What Type of Anesthesia Is Used During Labiaplasty Revision?

Group of anesthesiologists holding an oxygen mask.

Over the years, labiaplasty has become more common. Also known as labial reduction, this procedure has become common enough that revisions have become a popular choice for patients who aren't satisfied with their final results or are experiencing prolonged pain from their initial labiaplasty.

Many patients are anxious to learn about their anesthetic options, particularly when the type of drug itself can pose its own set of potential side effects and complications. Traditionally, labiaplasty can be performed using local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. However, for secondary labiaplasty, the type of anesthesia will depend on what your revision entails.

Can I Get My Labiaplasty Under Local Anesthesia?

It is certainly possible to get your labiaplasty or labiaplasty revision with a local anesthetic or local with sedation.

Unlike general anesthesia, when you use a local anesthetic, you will only be numbed in the labial area and remain awake through the procedure (unless you are also sedated). However, even if sedation is used, you are not “put under” as much as general anesthesia.

This type of anesthesia is most commonly used with lesser-invasive procedures, such as reducing a small amount of labia tissue or revising scars.

However, if you are undergoing labia reconstruction, such as techniques using tissue from the clitoral hood to recreate previously overly reduced labia, general anesthesia may be more appropriate. However, the general anesthesia is light and safe with a quick recovery.

Dr. Alter will be able to give you a personalized decision during your consultation.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing Local Anesthetic Over General Anesthesia?

There are a few benefits to choosing local anesthesia if your surgery qualifies for it.

One is that you end up having less medication in your system. Another benefit is that you may experience less post-operative nausea. For some patients, it is common to feel nauseous as a side effect of conscious sedation. If you are this kind of patient, then a local anesthetic is the best option. However, you should note that some people can experience nausea after any anesthetic, including local anesthesia.

If this happens to you, you can get a prescription for Zofran or any other anti-nausea medication after your post-operative consultation. If your nausea persists for a long time after the anesthesia wears off, your prescription pain medication may be the cause. In such cases, try working with your doctor to find a different brand.

Labiaplasty revisions under local or general anesthesia have good post-operative pain control for hours, since long-acting numbing medicine is given at the end of the procedure.

What if I Don’t Qualify for Local Anesthesia?

Not all labiaplasty revision surgeries can be performed under local sedation or sedation. In these cases, general anesthesia is the best and safest approach. Light general anesthesia is used, and no tube will be put down your throat.

Your health and safety are Dr. Alter’s top priorities, and you can feel assured that he will choose the form of anesthesia best suited for your treatment.