Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Erika Sato, MD, specializes in Labiaplasty procedures in Houston, TX. Dr. Sato combines meticulous surgical precision and compassionate care to deliver results that align with each patient’s individual needs and expectations. Whether you are seeking labiaplasty for functional relief from discomfort during physical activities or for cosmetic reasons, Dr. Sato and her team provide a discreet, supportive environment and the highest standard of professional care.
Tailored Solutions For Every Profile
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 a delicate balance between removing enough that the cosmetic appearance is improved but leaving an adequate amount for sexual function and overall comfort.
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 the asymmetry between the labia minora. Women who feel their labia are uncomfortable or unsightly may consider a labial reduction.
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.
If you are in good health and fully developed, you may be a candidate for a labiaplasty. Dr. Sato will perform a medical exam and review your medical history to determine if this 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 intercourse, 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 guardians.
The labia majora also changes over time in terms of 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 of the 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 frequently say that they can see the extra bulk when wearing this type of clothing, and this makes them feel self-conscious.
A labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure typically done awake with local anesthetic in our in-office procedure room unless 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 each patient’s individual needs, 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 figure out the perfect plan specifically for each individual patient.
As a female, Dr. Erika Sato understands the unique issues and considerations of this rather intimate procedure. Using a woman’s perspective, she will help you achieve your desired results for both appearance and comfort.
Look over our labiaplasty before-and-after photos to better understand your potential results. The images contain nudity, so viewer discretion is advised.
The cost of labiaplasty in Houston depends on the exact procedures performed.
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Erika Sato specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. She performs the latest treatments in aesthetic surgery and nonsurgical rejuvenation. Dr. Sato is committed to providing excellence in care while treating every patient like family.
Dr. Sato is one of nine surgeons at My Houston Surgeons, a world-class multi-specialty practice in Houston, TX, with locations in Memorial and The Woodlands.
Contact the office of Dr. Erika Sato to find out more about labiaplasty in Houston. During a consultation, she will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
