01Article · Pre-surgery
Bringing your questions to the consult.
A labiaplasty consultation with Dr Kishen Nara is a private, unhurried discussion of suitability, technique, recovery and risks. The notes below are general in nature — they will not be true for every patient — but they may help you arrive with the questions that matter to you already in hand.
02What happens on the day
A first consult is a conversation.
A first labiaplasty consultation is generally an hour. Some of that time is medical history and examination, some of it is conversation, and some of it is questions — yours, and ours. The pace varies from patient to patient. Nothing on the day commits you to anything.
Dr Nara will ask why you are considering the procedure, what specifically is bothering you, and how that has changed over time. He will examine the anatomy in a private examination room with a chaperone present, and he will explain the technique options — the selective anatomic preservation (SAP) approach and the simpler trim approach — and which may suit your circumstances. He will also talk about the option of doing nothing as a real option, not a polite line.
A formal written cooling-off period applies between consultation and any cosmetic procedure, in line with Medical Board of Australia guidelines. The cooling-off period is not a sales tactic; it is the time between the conversation and the decision.
You do not have to decide anything on the day. Many patients choose a second consultation before committing — sometimes with a partner, sister or friend in the room. There is no rush, and there is no commitment to proceed.
03What to bring
Practical preparation, nothing dramatic.
You do not need to prepare a presentation. A few practical things can save time on the day — the rest will come up naturally in conversation.
Things to bring
- A current GP referral, where you have one — it isn't always required, but it helps Dr Nara understand your medical history.
- A short list of medications, including over-the-counter supplements and herbal remedies.
- Any prior gynaecological notes or imaging you happen to have. If none, that is fine.
- Your questions — written down. Two consultations are commonly offered, and not everything has to be asked on day one.
- Someone to support you, if you want them in the room. A partner, sister or friend is welcome.
Questions to ask yourself first
- What, specifically, is bothering me — and is it physical discomfort, the appearance, or both?
- What outcome would feel like enough? Not perfect — enough.
- What does my life look like in the four weeks after a procedure? Work, caring duties, exercise?
- Is now the right window, or would six months from now be a fairer time to decide?
- Have I considered doing nothing as a real option?
04Questions to ask the doctor
Ask anything. That is what the time is for.
The list below is not exhaustive. It is a starting point. The questions that matter most are usually the specific ones — about your anatomy, your work, your support network, your healing history. Those questions come out best in the room.
- Which technique do you generally use, and why might it suit my anatomy?
- What does recovery commonly look like, and what is the wider range?
- What are the risks specific to my circumstances?
- What is included in the quote — doctor's fee, anaesthetist, theatre, consumables, follow-up?
- What is the timeline between this consultation and any procedure, and how is the cooling-off period structured?
- What happens if I change my mind?
A second medical opinion is encouraged at any stage, and a written quote — when one is provided — will be itemised. There are no package deals, and there are no surprise fees.
05If you are not ready
Reading is not a commitment to surgery.
Many of the women who consult with us have been reading on this topic for months. Some have been reading for years. Reading is a way to understand a decision; it is not a commitment to make the decision.
If you would prefer a Zoom consultation first, before any in-person visit, that can usually be arranged. Cate or Jenny will help with the timing. The week-by-week recovery note is a useful companion read once you have an appointment.
Come speak with us about your expectations when you are ready.
This article is general patient information, not medical advice for your circumstances. Cosmetic medical procedures carry risks — see our risks of surgery page for a factual overview. Suitability for any procedure is determined at consultation with a qualified medical practitioner.