Knowing what to expect on the day of your labiaplasty can make the experience considerably less anxious. For most patients, the procedure is performed as day surgery — meaning you arrive, have the procedure, recover for a few hours, and go home the same day. This guide walks through what typically happens 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: If your procedure involves general anaesthesia or oral sedation, you will be asked not to eat or drink for a set period beforehand — typically from midnight for a morning procedure, or for six hours before an afternoon procedure. Follow the specific instructions you were given exactly.
- 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: Plan to take at least two to three days off work for desk-based roles — more if your work involves physical activity or prolonged sitting.
Arrival
You will be asked to arrive at the day surgery facility at a specified time — usually an hour or so before the scheduled procedure time. This time is used for:
- 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. The approach will have been discussed and agreed at your pre-operative appointment.
Local anaesthetic: An injection of local anaesthetic numbs the area. You will be awake but should feel no pain — pressure and movement are normal sensations. This approach is used for straightforward procedures and has a faster recovery.
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 surgical time for labiaplasty varies depending on the technique and complexity — typically between 45 minutes and 90 minutes for the DOVE Surgery Technique.
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
You will not feel pain during the procedure. Awareness of pressure, movement, and touch is normal.
Recovery Room
After the procedure, you will spend time in the recovery area while the anaesthetic wears off and nursing staff monitor your observations. This typically takes one to two hours.
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
Most patients go home three to four hours after the procedure. 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 few hours at home: Rest is the priority. You will have a dressing in place. Swelling and discomfort are expected and will peak in the first 24–48 hours. Ice packs (wrapped in a cloth, not applied directly) can help with swelling. Stay off your feet as much as possible.
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
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
Surgery day is just the beginning of the recovery process. The first two weeks involve the most active healing — swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Most patients return to desk-based work within one to two weeks and resume most normal activities within four to six weeks, with full healing taking several months.
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.