Question 1

Who is a candidate for labiaplasty?

Accepted Answer

Labiaplasty may be suitable for women over 18 who experience physical discomfort, irritation during exercise or daily activities, chafing from clothing, or functional concerns related to the size, shape, or symmetry of their labia. Some patients have difficulty with hygiene or experience discomfort during intimacy. At your consultation, Dr Konrat takes a detailed medical history, discusses your concerns, and performs a clinical assessment to determine whether labiaplasty is appropriate for your situation. Not everyone who enquires will be a suitable candidate — Dr Konrat will be honest if the procedure is unlikely to address your concerns.

Question 2

What is the DOVE Surgery Technique?

Accepted Answer

The DOVE Surgery Technique is Dr Georgina Konrat's published method for labiaplasty, developed through her clinical practice since 1997 and published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal in 2012. Unlike conventional trim or wedge methods that cut through the full thickness of labial tissue, the DOVE technique uses superficial dissection — working within the outer tissue layers to reshape tissue while preserving the blood supply and nerve pathways underneath. This approach keeps the natural colour gradient and labial edge intact. Each procedure is planned individually based on your anatomy, discussed during your consultation. The technique has been the subject of peer-reviewed research including a cohort of 451 consecutive cases.

Question 3

How long does the procedure take?

Accepted Answer

A labiaplasty procedure at our Bondi Junction practice typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes for the surgical component. You should allow two to three hours for your total visit, which includes preparation time beforehand and a rest period in our recovery area afterwards. If additional procedures such as mons pubis liposuction are performed at the same time, the total duration may be longer. Dr Konrat provides a more accurate time estimate during your consultation based on your individual treatment plan and the complexity of the procedure.

Question 4

What type of anaesthesia is used?

Accepted Answer

Labiaplasty at our practice can be performed under oral sedation with local anaesthesia or under general anaesthesia. With oral sedation, the treatment area is completely numbed — most patients report feeling pressure but not pain during the procedure. This option avoids the risks associated with general anaesthesia, including nausea, longer recovery time, and rare but serious complications. General anaesthesia is available for patients who prefer it or where the extent of surgery requires it. Dr Konrat discusses both options during your consultation and recommends the most suitable approach based on your medical history, preferences, and the surgical plan.

Question 5

How much does labiaplasty cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of labiaplasty varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, anaesthesia requirements, and your individual treatment plan. Because Dr Konrat is a cosmetic doctor, Medicare rebates do not apply to procedures performed through this practice. After your consultation, you receive a detailed fee estimate covering the surgical fee, anaesthesia, the procedure facility, all post-operative follow-up appointments, and aftercare support. The initial consultation fee is $165, which is credited toward the surgical fee if you proceed. Payment plan options are available to help manage the cost. All fees are discussed transparently before you make any decisions.

Question 6

Is labiaplasty covered by Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Labiaplasty performed for cosmetic reasons is not covered by Medicare and does not attract a Medicare rebate. Dr Konrat is a cosmetic doctor, and procedures through her Bondi Junction practice are performed on a private fee basis. In Australia, Medicare item numbers for labiaplasty (such as MBS item 35533) apply only when strict clinical criteria are met and when performed by a medical practitioner who bills through those pathways. If you believe you may have a functional concern that could qualify for a rebate through another provider, your GP can advise you. Dr Konrat discusses all costs transparently during your consultation so there are no surprises.

Question 7

How long is the recovery period?

Accepted Answer

Most patients take one to two weeks off work after labiaplasty. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable in the first few days and gradually improve over the following two to three weeks. Dissolvable sutures break down on their own within three to four weeks. You should avoid heavy exercise, swimming, baths, and sexual activity for at least six weeks. Cold compresses and prescribed pain relief help manage discomfort in the early days. Dr Konrat schedules follow-up appointments at one week and six weeks to monitor your healing. The final result takes three to six months to become fully apparent as all swelling resolves and tissues settle into their permanent position.

Question 8

When can I return to work?

Accepted Answer

Most patients return to desk-based work within three to five days, though some prefer to take a full week. If your job involves physical activity, prolonged standing, or heavy lifting, you may need two to three weeks off. During the first week, sitting for long periods may be uncomfortable — a donut-shaped cushion can help. Avoid tight clothing that puts pressure on the area. Dr Konrat provides personalised advice based on your specific procedure and the nature of your work. Many patients find they can work from home during the first week and return to the office in the second.

Question 9

When can I exercise after labiaplasty?

Accepted Answer

Gentle walking is encouraged from day one to promote blood circulation and healing. Light, low-impact exercise such as upper-body work can typically resume after four to six weeks, provided Dr Konrat has cleared you at your follow-up appointment. High-impact activities including running, cycling, swimming, horseback riding, and contact sports should be avoided until at least six weeks post-procedure. The treatment area remains sensitive during healing, and returning to strenuous activity too early can increase the risk of wound complications. Dr Konrat assesses your progress at scheduled follow-up appointments and advises when it is safe to resume specific activities.

Question 10

When can I resume sexual intercourse?

Accepted Answer

Sexual intercourse should be avoided for a minimum of six weeks following labiaplasty surgery. This allows the tissues to heal fully and the dissolvable sutures to break down completely. Resuming intimate activity too early increases the risk of wound dehiscence (the wound reopening), infection, and discomfort. You should only resume when Dr Konrat has cleared you at a follow-up appointment and confirmed that healing is progressing well. Some patients find they need a little longer before feeling comfortable. There is no rush — Dr Konrat will guide you based on how your individual recovery is progressing.

Question 11

Will there be visible scarring?

Accepted Answer

All surgery results in some degree of scarring, and labiaplasty is no exception. However, Dr Konrat's DOVE Surgery Technique is designed to place incisions strategically so that any resulting scars are as discreet as possible. The superficial dissection approach works within the outer tissue layers, which can contribute to finer scar lines compared to techniques that cut through the full thickness of tissue. Scars typically fade significantly over the first three to twelve months as the tissue matures. How you heal depends on your individual biology — some people naturally scar more noticeably than others. Dr Konrat discusses expected scarring during your consultation.

Question 12

Will I lose sensation after labiaplasty?

Accepted Answer

Temporary changes in sensation are common during the recovery period and usually resolve as healing progresses over the first few weeks to months. The DOVE Surgery Technique's superficial dissection approach is designed to preserve nerve pathways within the tissue, which may reduce the risk of permanent sensation changes compared to techniques that cut through the full thickness of the labia. However, permanent changes in sensation — including increased or decreased sensitivity — are a recognised risk of any labiaplasty. The likelihood varies between individuals. Dr Konrat discusses this risk in detail during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Question 13

What is the 7-day cooling-off period?

Accepted Answer

A mandatory 7-day cooling-off period applies after your consultation before any cosmetic procedure can be scheduled. This is an Australian regulatory requirement under AHPRA guidelines for cosmetic surgery. The purpose is to give you adequate time to consider all the information provided during your consultation — including the proposed procedure, risks and complications, costs, and alternatives — without feeling rushed or pressured. No booking or deposit can be taken during this period. After the seven days have passed, you can contact the practice to schedule your procedure if you wish to proceed. Dr Konrat supports this requirement as an important part of informed consent.

Question 14

Can labiaplasty be combined with other procedures?

Accepted Answer

Yes, labiaplasty can sometimes be performed alongside other procedures. The most common combination is labiaplasty with mons pubis liposuction, which addresses excess fatty tissue in the mons pubis area using the tumescent technique. Whether a combined approach is appropriate depends on your individual anatomy, clinical needs, and what you are hoping to address. Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time compared to having them separately, but it also increases the duration of surgery. Dr Konrat assesses each case individually and discusses whether a combined approach makes sense during your consultation.

Question 15

What should I expect at my consultation?

Accepted Answer

During your consultation, Dr Konrat takes a detailed medical history and discusses your specific concerns and goals. She performs a clinical assessment of the treatment area and explains the DOVE Surgery Technique, including how it applies to your individual anatomy. All risks and complications are outlined in detail, and you receive a personalised fee estimate covering all costs. You have the opportunity to ask any questions — there is no limit on time and no pressure to make a decision. The consultation fee is $165, credited toward the surgical fee if you proceed. A mandatory 7-day cooling-off period applies before any procedure can be booked.

Question 16

Is the consultation with Dr Konrat herself?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your consultation is directly with Dr Georgina Konrat (MBBS, FACCSM). She conducts all consultations personally and performs all procedures herself. You will not be seen by a different doctor or a patient coordinator — Dr Konrat handles every step from your initial assessment through to your post-operative follow-up appointments. Her practice is supported by an all-female clinical team who assist during consultations, procedures, and recovery. This continuity of care means the doctor who assesses and plans your procedure is the same doctor who performs and follows up on it.

Question 17

What qualifications does Dr Konrat hold?

Accepted Answer

Dr Georgina Konrat holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Sydney and is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (FACCSM). She has been practising medicine since 1997 and holds General Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), registration number MED0001407863. Dr Konrat developed the DOVE Surgery Technique for labiaplasty, which was published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, a peer-reviewed medical publication. Her practice focuses on labiaplasty, revision labiaplasty, and mons pubis liposuction at her Bondi Junction rooms in Sydney.

Question 18

What if I need a revision procedure?

Accepted Answer

Dr Konrat performs revision labiaplasty for patients who have had a previous procedure — whether performed by her or by another doctor — and are dissatisfied with the result or have developed complications. Common reasons for revision include persistent asymmetry, irregular edges, too much or too little tissue removed, scar tissue causing discomfort, or wound breakdown that healed poorly. Revision cases are more complex than primary labiaplasty because the anatomy has already been altered and scar tissue is present. Dr Konrat assesses each case individually during a consultation and is upfront about what revision can and cannot achieve in your specific situation.

Question 19

Where is the procedure performed?

Accepted Answer

Procedures are performed at an accredited surgical facility associated with our Bondi Junction practice. The practice is located at Suite 402, Level 4, 59-75 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022. The facility meets Australian standards for day surgery, and you are cared for by Dr Konrat's all-female clinical team throughout your visit. All labiaplasty procedures are performed as day surgery — you arrive on the morning of your procedure and go home the same day after a period of supervised recovery. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you on the first night.

Question 20

How do I book a consultation?

Accepted Answer

You can book a consultation with Dr Konrat online through our website or by calling 02 9188 1949 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm). No GP referral is needed. Before booking, you may wish to request our labiaplasty information guide, which provides an overview of the procedure, the DOVE Surgery Technique, and what to expect. The consultation fee is $165, which is credited toward the surgical fee if you decide to proceed. Our team can answer any preliminary questions you have before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Labiaplasty Information Guide

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