Labiaplasty Anaesthesia and Your Surgery Day

Labiaplasty with Dr Reema Hadi is day surgery, so you go home the same day. You can have a general anaesthetic, where you are asleep, or a local anaesthetic, where you are awake but the area is numb.

The choice depends on your preference and the procedure you are having, and you make it with Dr Hadi at your consultations. This page explains both options, then walks you through the day step by step.

General or local anaesthetic?

Both are used for labiaplasty. Neither suits everyone: the right choice depends on your health, how you feel about being awake, what you are having done and any past reactions to anaesthetics.

Dr Hadi talks this through with you at your consultations, and you can change your mind before the day.

General anaesthetic

• What it is: medicines that put you into a carefully controlled sleep, so you do not feel, move or remember anything during the operation.
• Who gives it: a specialist anaesthetist, who stays with you and monitors your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure throughout.
• What it feels like: a small plastic tube (cannula) goes into a vein in your hand, the medicine goes in, and you fall asleep. The next thing you know, you are waking up in the recovery room.
• Who it may suit: women who would rather not be aware of the operation, or whose planned procedure makes it the better fit. Dr Hadi will advise.
• Fasting: no food, and no milky or non-clear drinks, for at least 6 hours beforehand. Follow the exact times the hospital or anaesthetist gives you, including whether you can sip water [CHECK R8].
• Recovering from the anaesthetic: you may feel sleepy, sick, or have a headache or sore throat at first. Nurses can give you medicine for nausea or pain. You cannot drive for at least 24 hours, and an adult needs to stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Local anaesthetic

• What it is: numbing injections into the area being operated on. You stay awake and aware.
• Who gives it: Dr Hadi, before she starts the operation [CHECK R9].
• What it feels like: the injections sting briefly. Once the area is numb, you may feel pressure or movement, but you should not feel pain. Tell the team straight away if you do, and more local anaesthetic can be given.
• Who it may suit: women who would prefer to avoid a general anaesthetic. Whether local is possible depends on what you are having done, and Dr Hadi will tell you at your consultation.
• Fasting: Dr Hadi asks you to fast for at least 6 hours before your operation [CHECK R8].
• Recovering from the anaesthetic: the numbness wears off over a few hours and can last up to 24 hours. Take your pain relief as directed. You still need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Questions to ask about your anaesthetic

The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) suggests asking these before any cosmetic surgery. We are happy to answer them all.

• What kind of anaesthetic will I have, and why?
• Who will give it, and are they registered? You can check any practitioner on the Ahpra public register.
• Where will the operation be done? A general anaesthetic must be given in a hospital or a facility that meets health authority standards.
• What happens if something goes wrong?

Tell us early about your health conditions, allergies, every medicine you take, and any problems you or your family have had with anaesthetics. If you use a GLP-1 medicine such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro, tell us well before surgery, as it can change the fasting rules.

Before the day

You see Dr Hadi twice before surgery, and there are at least 7 days between giving consent and your operation. In the lead-up:

• Stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery, and stay smoke-free for 6 weeks after.
• Stop blood thinners and anti-platelet medicines 2 weeks before, unless Dr Hadi tells you otherwise. We give you a full list of over-the-counter medicines to stop.
• Arrange a driver and an adult to stay with you for the first 24 hours.
• Get your recovery supplies ready: see labiaplasty recovery week by week.

More on the two appointments in your labiaplasty consultation.

Your surgery day, step by step

1. Shower. Shower with antibacterial soap the night before or the morning of surgery. This reduces bacteria on the skin and the chance of infection.
2. Fast. Stop eating at least 6 hours before, and follow the hospital's exact instructions on drinks [CHECK R8]. Take your usual medicines only as you have been told.
3. Pack. Bring loose, comfortable clothes, cotton underwear, pads, a list of your medicines, your Medicare card and your support person's phone number. Leave jewellery and valuables at home.
4. Arrive. Come to [CHECK 7: facility] at the time you are given. A nurse checks your details, your consent and your medical history, and you change into a gown [CHECK R10].
5. Meet your anaesthetist and Dr Hadi. If you are having a general anaesthetic, the anaesthetist asks about your health, medicines and allergies and answers any questions. Dr Hadi goes over the plan with you [CHECK R10]. You can still change your mind at this point.
6. Theatre. The operation usually takes about 2 hours [CHECK 8]. The wound is closed in layers with stitches that dissolve on their own.
7. Recovery room. A nurse looks after you as you wake up or as the numbness settles. You will have a pad in place, and you will be offered a drink.
8. Going home. You can usually go home once you are awake, comfortable, drinking, able to walk and able to pass urine. You go home with antibiotic tablets, pain relief and Dr Hadi's direct phone number. Someone must drive you.
9. The first 24 hours. An adult stays with you. Rest, hold ice wrapped in a tea towel over the area in short sessions, wear a pad and take your tablets as directed. You see Dr Hadi again the next day [CHECK 12].

Who you will meet

Dr Hadi and our all-female team look after you before and after surgery. On the day you also meet the hospital nurses and, if you are having a general anaesthetic, your anaesthetist [CHECK R11].

When to call us

After you get home, call the clinic on 02 9526 6885, or Dr Hadi on her direct number, straight away if you have a temperature above 38°C, heavy bleeding, pain, redness or swelling that is getting worse, or a discharge that smells unpleasant. If you have trouble breathing or chest pain, call triple zero (000).

All surgery and anaesthesia carry risks, and results vary from person to person. Read labiaplasty risks and complications and the official ANZCA patient information, or call 02 9526 6885 to book a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Is labiaplasty done under general or local anaesthetic?

Either. At The Swan Clinic, labiaplasty can be done under a general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic, depending on your preference and the procedure. Dr Hadi helps you decide at your consultations.

Can I be awake during labiaplasty?

Yes, if you have a local anaesthetic. The area is numbed with injections, so you may feel pressure or movement but should not feel pain.

How long does labiaplasty surgery take?

The operation usually takes about 2 hours. Allow extra time for admission and for the recovery room before you go home.

How long do I need to fast before labiaplasty?

At least 6 hours without food. The hospital or anaesthetist will give you exact times, including what you can drink.

Do I go home the same day after labiaplasty?

Yes. Labiaplasty is day surgery. You go home once you are awake, comfortable, drinking and able to pass urine.

Can I drive home after labiaplasty?

No. Someone must drive you home, and you should not drive for at least 24 hours after an anaesthetic. Dr Hadi advises driving once you are comfortable, which is usually after at least a week.

Does the local anaesthetic hurt?

The injections sting for a few seconds. After that the area is numb, and you can ask for more anaesthetic if you feel anything sharp.

Do I need someone to stay with me after labiaplasty?

Yes. Arrange for an adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours, whichever anaesthetic you have.