Healing after vaginoplasty is a gradual journey, one that deserves patience, gentleness, and self-compassion. While each body heals at its own pace, understanding what’s normal (and what’s not) can bring comfort and confidence in the weeks after surgery.
The first days: rest and observation
During your hospital stay, your medical team will monitor your healing closely. Around day five to seven, the vaginal packing (also called the internal dressing) will be removed . This is a moment some patients feel nervous about, but it is usually quick to remove and so the discomfort. You may feel pressure and a mild discomfort. It should not be intensenly painful.
Once the packing is out, you will feel lighter and swelling may reduce gradually. Inmediately after the packing removal, the specialist will check the surgical area and guide you through your first vaginal washing and dilation for the first time.
The area will still be swollen, red, and sensitive. This is normal. The final appearance takes several months to settle as inflammation decreases. Your specialist will help you perform the first dilation and if you are nervous and have difficulty doing it by yourself at the Airbnb, which would be perfectly understandable, the specialist should guide you and show it to you a second or third time, as you need.
It is important to be relaxed when you do it on your own and if you are not, please stop and try again later on when you are in the right state of mind. It will become a habit. Learn about vaginal showers and dilation instructions.
The Catheter
You’ll go home with a urinary catheter, usually for four to seven days. It allows your body to rest while swelling subsides.
A few things to keep in mind:
• Urine may leak slightly around the catheter.
• A burning or stinging sensation could mean a bladder spasm; your doctor may prescribe medication such as Urotrol.
• If the catheter feels blocked or you notice clots, contact your specialist or personal gender nurse.
Normal inflammation and healing signs
Mild swelling, asymmetry, or a clitoris that appears hidden at first, are part of the process. The stitches will dissolve naturally in 30–90 days. Please avoid picking at them. You may also notice fibrin, a yellow substance that forms scabs during healing. It’s not an infection unless it’s liquid or accompanied by odor or redness. For more information, check the first few days and what patients experience.
Supporting your recovery
Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least four weeks, as they can delay healing and increase complications. Focus on resting, hydration, and small walks to improve circulation.
Healing is not a race, it’s an act of care. Trust your body, follow your surgeon’s guidance, and give yourself permission to recover slowly.
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.
