How to Choose a Labiaplasty Surgeon in Australia

Start by checking that your doctor holds specialist registration in a surgical field, such as plastic surgery, on the public Ahpra register. Then look at their training and experience with labiaplasty specifically, how they handle your consultation, and how they would manage a complication.

This guide explains what the title "surgeon" means in Australia, how to check any doctor's registration step by step, what FRACS stands for, the questions worth asking, and how to get a second opinion.

What to look for, in short

• Specialist registration in surgery (for labiaplasty, usually plastic surgery) or in obstetrics and gynaecology, shown on the Ahpra register
• Training and regular experience in labiaplasty and the related procedures you may need
• An unhurried consultation where risks, alternatives and limits are explained clearly
• A clear plan for aftercare, including who you call and where you'd be treated if something goes wrong
• An accredited facility for your surgery
• A written, itemised quote and no pressure to book

"Surgeon" is a protected title in Australia

Only doctors with specialist registration in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, or ophthalmology can call themselves a "surgeon" in Australia. According to the Medical Board of Australia, this includes the title "cosmetic surgeon".

The rule started on 20 September 2023 in most states and territories, and New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia have since made the same change. A doctor with general registration, or a GP, who performs cosmetic surgery cannot call themselves a surgeon or a cosmetic surgeon. A cosmetic surgery endorsement does not allow it either.

This doesn't mean only surgeons may legally perform cosmetic procedures. It does mean the word "surgeon" now tells you something specific about a doctor's registration.

Specialist plastic surgeons and cosmetic doctors

Different doctors take different training paths, and it's reasonable to ask about them.

Specialist plastic surgeon: a doctor who has completed specialist surgical training in plastic and reconstructive surgery and holds specialist registration in surgery. According to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, surgical training usually takes five to six years after a medical degree.

Specialist gynaecologist: a doctor with specialist registration in obstetrics and gynaecology, who can also use the title surgeon.

Cosmetic doctor or cosmetic physician: a doctor who may hold general registration or specialist registration in another field, such as general practice, and who has trained in cosmetic procedures. They cannot use the title surgeon unless they hold specialist surgical registration.

Whichever doctor you see, ask about their training in the exact procedure you're considering and how often they perform it.

FRACS explained

FRACS stands for Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Surgeons earn it after completing the College's specialist training program, in-training assessments and the Fellowship examination.

The College explains that Fellowship allows a surgeon to be recognised by Ahpra as a specialist surgeon in Australia. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is one of the surgical specialties it trains.

The College's online Find a Surgeon directory is opt-in, so not every Fellow is listed. The Ahpra register is the complete public record.

How to check a doctor on the Ahpra register

Every registered doctor in Australia is listed on the public Ahpra Register of practitioners. It takes a couple of minutes to check:

1. Go to the Ahpra Register of practitioners page and open the search.
2. Choose the profession "Medical Practitioner".
3. Type the doctor's name. If they use a different everyday name, search by their registration number instead (ask the clinic for it).
4. Open the doctor's details page.
5. Check the registration type. Look for Specialist registration, not only General.
6. Check the specialty and specialty field. For a specialist plastic surgeon, you'll see the specialty Surgery and the specialty field Plastic Surgery.
7. Look for any conditions, undertakings or reprimands listed on their registration.
8. Note their principal place of practice and qualifications.

If you can't find a doctor, or you have questions about what's listed, you can call Ahpra on 1300 419 495 for a confidential conversation.

Why experience with related procedures matters

Labiaplasty is often one part of a wider plan, so ask whether your surgeon can assess and treat the whole area. Many women also have a larger clitoral hood that is reduced at the same operation (see clitoral hood reduction). Others have changes in the perineum after childbirth, or want an earlier labiaplasty corrected (see revision labiaplasty).

Ask which technique your surgeon would use and why. Each has trade-offs in where the scar sits and how the edge of the labia looks. Dr Hadi most often uses the wedge technique, which keeps the natural edge and places the scar away from it, but the right choice depends on your anatomy. Our guide to labiaplasty techniques compares them.

Finally, compare what each quote includes rather than the bottom-line figure. Our labiaplasty cost guide explains the separate fees.

Questions to ask any labiaplasty surgeon

• What is your specialist registration, and what training have you done in labiaplasty?
• How often do you perform labiaplasty and clitoral hood surgery?
• Which technique would you use for me, and why?
• What are the risks, and how are complications managed?
• Who looks after me after surgery, and how do I reach you?
• Where will the surgery be done, is it accredited, and who gives the anaesthetic?
• What follow-up visits are included?
• What happens if I need a revision, and what would it cost?
• What is included in the written quote?

The Medical Board's cosmetic surgery guidelines require your surgeon to tell you their registration type, qualifications, training and experience, and the total cost, before you consent.

Signs the process is right

Australian rules set out how cosmetic surgery consultations must work. You should expect:

• A referral from your GP or another specialist before your first appointment
• Your first consultation with the surgeon or a registered health practitioner who works with them, not a sales advisor
• At least two consultations, with at least one in person with the surgeon
• No consent forms at the first visit
• A cooling-off period of at least 7 days after consent before surgery is booked or a deposit paid
• No loans or commercial payment plans offered as part of the surgery

If a clinic pressures you to book quickly or offers discounts, take your time and consider a second opinion.

Getting a second opinion

A second opinion is normal, and Dr Hadi welcomes it. Labiaplasty is a permanent change, and seeing two surgeons can help you feel sure about your decision. Dr Hadi's advice to every patient is the same: before proceeding, seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

To get one:

1. Ask your GP for a referral to a second surgeon.
2. Take any notes, your quote and your list of questions from your first consultation.
3. Compare the recommended technique, the risks discussed, the aftercare and the total cost, not just the price.
4. Be open that you are seeking a second opinion. Surgeons are required to ask whether another doctor has declined to operate, and honesty helps them advise you.

If Dr Hadi is your second opinion, bring your previous notes and quote, and she'll explain where her advice is the same or different.

About Dr Reema Hadi

Dr Reema Hadi is a female specialist plastic surgeon who leads an all-female team at The Swan Clinic in Miranda and Hunters Hill. She has performed more than 1,200 labiaplasty procedures. She is on the Ahpra register. You are welcome to look her up on the register. Learn more about us.

Risks and results

All surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry and changes in sensation, and results vary from person to person. Read labiaplasty risks and sensation, see our main labiaplasty page, and read your labiaplasty consultation to know what to expect.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon?

In Australia, only doctors with specialist registration in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, or ophthalmology can call themselves a surgeon, including a cosmetic surgeon. A specialist plastic surgeon has completed specialist surgical training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

How do I check if my labiaplasty surgeon is registered?

Search their name on the Ahpra Register of practitioners. Check for specialist registration, their specialty and field, and any conditions on their registration.

What does FRACS mean?

Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. It shows a surgeon has completed the College's specialist surgical training and Fellowship examination.

Can a GP perform labiaplasty?

A GP or doctor with general registration may perform cosmetic procedures, but cannot call themselves a surgeon or cosmetic surgeon. Ask any doctor about their specific training and experience.

Should a gynaecologist or plastic surgeon do my labiaplasty?

Both hold specialist registration and may perform labiaplasty. What matters most is the doctor's training and regular experience in labiaplasty, and whether you feel well informed.

Is it OK to get a second opinion before labiaplasty?

Yes. It's normal and sensible, and Dr Hadi welcomes it. Ask your GP for a referral to a second surgeon.

Do I need a new referral for a second opinion?

Usually yes. Ask your GP for a referral addressed to the second surgeon.