The first days after vaginoplasty and what patients experience can vary but have common denominators. Vaginoplasty is not only a surgical journey , it’s an act of profound self-care and alignment. From the moment you prepare your body to the moment you begin to heal, every step matters. Understanding how to prepare internally and what to expect afterward can make your recovery smoother, safer, and emotionally easier.
The day before surgery: Colon cleaning and body preparation
One day before your vaginoplasty, your medical team will guide you through a colon cleaning process. It may sound intimidating, but it’s a crucial safety step to create a clean, infection-free environment for your surgeon.
Because the vagina is anatomically close to the intestines, clearing out intestinal contents helps reduce the risk of contamination and post-operative infection. Think of it as preparing your internal space for something new and a physical cleansing before the next chapter of your life.
How colon cleaning works
You’ll be instructed to take a prescribed bowel preparation, such as Phospho Soda or Pleinvue, both of which gently empty your bowels the day before surgery.
During this time, you’ll follow a clear liquid diet; broth, water, herbal teas, or pulp-free juices.
Starting eight hours before surgery, you’ll fast completely (no food, liquids or even water). On the morning of the procedure, an enema will be performed to complete the preparation. In some cases, this step may be repeated if the intestines aren’t yet fully clear, especially if the home preparation or low-residue diet wasn’t followed correctly.
Before heading to the hospital, you’ll also be asked to shave the genital area and cleanse it with chlorhexidine gel, reducing the risk of bacteria and infection.
Relax in the comfort of the hospital room to do this process. Stay near a bathroom, keep yourself hydrated, and rest. This is a short but meaningful step toward your new beginning.
The first days after surgery are about resting
Healing after vaginoplasty is gradual. During your hospital stay, your team will monitor you closely. Around day five to seven, your dressing will be removed, and you’ll begin vaginal washing and the first dilation the day you will be discharged.
The area will be swollen, red, and sensitive and that’s completely normal. The final result becomes visible in several months as inflammation subsides and tissues settle.
Managing the urinary catheter
You’ll return home with a urinary catheter for four to seven days. It helps your body rest while swelling decreases. Keep in mind that some urine leakage around the catheter is normal. Burning or stinging may indicate bladder spasms but your surgeon may prescribe medication such as Urotrol and if you notice clots or blockage, please contact your surgeon and medical team in the WhatsApp group or emergency contact. You have several lines of contact to give you peace of mind at all times.
Normal healing signs
Mild asymmetry, swelling, or a temporarily hidden clitoris are all normal healing stages.
Stitches dissolve naturally within 30–90 days. Avoid touching or removing them.
You might notice fibrin, a yellow substance that helps form scabs. It’s part of healing unless it becomes liquid, foul-smelling, or reddish, in which case you should contact your surgeon and medical team.
Supporting your recovery
Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least four weeks, as they slow healing and increase risk of complications.
Focus on hydration, rest, and short daily walks to stimulate circulation and recovery.
Healing is not a race, it’s an act of care and respect toward your body. Trust your process, follow your surgeon’s advice, and give yourself permission to recover slowly with some vaginoplasty tips and timeline.
Written by the Safe Rebirth Care Team, specialists in gender-affirming surgery coordination and holistic patient support across Spain. The information in this post is extracted from the ´vaginoplasty booklet´ written by. Dr. R. Vega.
What Sets Safe Rebirth Apart
At Safe Rebirth, we don’t just coordinate surgeries, we provide a fully personalized, compassionate experience from start to finish. We prioritize your emotional and physical well-being, offering personalized travel guides. With no gatekeeping, no unnecessary reports, and inclusive support before, during, and after surgery, Safe Rebirth ensures your journey is not only safe but also stress-free and empowering.
