Labiaplasty may be performed as day surgery when the treating team considers that setting appropriate. The individual plan, anaesthetic, procedure time, recovery and discharge criteria are confirmed before surgery. This guide explains the general stages from arrival to discharge.
Before the Day: Preparation
Your pre-operative appointment will have covered the specifics of your preparation. Generally, you should expect:
- Fasting: Fasting instructions vary by anaesthetic type, procedure time and individual circumstances. Follow the exact instructions from the anaesthetist and facility; contact them if anything is unclear.
- Medications: Some medications need to be paused before surgery — particularly blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, and certain supplements. Confirm what to stop and when at your pre-operative appointment.
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Tight jeans or fitted underwear will be uncomfortable on the way home. Loose pants or a skirt, and soft cotton underwear, are most practical.
- Transport: You will not be able to drive yourself home. Arrange for someone to collect you and, ideally, stay with you for the first night.
- Work and commitments: Ask how much time away from work may be needed for your role. Physical activity, travel and prolonged sitting can affect the advice.
Arrival
You will be given an arrival time by the day-surgery facility. The admission period may include:
- Admission paperwork and consent confirmation
- Pre-operative nursing assessment (blood pressure, observations, medical history review)
- Changing into a surgical gown
- Meeting with the anaesthetist if general anaesthesia or sedation is being used
You will have the opportunity to ask any last-minute questions before the procedure begins. If something is on your mind, raise it — this is the right time.
The Anaesthetic
Labiaplasty can be performed under local anaesthetic alone, with oral sedation, or under general anaesthesia. Healthdirect Australia advises patients to ask their doctor which type applies to their procedure: general anaesthetic, local anaesthetic, or light sedation. The approach will have been discussed and agreed at your pre-operative appointment.
Local anaesthetic: An injection of local anaesthetic is used to numb the area. You remain awake and may notice pressure or movement. If you feel discomfort, tell the clinical team so it can be assessed. Unlike general anaesthesia, this approach does not involve recovery from a state of unconsciousness.
Oral sedation: Medication is taken orally to reduce anxiety and produce a relaxed, drowsy state. Local anaesthetic is still used. You may have limited memory of the procedure.
General anaesthesia: Administered by an anaesthetist, this puts you fully to sleep. It is used for more complex procedures or where patient comfort requires it. Recovery involves waking up in a recovery room before being transferred to the day surgery ward.
The Procedure
The procedure time varies with the agreed technique and individual surgical plan. The team will explain the expected timing before the procedure.
During the procedure:
- The area is cleaned and draped
- Local anaesthetic is administered (even under general anaesthesia, local anaesthetic is used to reduce post-operative discomfort)
- The surgical technique is performed — for the DOVE Surgery Technique, this involves precise tissue modification with careful closure using fine dissolvable sutures
- The area is dressed with a light, absorbent dressing
The local anaesthetic is intended to keep the area comfortable. Pressure, movement, or touch may still be noticed. Tell the clinical team if you experience discomfort so they can assess it.
Recovery Room
After the procedure, you will remain in the recovery area while nursing staff monitor your observations and response to the anaesthetic. The time required varies.
During this time:
- Observations (blood pressure, pulse, oxygen) are taken regularly
- Pain is assessed — mild to moderate discomfort is expected as local anaesthetic wears off, and pain relief will be given as needed
- You will be offered fluids and a light snack once you are comfortable
- Nursing staff will review wound care, medication instructions, and what to watch for at home
You will not be discharged until the nursing staff and doctor are satisfied that you are stable, comfortable, and have a responsible adult to take you home.
Going Home
Discharge occurs only when the clinical team considers the relevant criteria met and a responsible adult is available to collect you. Before you leave, you will receive:
- Written wound care instructions
- Information on what is and isn't normal in the first few days
- Prescriptions for pain relief and any other medications
- Contact details and instructions for when to call the clinic
- Your post-operative follow-up appointment details
The first period at home: Follow the written instructions about rest, wound care, medication and activity. Swelling, bruising, spotting and discomfort can occur. Use cold packs only if and in the manner advised by the treating team.
What's Normal in the First 24 Hours
- Swelling and bruising — significant, and expected
- Discomfort, managed with prescribed pain relief
- Light spotting or bleeding on the dressing — a small amount is normal
- Feeling tired from the procedure and anaesthetic
When to Call the Clinic
Healthdirect Australia identifies spreading redness, fever and a wound that is not healing as day-to-day signs that warrant medical review. Contact the clinic promptly if you experience:
- Heavy or increasing bleeding that soaks through dressings
- Rapidly worsening pain not relieved by medication
- Fever above 38°C
- Significant swelling or redness that appears to be spreading
Our risks and complications page covers these in more detail.
The Recovery Ahead
Recovery varies between patients. The time needed away from work and the timing of exercise, swimming, baths, cycling and sexual activity depend on the procedure, work and healing. The treating team's written instructions and follow-up assessment take priority over general recovery ranges.
Our recovery page covers the week-by-week timeline in detail.
To book a consultation and discuss what to expect on surgery day for your specific situation, visit our book online page or contact us.
Labiaplasty Sydney is located at Suite 402, Level 4, 59–75 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure with risks. Individual experiences vary. Dr Georgina Konrat — MBBS, FACCSM, AHPRA Registration MED0001407863. General Registration.