Labiaplasty Glossary
Dr Georgina Konrat (MBBS, FACCSM) — Bondi Junction, Sydney
Plain-English definitions of labiaplasty terminology. Every term links to a full page where it is covered in more detail. This page is intended as a reference — to answer questions like “what does FACCSM mean?” or “what is dehiscence?” that come up in research.
- AHPRA
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. The national body that regulates registered health practitioners in Australia. Dr Georgina Konrat holds General Registration with AHPRA under registration number MED0001407863.
- Anaesthetist
- A medical doctor who has completed specialist training in anaesthesia. An anaesthetist is required when labiaplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. When DOVE labiaplasty is performed under local anaesthetic with sedation, an anaesthetist is not always required. Read more →
- Asymmetry
- A difference in size or shape between the left and right sides of the labia. Some degree of asymmetry is normal anatomy. It is also a recognised surgical risk — post-operative asymmetry can occur even when the procedure is performed correctly.
- Candidacy
- The clinical assessment of whether a patient is suitable for labiaplasty. Factors include age (18+), general health, the nature of the concerns, realistic expectations, and whether a procedure is likely to address the concerns raised. Not every patient who asks about labiaplasty is a candidate. Read more →
- Clitoral hood reduction
- A procedure to reduce the size of the clitoral hood, separate from but sometimes combined with labiaplasty. Dr Konrat does not offer clitoral hood reduction as a standalone procedure but may perform it in combination with labiaplasty where clinically appropriate. Read more →
- Cooling-off period
- A mandatory 7-day waiting period between the second consultation and scheduling any cosmetic procedure, required under Australian cosmetic procedure regulations. The purpose is to give the patient adequate time to consider all the information provided at the consultations without pressure.
- Cosmetic doctor
- A medical doctor who has completed additional training in cosmetic medicine. Under AHPRA, cosmetic doctor is distinct from specialist plastic surgeon — the latter requires completion of the RACS plastic surgery training programme. Dr Konrat is a cosmetic doctor, not a specialist plastic surgeon. Read more →
- De-epithelialisation
- The surgical removal of the outer skin layer (epithelium) without cutting through the full thickness of tissue underneath. The extended de-epithelialisation component of the DOVE Surgery Technique is what allows reshaping without full-thickness excision. Read more →
- Dissection (superficial)
- Surgical separation of tissue layers. Superficial dissection stays within the outer tissue layers rather than cutting all the way through. The DOVE technique uses superficial dissection to preserve the blood supply and nerve pathways that run deeper.
- DOVE Surgery Technique
- Double Offset V-Plasty with Extended De-epithelialisation. A labiaplasty method developed by Dr Georgina Konrat in 2005 and documented in the Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine in 2012, based on a cohort of 451 consecutive cases at her Bondi Junction practice. Read more →
- FACCSM
- Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine. A qualification indicating completion of the ACCSM fellowship training programme. Dr Konrat holds this fellowship.
- GP referral
- A referral letter from a general practitioner that must be obtained before the initial consultation with a cosmetic doctor under Australian cosmetic procedure regulations. Required for every cosmetic surgical procedure, including labiaplasty.
- Labia majora
- The outer labia — the larger, outer folds of tissue forming part of the external female genitalia. Labiaplasty may address the labia majora, the labia minora, or both, depending on individual anatomy.
- Labia minora
- The inner labia — the smaller, inner folds of tissue. This is the anatomical structure most commonly addressed in labiaplasty.
- Labiaplasty
- A surgical procedure to reshape or reduce the labia. The three main techniques in current practice are trim, wedge, and the DOVE Surgery Technique. Each takes a different approach to reshaping the tissue. Read more →
- Local anaesthetic
- A medication injected into the treatment area that numbs the tissue locally without affecting consciousness. DOVE labiaplasty is usually performed under local anaesthetic combined with oral sedation to keep the patient relaxed. Read more →
- MBBS
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. The primary medical qualification in Australia. Dr Konrat holds an MBBS from the University of Sydney.
- MBS item 35533
- Medicare Benefits Schedule item number for labiaplasty performed for documented functional reasons. A Medicare rebate may apply only where strict clinical criteria are met. Cosmetic labiaplasty is not covered by Medicare. Read more →
- Mons pubis
- The fatty tissue over the pubic bone. Mons pubis liposuction reduces fullness in this area and can be combined with labiaplasty. Read more →
- Revision labiaplasty
- A corrective procedure for patients dissatisfied with a previous labiaplasty or who have developed complications. Revision cases are more complex than primary labiaplasty because the anatomy has already been altered. Read more →
- Sedation (oral)
- Medication given by mouth before a procedure to reduce anxiety and induce a relaxed state. Oral sedation is typically added to local anaesthetic for DOVE labiaplasty. Patients remain conscious but drowsy and often remember little of the procedure.
- Trim labiaplasty
- A labiaplasty technique that removes excess labial tissue by cutting along the labial edge. The resulting suture line sits along the new labial border. Trim is the oldest and most widely performed labiaplasty technique. Read more →
- Vaginoplasty
- A procedure to reconstruct or repair the vagina. Vaginoplasty is a different procedure from labiaplasty and is not performed at Dr Konrat's practice. Read more →
- Wedge labiaplasty
- A labiaplasty technique that removes a V-shaped wedge of full-thickness tissue from the middle of the labia. The natural labial edge is preserved, but the full-thickness cut still goes through the blood supply and nerve pathways. Read more →
- Wound dehiscence
- A surgical complication where the wound separates during healing. A recognised risk of any labiaplasty procedure. It can result in a notch in the labia or delayed healing and may require revision surgery.
All surgical procedures carry risks. Individual results may vary. Nothing on this page is medical advice. A consultation is required to assess suitability. A GP referral is required before the initial consultation and a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period applies before any procedure can be scheduled.