# Labiaplasty: What Happens in the First Consultation? > What does the doctor ask at the first labiaplasty consultation, what is assessed on examination, and who is it not recommended for? The process explained… Published: 1 October 2026 · Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Murat Alpay **What does the doctor ask at the first labiaplasty consultation, what is assessed on examination, and who is it not recommended for? The process explained step by step.** For a woman considering labiaplasty (labia minora reduction), the first step is not the operating table but a conversation. The first consultation is where the doctor and patient together assess what the complaint actually is, how it affects daily life, and whether surgery is genuinely the right solution. This article explains what is discussed at that first visit, what the examination looks at, and who the procedure is not recommended for. For the procedure itself, see our [labiaplasty (labia minora reduction)](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/labioplasti/) page. ## What Questions Are Asked at the Consultation? The doctor conducts a detailed interview to understand the reason for the visit and the background behind it: - **The main complaint:** The patient is asked, "What bothers you most right now, and since when?" - **Functional complaints:** The doctor asks about friction or pressure from tight clothing, leggings or swimwear; pulling and discomfort during activities such as walking, running, cycling or pilates; hygiene difficulty between the folds during periods or after using the toilet; the urine stream changing direction; and pain during intercourse caused by the inner lips folding inward. - **Aesthetic and psychological concerns:** Discomfort from protrusion while standing or with legs together, asymmetry, or a difference in colour is discussed. The doctor also tries to understand whether this is the patient's own decision, or whether it stems from partner pressure or comparison on social media. - **Sexual function history:** Whether there is any problem with arousal, desire, orgasm or pain. - **Obstetric and gynaecological history:** Number and type of deliveries, breastfeeding, and any urinary leakage. - **General medical history:** Chronic conditions, previous surgeries, current medication, and smoking habits. ## What Does the Examination Look At? The examination is performed with the patient both in the gynaecological position and standing, because the appearance of the inner lips can change with position. The patient is usually given a hand mirror and asked to point out the areas that concern her on her own anatomy. Main points assessed: - The width, length and tissue thickness of the inner lips - Asymmetry between the right and left side - The size of the skin fold over the clitoris (the clitoral hood) — in some patients this area is included in the procedure, not just the inner lips - The structure where the lip meets the perineum at the back - Whether anything else is present alongside it: pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal laxity, active infection, and similar conditions One important point here: medical literature does not define a single "normal" measurement for the inner lips. In healthy women, width can range from roughly 0.7 to 5 centimetres and length from 2 to 10 centimetres — in other words, a wide range is considered normal. Doctors use various measurement-based classifications to describe the anatomy, but these classifications alone are not enough to decide on surgery; the complaint and its functional impact are what matter. ## Who Is It Not Recommended For? Labiaplasty is not a procedure that can be performed on every patient who requests it. It is not recommended, or is postponed, in the following situations: - **Body dysmorphic disorder:** When a person greatly exaggerates a flaw in their body or genital area that does not actually exist or is very minor, the procedure is strictly not recommended; the patient is referred to the relevant specialist. - **Unrealistic expectations:** Patients with expectations that are anatomically impossible or unrelated to the procedure — such as "I don't want any inner lips left" or "this surgery should save my relationship" — are not taken into surgery. - **Severe psychiatric conditions:** Severe depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or an eating disorder need to be assessed first. - **Under 18:** Because genital tissue continues maturing until age 18, the procedure is not recommended for this age group unless there is a serious functional problem. - **Smoking:** Because smoking impairs wound healing, the procedure is postponed for patients unwilling to quit. - **Active infection or an abnormal smear result:** Active vaginal infection, cold sores, a wart-related lesion, or a recent abnormal smear result need to be assessed first. - **Uncontrolled chronic disease:** Uncontrolled diabetes or a serious clotting disorder increase surgical risk. ## Risks and Realistic Expectations The most important part of a good consultation is honest information: - The patient is clearly told that aesthetic genital surgery is not a medical necessity, while reconstructive surgery for a birth-related deformity or a genuine functional problem can be performed safely. - The body has natural asymmetries, and small differences can remain after surgery too; perfect, mirror-image symmetry is not a realistic outcome to expect. - Removing more tissue than necessary deserves particular caution, since it can disrupt the area's natural protective structure and cannot be reversed. - As with any surgical procedure, risks such as bleeding, a collection of blood under the skin, infection, early opening of stitches, hardened scar tissue, temporary or permanent changes in sensation, painful intercourse, and the need for a second corrective surgery are explained in detail and included in the written consent form. - The patient is given time to decide after being informed; a cooling-off period between the consultation and the surgery is recommended. ## Preparing Before Surgery Once the decision for surgery is made, the following steps are followed: - Aspirin, ibuprofen and other painkillers, blood thinners, and vitamin E supplements that increase bleeding risk are stopped 1-2 weeks beforehand. - If the patient smokes, quitting at least 2-4 weeks in advance is requested, since smoking significantly delays wound healing. - A full blood count, clotting tests, and other necessary tests are carried out; a pregnancy test is requested for patients of reproductive age. - If general anaesthesia or sedation is planned, eating and drinking are stopped 6-8 hours beforehand. - Trimming hair in the treatment area at least a week beforehand is recommended. - Loose, comfortable cotton clothing on the day of the procedure, and arranging someone to take the patient home, are necessary. - Medical photographs are taken for records, and the written informed consent form is read and signed by the patient. Results and anatomy vary from person to person in any surgical or interventional procedure. It is advisable to obtain a detailed opinion from a specialist beforehand. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is the decision for surgery made right at the first consultation? No. The examination and assessment come first, and the patient is given time to think after being informed; the decision does not have to be made the same day. ### Does asymmetry of the inner lips alone require surgery? No. Asymmetry and size differences are common, normal anatomical variation. The decision for surgery is based on how much the complaint affects daily life. ### Why is psychological state assessed during the consultation? Because unrealistic expectations or body dysmorphic disorder prevent satisfaction with surgery; in these cases, referring the patient to the relevant specialist first is in the patient's own interest. Written and reviewed by **Op. Dr. Murat Alpay** Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology · Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Çapa) [Full biography →](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/hakkinda/) [← All posts](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/) --- Original page: https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/labioplasti-ilk-konsultasyonunda-neler-konusulur/ Last updated: 2026-10-01 Op. Dr. Murat Alpay — Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Op. Dr. Murat Alpay Practice, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:51 B Kat:2, Filo Apt., 07160 Muratpaşa / Antalya 0505 351 77 88 · Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 · Closed on Sunday *This information is for general guidance only and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment.*