How is the numbing done for a labiaplasty?

It's completely normal to feel nervous about an injection - so let me help calm those nerves. In general terms, in-office labiaplasty is done under local anesthesia - meaning we numb only the surgical area with an injection, similar to what's used at the dentist. Most patients describe the initial pinch as brief and very manageable. In my practice, a specially-formulated topical numbing cream is applied beforehand to minimize discomfort from the injection itself. Our patients often report that they feel nothing at all after the numbing cream has done its work.
~Dr. Poucher

Labiaplasty can be performed under local anesthetic. This typically involves numbing cream, which is applied to the area where the injection would go (usually the labia minora). This numbs the area so that you won’t feel much when the anesthetic injection is performed. When the anesthetic takes effect, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

Thank you for your question. It is very normal to feel nervous about injections in the labia minora.Labiaplasty is procedure that I very commonly perform. I offer local or general anesthesia ( with an anesthesiologist) and the decision is determined jointly with the patient when I see them at the consultation. I find that the majority of my patients choose local anesthesia. I always do my best to explain exactly what will happen the day of surgery to relieve any anxiety.First a strong numbing cream is placed on the labia minora for about 15-20 minutes prior to surgery. This is washed clean, and the local anesthetic is then placed very slowly just under the labia minora skin (only where I plan to remove tissue) with a very very fine needle. Only a small amount is needed in this delicate tissue. I remind patients that the labia minora are external, so the injections (and surgery) are all outside of the vaginal opening. Most patients tell me they do not even feel the local anesthetic being injected, and that they feel very comfortable during the entire procedure. I also use a local anesthetic that will last for several hours after the surgical procedure for extended comfort.

First, we apply a topical gel and then local lidocaine in the labia with very small needles. It is nearly painless. The procedure is then painless.

We perform all of our labiaplasty procedures under local anesthesia while you are awake. This approach avoids the additional risks associated with general anesthesia, and many patients experience a smoother recovery and better overall pain tolerance afterward.

Before the procedure, we provide oral medication to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. This also helps minimize any discomfort from the local anesthetic (lidocaine) injections used to numb the area. In some cases, Pro-Nox (nitrous oxide) may also be available to further reduce anxiety and discomfort.

Once the area is fully numb, you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may notice some pressure or movement, but the procedure itself should be comfortable.

Thank you for your question! Getting anesthesia, especially injections, can be nerve-wracking. We put a topical lidocaine on first and allow that to sit which takes the edge off of the injection. Additionally, ask your provider if they have nitrous oxide or other things to calm your nerves. Good luck!

Most of our patient have labioplasty done under local anesthesia, it seems to be well tolerated since the only pain is injection of anesthetic around vulva. Anethesia lasts for about 6-12 hours. For those patients who are extremely anxious twilight anesthesia is recommended. Good luck.

If you are undergoing your procedure exclusively under local anesthesia, premedication can be prescribed by your surgeon to calm your nerves a bit ahead of time. In our office when the decision has been made to perform the surgery under local anesthesia we can also supplement with Pronox, an inhalation gas mixture of nitrous oxide and pure oxygen which makes you less aware and less sensitive to the administration of the local anesthesia. The injection is wherever and incision and suturing will be required which is along the line of where the cut will be made but essentially your entire labia will be number prior to beginning the actual surgical portion of the procedure.

The other option is general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, both of which should only be administered in the setting of an accredited operating room facility by a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in labiaplasty.

Best of luck to you.

That's a very common concern. Before any injections, we apply a strong numbing cream to make the area as comfortable as possible. The numbing medication is then injected directly into the labia minora where the labiaplsty will be performed, not into the clitoris itself. Most patients tell me the injections are much easier than they expected, and once you're numb, you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure.

It's completely normal to be nervous about the numbing injections.

In my practice, I apply a strong numbing cream before any needle is used. I then use an ultra-fine needle and a pH-balanced anesthetic that eliminates the stinging sensation typically associated with numbing injections.

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is. Once you're numb, the procedure itself is painless, and the numbness usually lasts about 10 hours afterward.

I can't speak for how other surgeons do it, but after nearly 30 years of performing labiaplasty, making the experience comfortable for patients has always been a priority.