescent and pain-relieving effect.

After an operation in your intimate zone you should, in general, cleanse and look after the area extremely gently and without using any irritating products. As soon as 24 hours after a labia correction you can shower carefully with lukewarm water. Up to 48 hours after the operation, it is normal, to a certain extent, for blood and exudate to seep from the sutures. Whatever you do, please do not take a sitting bath or manipulate the site of the operation unnecessarily (e.g. do not dry it vigorously with a coarse towel). If the area gets dirty, and especially after visits to the toilet, we recommend you to dab it gently with a special mucoprotectant disinfectant, and perhaps also a moisturiser. Our practice team will of course be glad to give you advice on this at any time.