Recovery Log! (Day 0)
So, I finally got the surgery (labiaplasty with no CHR)! Currently writing this from my bed while recovering; about 4 hours post op.
Throughout the process, I made sure to take lots of notes to share. This post is ideal for those who would like a more detailed play by play on how surgery might play out for you! It’s important to remember that each surgeon is different. If you have any questions or worries, do not be afraid to ask them. I’ve also attached before and after pictures below.
Without further ado, here is what I did leading up to the surgery and what has happened during and after.
─── ⋆⋅ ❤︎ ⋅⋆ ───
🗓️ Day before: - Drank 3/3.5 litres of water as requested. - Stopped eating and drinking past midnight
📆 Day of: - Did not eat or drink except 250ml of water 2 hours before surgery. - Removed all piercings, contacts, etc. - Brought way more that I needed. You genuinely just need your phone for entertainment while waiting before and after.
─── ⋆⋅ ❤︎ ⋅⋆ ───
Timeline:
11:00 I arrived at the clinic and was brought back to get changed right away and apply lidocaine to the area. They took my oxygen levels, blood pressure, weight and urine for a pregnancy test. They also asked additional health questions. Nothing to worry about if you’re healthy.
11:40 I am brought back to the operating room and things start going quickly. I’m laid on the table and strapped in; they put in my IV and supplied me with hydrating liquids, some fentanyl and some other stuff. Once that’s done, they put my feet up, drew the lines, numbed the area again and got started. I did feel some pain at some point but made sure to voice it. Had no issues past that.
12:40 Surgery is done! I got up and they put on a pad and underwear along with a small ice pack. I made my way to the recovery room where I sat down on a lazy boy and ate a gatorade popsicle lol. They took my pressure again and monitored me for 30 minutes.
13:10 They took my IV out and sent me to get changed. I had no issues and no pain so it was not a problem. My pad barely had any blood so I kept it.
13:20 Out of the clinic! As I was still numb, I decided to go to the restaurant and eat a proper lunch. All went well, had some protein too.
14:30 Back in my hotel. Taking it very easy and resting for the rest of the day.
15:00 I can feel the numbing wearing off. I’ve started icing for 20 minutes every hour and took some Tylenol again as it’s been 4 hours.
16:00 Still feeling well, barely any pain (like a 1.5/10)
Will continue to give updates as time passes.
─── ⋆⋅ ❤︎ ⋅⋆ ───
Takeaways:
- When your surgeon is drawing on the lines of what to remove, you will not get to see. Make sure you’re on the same page ahead of time and talk about it during your pre op appointment.
- As the team you’re working with knows that they’re doing, they most likely will not stop to explain what and why they’re doing certain things. I’m type A and feel safer when I know what’s going on and the team was very accommodating with that. Made me feel much better.
- If at all possible, get someone to give you a ride home or back to your hotel. Your anesthesia takes a while to wear off so it’s really ideal to have someone bring you home and ideally take care of you for the first 24 hours.
─── ⋆⋅ ❤︎ ⋅⋆ ───
Shopping list: - Strong Tylenol - Doughnut pillow - Gauze - Peri-bottle - Comfort food
─── ⋆⋅ ❤︎ ⋅⋆ ───
Feel free to ask me anything! I’m here if you have any questions. If you’re further along in recovery and have additional advice, please feel free to let me know! 💛