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When people start thinking about having excess skin removed, the first concerns many of them have are, “How much swelling will there be?” and “How long will it take for the swelling to go down?”

 

Before seeking counseling in Tokyo or Ginza, it’s helpful to understand how swelling progresses, how to care for yourself, and how to choose a trusted counselor—this will help you prepare calmly without worrying too much.

 

Swelling caused by the removal of the subcutaneous layer usually subsides within a few days to a few weeks and gradually subsides over the course of several months.

 

However, there are individual differences depending on one’s physical constitution, body type, and daily routine. That is precisely why consulting an obstetrician-gynecologist or a female urologist who has a thorough understanding of anatomy can provide peace of mind.

 

In this article, we’ve compiled information—from guidelines on swelling and how to manage it, to places to seek consultation in the Ginza area of Tokyo, and even natural ways to be mindful of upselling—all presented in a way that’s easy to understand, as if explained by a doctor.

 

[Doctor’s Point]

Please be careful—this is an area where you're likely to be persuaded to get unnecessary treatments and end up being up-sold!

What Is the Subcutaneous Layer? What Does Removing the Subcutaneous Layer Achieve?

The term “labial folds” often refers to a condition in which some of the skin folds around the clitoris become more pronounced, creating a stepped or sagging appearance. We’ve been receiving an increasing number of inquiries about this issue due to concerns about its appearance and discomfort caused by friction from underwear.

 

Excess skin removal is a minor surgical procedure to correct these excess folds.

 

However, the clitoral hood (the skin that covers the clitoris) is normally “enclosed in skin” to protect the clitoris.

 

If too much of the clitoral hood is removed, it may lead to hypersensitivity to stimulation, changes in sensation, or impaired sexual function.

 

In reality, not many people actually need a clitoral hoodectomy. If it is recommended to you without good reason, there is a possibility it could be an upsell (a suggestion to add an unnecessary procedure), so please consider it carefully.

 

In addition, the labia minora serve to protect the vagina and the area around the urethral opening from dryness and irritation.

 

During menopause, a decline in estrogen causes the vaginal walls to atrophy and become dry, and the labia minora themselves also tend to become thinner.

 

If too much tissue is removed when you are young, it can lead to dryness or pain during intercourse later on, so it’s important to choose a design with the future in mind.

 

When it comes to intimate area procedures—including labia reduction—it’s best to entrust them to a specialist who considers not only aesthetics but also functional aspects (urination, sexual function, hygiene, and future hormonal changes).

Progression and Guidelines for Swelling After Subcutaneous Tissue Removal

Although the extent of swelling varies from person to person, the typical course of recovery is as follows. Please note that this is only a general guideline and may vary depending on your physical constitution, the extent of the surgery, the suturing method, and your daily activities.

• The day of surgery through 48 hours afterward: This is when swelling is most likely to occur. You may experience a throbbing sensation or a feeling of heat. Light cooling (using an ice pack wrapped in a towel) may be helpful.

• 3 to 14 days after surgery: This is the time when swelling begins to gradually subside. However, sitting for long periods or walking may temporarily cause the swelling to worsen.

• 2 to 4 weeks after surgery: This is the period when visible swelling tends to subside significantly for most patients. Absorbable sutures are often still in place at this time, so patients are monitored until they dissolve naturally. In the case of non-absorbable sutures, the doctor may decide to remove them (the method varies by clinic).

• 3 to 6 months after surgery: The threads generally begin to dissolve completely after about three months. The texture, any asymmetry, and firmness will gradually stabilize, and it typically takes about six months for the threads to fully settle into the tissue. Any numbness or discomfort you may experience may also subside over time.

Guidelines regarding the use of pain relievers and antibiotics, when to take a shower or bath, and when to resume exercise vary by clinic. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor.

Tips for Reducing Swelling and Self-Care

• Light Cooling: For about 24 to 48 hours after surgery, apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel for short periods at a time. Avoid overcooling or applying it directly to the skin.

• Cleansing & Moisturizing: You may shower if instructed to do so. This is usually the next day. Wash gently without rubbing, and you may need to apply ointment or petroleum jelly to protect the area.

• How to Choose Underwear: Shorts that are breathable and provide moderate support. Excessive tightness can cause swelling.

• How to Sit: Avoid staying in the same position for long periods of time, and take breaks. While donut cushions are comfortable, they can cause blood to pool in certain areas, so be mindful of how you use them.

• Bathing and Exercise: In most cases, you can take a shower within a few days to a week; you should wait for your doctor’s approval before taking a bath. It’s safer to wait a little longer before resuming exercise or riding a bike.

• Bowel Control: Since constipation can increase pain and swelling, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods rich in fiber. Consult your doctor about taking a digestive aid if necessary.

These are general guidelines; adjustments may be necessary depending on the surgical procedure and your physical condition. If you have any questions, please contact us rather than making a decision on your own.

Should I See a Doctor About This Swelling? Key Factors to Consider

• One side has suddenly become severely swollen and rock-hard (possibly a hematoma)

• Fever, severe chills, or foul-smelling discharge. Pus is present (possible infection).

• The bleeding continues; the gauze turns red right away.

• The wound has started to open up, and I'm still experiencing severe pain.

While none of these cases are necessarily serious, please don't ignore them—contact us as soon as possible.

 

If you undergo surgery in another location, consult with the facility where the procedure was performed first, and if necessary, go to the nearest medical facility.

 

Even if you undergo surgery in Tokyo or Ginza, it’s reassuring to confirm in advance that you’ll have support available when you return home.

Criteria for Choosing a Doctor to Know Before Consulting in Ginza, Tokyo

Even for the same “subcutaneous skin removal” procedure, the final results and the progression of swelling can vary significantly depending on the indications, design, and suturing details.

 

In areas with many options, such as Ginza in Tokyo, try to keep the following points in mind.

• Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with experience in female urology: The ability to understand and evaluate the anatomy of the vagina, vulva, and urethral opening. Caution is also warranted in cases where urologists with limited expertise in female urology present themselves as “specialists in women’s health,” or where physicians who were formerly affiliated with obstetrics and gynecology now practice exclusively in cosmetic medicine but present themselves as obstetricians and gynecologists.

• A policy of not recommending unnecessary treatments: There aren't actually that many people who truly need a clitoral hoodectomy. If a doctor recommends the procedure based on the assumption that there is a foreskin when there actually isn't, or suggests multiple procedures one after another, this may be an attempt at upselling.

• Consideration of Functionality: The labia minora play an important role in protecting the vagina. Excessive removal can contribute to future dryness and pain during intercourse. Are there any design proposals that prioritize function?

• Transparency in Explanations: Are the explanations regarding complications, downtime, and individual differences specific? Even if "before and after" photos are provided, are the shooting conditions and timing explained?

• Breakdown of Costs: Does the estimate include anesthesia, medication, follow-up visits, and suture removal? Estimates that are significantly higher or lower than the market average may be a sign of excessive upselling or inadequate post-procedure care.

While there are many experienced doctors in Tokyo and Ginza, there are also facilities that are simply good at marketing. Be sure to consult with doctors at several clinics and choose one who explains things in a way you can understand.

Understanding Costs and Market Rates in Tokyo and Ginza

Prices vary depending on the clinic, surgical procedure, type of anesthesia, and whether additional procedures (such as labia minora reduction) are performed at the same time.

 

While prices in Ginza, Tokyo, tend to be slightly higher due to rent and demand, you can still find some extremely cheap ads.

 

It’s not good if the price is too high or too low compared to the market average. You’ll want to avoid situations where the price is high but the justification is unclear, or where the focus is on low cost but counseling and post-operative follow-up are inadequate.

 

. We recommend carefully checking what is and isn’t included in the cost and comparing options at several clinics in Ginza, Tokyo.

Is It Best to Have Labia Minora Reduction and Accessory Skin Removal Done at the Same Time? A Design Perspective

If necessary, performing labia minora reduction and excess skin removal at the same time provides greater flexibility in the design.

 

This is because if residual skin remains, it creates a step between the edge of the labia minora and the surrounding area, making it difficult to achieve the ideal contour.

 

Conversely, if excision is performed when there is very little prepuce, protection around the clitoris may be compromised, which could lead to discomfort.

 

Consult with an OB-GYN who can carefully tailor treatment to your specific case, and work together to determine the right balance between appearance and function.

Differences in Surgical Procedures and “Who They’re Suited For” vs. “Who Should Consider Them Carefully”

Excess skin removal is typically performed under local anesthesia, during which the excess skin is carefully trimmed to achieve a balanced contour and then meticulously sutured using dissolvable sutures or similar materials.

 

Small details—such as a design that minimizes bleeding and suturing techniques that help reduce swelling—collectively determine your postoperative comfort.

• Suitable for: Issues such as chafing and itching caused by uneven skin or sagging, concerns about difficulty maintaining hygiene, or concerns about visible lines under swimwear or underwear. For those who want to improve both function and appearance.

• People who want to consider this carefully: For those who hope for a “complete resolution” based solely on high expectations. Given future hormonal changes (menopause), vaginal dryness, and the protective function of the labia minora, it is safer to adopt an approach that minimizes excision.

Since either possibility could apply, you should have an experienced specialist evaluate your condition—not just in Ginza, Tokyo—to determine the appropriate course of treatment.

How to Interpret "Before & After" Photos: Don't Be Misled by the Photos Alone

The "Before & After" photos can be helpful, but the appearance may vary depending on the shooting angle, lighting, and timing of the photos (immediately after surgery, 1 month, 3 months, etc.).

 

Photos taken before the swelling subsides tend to make the face look fuller than it actually is, while photos taken after the swelling has subsided tend to make the face look slimmer.

 

When viewing photos at clinics in Tokyo or Ginza, be sure to ask about functional aspects as well—such as, “How many days after surgery is this?” or “What about future dryness or changes in sensation?”

The Counseling Process and What to Prepare for Your Session in Ginza, Tokyo

At many clinics in Ginza, Tokyo, the standard process is as follows: preliminary consultation → medical examination → design consultation → risk explanation → estimate.

 

To prepare, make a list of your concerns and specifically describe the situations that cause you trouble in your daily life (such as chafing, odor, difficulty maintaining cleanliness, or appearance-related issues). This will help us provide you with more appropriate recommendations.

 

Please also share any past gynecological issues, delivery history, history of vaginal or vulvar inflammation, and allergies.

 

It should be noted that there are some doctors who claim to specialize in women’s health despite having little background in that field.

 

There are also cases where urologists lack specialized training in female urology, or where doctors who previously worked in obstetrics and gynecology now practice exclusively in cosmetic surgery but present themselves as “obstetricians and gynecologists.”

 

For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to casually ask during your consultation in Ginza, Tokyo, whether the doctor is an OB-GYN or a female urologist who specializes in examining the pelvic floor and pelvic floor muscles.

Risks, Complications, and Long-Term Changes

• Bleeding, Hematoma, Infection: Although it doesn't happen often, it does happen. If you experience any symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible.

• Wound Opening, Scarring, and Asymmetry: While they often settle in over time, additional adjustments may be necessary in some cases.

• Changes in Sensation: If too much tissue is removed around the clitoral hood, you may experience hypersensitivity or a loss of sensation. It is important to avoid unnecessary removal of tissue.

• Vaginal Dryness and Pain During Intercourse: If too much of the labia minora is removed, protection of the vagina and urethral opening may be compromised, which can contribute to future dryness and pain.

Results vary from person to person, but risks can be minimized with proper design and postoperative care. When consulting with a clinic in Tokyo or Ginza, you should look for one that explains these points in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions (Swelling, Pain, Bathing, Exercise, Sexual Activity)

• How long will it take for the swelling to go down?: In most cases, the appearance begins to look less noticeable within 2 to 3 weeks and becomes more natural within 3 to 6 months. Results may vary from person to person.

• Is the pain severe?: You may experience some throbbing for a few days, but it can usually be managed with pain relievers.

• What about taking a bath?: In most cases, you can take a shower the next day; however, you should wait for your doctor's approval before taking a bath (after 1 to 2 weeks, for example).

• What about exercise and biking?: Start with light walks; wait a little longer before doing high-intensity exercise or cycling.

• What about sex?: Wait until the wound has fully healed, and get your doctor's approval. Generally, a timeframe of several weeks to a month or more is often recommended.

These guidelines are general in nature. Please follow your doctor’s instructions above all else.

A Natural Way to Draw Attention to Upsells

Even if you’re told you have “subcutaneous skin,” it may actually be skin irregularities or swelling that aren’t actually subcutaneous skin.

 

If you’re recommended to undergo multiple procedures—such as clitoral hood removal or extensive excision of the outer tissue—when the necessity remains unclear, take a moment to think it over.

 

While there are situations where the removal of the prepuce should be performed at the same time as labia minora reduction, additional recommendations with little scientific basis may be an attempt at upselling.

 

Since it’s easy to get a second opinion in Ginza, Tokyo, one option is to feel free to seek a second opinion at another clinic.

How to Find a Counselor (For Those Outside Tokyo and Ginza, Too)

Even if you don't live in Ginza, Tokyo, there are an increasing number of facilities that offer online consultations and initial remote consultations.

 

First, verify whether the physician has expertise in women’s health (board certification in obstetrics and gynecology, or women’s urology) and a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the vagina and vulva.

 

Don’t base your decision solely on “before and after” results; choose a doctor who can discuss future issues such as vaginal dryness, sexual function, and how these may affect your daily life.

Summary

Swelling after subcutaneous tissue removal typically peaks a few days after surgery, subsides within about 2 to 3 weeks, and often blends in more naturally over the course of several months.

 

You can reduce discomfort through cooling, good hygiene, and adjustments to your underwear and daily routine, but the course of the condition varies from person to person; if you notice any changes that cause you concern, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible for peace of mind.

 

Above all, it is crucial to choose a specialist who understands the importance of balancing function and appearance. There are not many situations where clitoral hood removal is truly necessary, and the labia minora are vital tissues that protect the vagina and the urethral opening.

 

Our commitment to performing only the minimum necessary resection with the utmost care ensures your comfort in the future.

Advice

While there are plenty of options for consultation in Tokyo and Ginza, please make sure to verify not only the doctor’s credentials but also their expertise as an obstetrician-gynecologist or female urologist, their understanding of anatomy, and their honest approach—one that avoids upselling—before making a decision.

 

In some cases, performing labia minora reduction and excess skin removal at the same time—if necessary—can offer greater design flexibility.

 

If you’d like to find out if this is right for you, please feel free to contact us for a consultation. Visit one of our multiple locations—including our Ginza, Tokyo, branch—to learn more, and let’s work together to find a solution that’s right for you.

 

▷ Treatment Page for Removing the Secondary Skin Layer

▷ Counseling Appointment Page