LabiaplastyHouston, TXLabiaplasty is a surgical procedure to restore or enhance the female genitalia in women of all ages. Labiaplasty is a blanket term that includes surgical rejuvenation to the labia minora (the inner folds found on either side of the vaginal opening), labia majora (the hair bearing outer folds found on either side of the labia minora), clitoral hood, fourchette, and/or mons pubis.
This procedure can also be broken down into each specific anatomical area. Common terms used are labia minora reduction, labia majora reduction, clitoral hood reduction, etc.
Welcome to the premier Houston plastic surgery practice of Dr. Erika Sato, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery. Dr. Sato offers the following wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures to enhance your natural beauty, while providing you with personalized, top-tier care.
LabiaplastyConsiderations
As a female, Dr. Erika Sato understands the unique issues and considerations involving this rather intimate procedure. Using a woman’s perspective, she will help you achieve your desired results for both appearance and comfort.
To develop a better concept of your potential results, look over our labiaplasty before-and-after photos. Images contain nudity – viewer discretion is advised.
Meet the DoctorDr. Erika Sato
Certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, Houston Plastic Surgeon Dr. Erika Sato specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. She performs the latest treatments in cosmetic surgery as well as nonsurgical rejuvenation. Dr. Sato is committed to providing excellence in care while treating every patient like family.
Dr. Sato is one of eight surgeons at My Houston Surgeons, a world-class multi-specialty practice in Houston, TX with locations in Memorial and The Woodlands.
Am I A GoodCandidate?
You may be a candidate for a labiaplasty if you are in good health and fully developed. A medical exam and a review of your medical history will help Dr. Sato determine if a labiaplasty is the right option for you.
Many women desire a labiaplasty, specifically a labia minora reduction secondary to changes that occur with hormones (birth control, pregnancy, IVF, hormone replacement with menopause, etc.), physical trauma from childbirth and/or sexual intercouse, and loss of collagen/elastin as they age. The labia minora tend to lengthen over time and are no longer “hidden” by the labia majora. This exposure leads to more friction against clothing, which can create discomfort and darker colored pigment from sustained trauma.
It is also not uncommon for teens to desire a labia minora reduction, as puberty can cause overgrowth of the labia minora. Labiaplasty can safely be carried out on a teen patient with the consent of one or both of their parents or legal guardian.
The labia majora also change over time related to lifestyle. Weight loss and natural aging (loss of collagen/elastin) can cause deflation of this tissue giving the appearance of hanging sagging skin and wrinkles. Youthful labia majora are plump and smooth and typically cover over the labia minora and vaginal opening almost like french doors closing. Many patients desire to get back to that more youthful appearance.
Some aspects discussed above are not only evident naked but also can be seen in tight clothing such as a swimsuit or yoga pants which have become very popular. Patients will frequently say that they can see the extra bulk when wearing this type of clothing and this makes them feel self conscious.
What happens during aLabiaplasty?
A labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure that is typically done awake with local anesthetic in our in-office procedure room unless it is combined with another surgical procedure(s). The surgery generally takes 1-1.5 hours, although every case is different. Given the number of different surgeries available and the individual needs of each patient, a detailed description of the procedure is best given during pre-operative consultation. At your consultation, Dr. Sato will review the anatomy and help you to figure out the perfect plan specifically for each individual patient.
CLITORAL HOODReduction
Very similar to male genitalia, female genitalia comes in all different shapes and sizes. The clitoral hood is similar to the male foreskin and overlies the clitoris. This tissue is important in protecting the clitoris. Some women may have excess tissue in this area, which can appear bulky. Some of this tissue can be trimmed away to decrease the bulk in that area. There is delicate balance between removing enough that the cosmetic appearance is improved, but leaving an adequate amount for sexual function and overall comfort.
Labia Minora/MajoraReduction
Both the labia minora and majora can be naturally large or they can become enlarged or stretched over time from childbirth, sexual intercourse, hormones, or natural aging. Many women seeking this surgery regularly participate in activities such as running or cycling and complain of discomfort when exercising.
Other women do not like the appearance of the labia minora hanging beyond the labia majora or asymmetry between the labia minora. Women who feel their labia are uncomfortable or unsightly may consider a labial reduction.
Mons Pubis / LabialFat Grafting
As part of the natural aging process, women lose fatty tissue in the pubic area, including both the mons pubis and labia majora. With the popularity of shaving, waxing, and laser hair removal, the pubic area is exposed, making this unwanted wrinkling and skin laxity more visible.
Many women also find this to be a functional problem, as sexual intercourse can become painful with the loss of the natural padding.
Fat grafting involves removing fat cells from other areas of the body such as the abdomen, hips, thighs or lower back and injecting them into the mons pubis or labia majora to restore a more youthful appearance.
LabiaplastyRecovery
Most women do experience some discomfort, including swelling, tenderness, burning with urination, and bruising, after having a labiaplasty. These symptoms should ease after a few days, but you may still feel uncomfortable for a few weeks as the labia continue to heal.
Post-operative recovery instructions include avoiding exercise for 1-2 weeks (modified bed rest for 7-10 days) and sexual intercourse and tampons for 6-8 weeks (until incisions are fully healed). Most women can resume work and non-strenuous activities 5-7 days after the procedure.
LabiaplastyCost
The cost of labiaplasty in Houston is dependent on the exact procedures that are performed.
learn more with aConsultation
Find out more about labiaplasty in Houston by contacting the office of Dr. Erika Sato. During a consultation, she will be happy to answer any questions you may have.