Dr Georgina Konrat invented and developed the DOVE Surgery Technique for labiaplasty (Double Offset V-Plasty with Extended De-epithelialisation), officially published in the Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine in 2012. This article describes the operative design and its limits. The DOVE Surgery Technique is performed exclusively by Dr Konrat.
In short: The DOVE Surgery Technique uses superficial dissection within the outer tissue layers and places the closure within the body of the labia rather than along the visible edge. These are operative design features. They do not demonstrate preservation of blood supply, nerves, sensation or pigmentation and do not predict healing, scarring, appearance or another individual result.
What DOVE Stands For
DOVE is an acronym for Double Offset V-Plasty with Extended De-epithelialisation. Each part of the name describes a specific feature of the surgical approach:
- Double Offset — the incisions are offset from each other rather than meeting at a single point on the labial edge
- V-Plasty — the incision pattern follows a V-shape
- Extended De-epithelialisation — the outer surface of the tissue is removed over a larger area than the incision line itself
The acronym is a technical description of the operative approach. It is not a brand, franchise or trademark.
How the Operative Designs Differ
Conventional labiaplasty methods fall into two broad categories:
- Trim labiaplasty — excess labial tissue is cut away along the edge of the labia and the two resulting edges are sewn back together.
- Wedge labiaplasty — a V-shaped wedge of tissue is removed from the middle of the labia, including full-thickness tissue, and the two remaining edges are brought together.
Trim and wedge approaches involve full-thickness incisions in different locations. The effect on tissue and relevant structures depends on the individual anatomy and procedure.
The DOVE Surgery Technique instead uses superficial dissection within the outer tissue layers. This describes the planned depth of dissection; it does not establish that deeper structures or function will be unchanged.
How the Technique Works
The DOVE Surgery Technique has three operative-design characteristics:
1. Superficial dissection. The surgical dissection is planned within the outer tissue layers rather than as a full-thickness excision. This does not establish unchanged vascular or neural function.
2. De-epithelialisation. The epithelial layer is removed over a defined area and the tissue is repositioned and sutured according to the individual plan.
3. Closure within the body of the labia. The final suture line is placed within the body of the labia rather than along the visible outer edge. The operative plan avoids intentional removal of the full visible edge, but it does not assure a particular colour, scar or appearance after healing.
Why the Closure Placement Matters
The edge of the labia minora has a natural colour gradient — the outer surface is typically darker in pigmentation than the inner surface, and the transition between the two occurs along the labial border. This gradient is a normal anatomical feature. For a fuller picture of how the labia minora varies between individuals, see our labia minora diagram and anatomy guide.
When a trim labiaplasty is performed, the labial border itself is cut away and the suture line ends up running along the new edge of the labia. The natural colour gradient is removed with the excised tissue, and the healed scar forms a new border that may look different from the original.
With the DOVE Surgery Technique, the suture line is placed within the body of the labia rather than along the visible edge. Surgery and healing may still change pigmentation, sensation, scarring and appearance.
Anaesthesia and Practical Considerations
Local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthesia may be considered, depending on the medical history, procedure, facility and individual assessment. The options have different risks, monitoring and discharge requirements. The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) publishes general patient information, but the treating team's instructions apply to the individual procedure.
Who the Technique Is Suitable For
The technique is not appropriate for every patient or concern. Suitability, alternatives and the option of no treatment are assessed individually. Patients must be 18 or over.
Labiaplasty is not suitable for everyone. A consultation is required to assess suitability. All surgical procedures carry risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, and altered sensation. Individual results may vary.
How to Find Out If the DOVE Surgery Technique Is Appropriate for You
Dr Konrat assesses each patient individually. The assessment process involves:
- GP referral: required for the initial consultation and may be brought or supplied at the appointment; it is not required before booking
- First consultation — $165 fee, covers medical history, clinical examination, discussion of whether the procedure is appropriate, explanation of the technique, and review of risks
- Second consultation — at least one of the two consultations must be in person; this consultation confirms the plan and provides a written fee estimate
- Cooling-off period: after the two consultations and informed consent, a minimum seven-day cooling-off period applies before surgery can be booked or a deposit paid. AHPRA's cosmetic surgery guidance explains the patient pathway.
To book an initial consultation, see the Book Online page or call 02 9188 1949.