There’s enough superficial nonsense out in the world that can affect your self-esteem, things like what kind of car you drive, the clothes you wear, the job you have – so when it comes to your more intimate areas, it can be not only nerve-racking but also a lifestyle killer for some women. Unlike other areas of your body, the size and shape of your labia majora and labia minora are not areas that can be “fixed” with diet and exercise but rather require surgical intervention. At Avante Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ahmadi and his team want to ensure the women of Houston have the opportunity to feel better about themselves and more confident in their bodies with Labiaplasty. To learn more about this surgery, how it’s performed, and what it can do for you, please keep reading the information we have included below.
Introduction to
Labiaplasty
What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty, also known as a labial reduction, is a surgical procedure that can mean the removal, shortening, or reshaping of either the labia majora, labia minora, or both. There are six types of traditional methods used to perform the procedure. They include:
- Central wedge resection technique: a V-shaped piece of tissue is removed beginning at the highest point near the labial edge and continuing to the most prominent part of the labium. Dr. Ahmadi will perform this on both sides.
- De-epithelialization technique: a graft or flap is thinned out of the total thickness of the skin layer.
- Edge resection technique: consists of making an incision along the other edge of your redundant labia with the thick and/or dark skin around the edge being removed. During this technique, the shape of your labia can also be adjusted.
- Labiaplasty with clitoral unhooding: also called a clitoral hood reduction, this technique reduces the size and area of your clitoral hood to further expose the clitoral glans.
- Labiaplasty by de-epithelialization: a wedge or diamond shape is removed from the area of tissue found on the inner face of the labia, reducing its overall size.
- Laser labiaplasty technique: using a laser, any excess tissue on the labia minora is removed, making it smaller and more symmetrical. The laser technique helps by creating very minimal bleeding.
Dr. Ahmadi will assess the treatment area to determine the best surgical technique to address your specific needs and cosmetic goals.
What are the Benefits of Labiaplasty?
There are so many benefits that Dr. Ahmadi has seen his Houston Labiaplasty patients have enjoyed from their treatment, including:
- Better hygiene and overall health
- Boost in confidence in vaginal appearance
- Certain clothing is typically more comfortable
- Enhanced appearance of the vaginal area
- Increased sexual pleasure
- Reduced pain or discomfort
- Reduced chafing
Who are the Best Candidates for Labiaplasty?
The best candidates for Labiaplasty in Houston are women who are in good overall health, over 18 years of age, and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. Women can also be good candidates if they are experiencing the following:
- Are unhappy with the appearance of their labia
- Developed significant labial changes after birth or have always had large and/or irregular labia major, minor, or both
- Discomfort or pain during activities
- Irritation caused by wearing certain clothing
- Have discomfort during sex and other physical activities
- Have labial tears resulting from childbirth
- Self-conscious due to labial size or appearance
What’s the first step for a
Labiaplasty
The first step in getting a Labiaplasty in Houston is to contact Avante Plastic Surgery and schedule your consultation. When you come in for your appointment, you will be able to meet with Dr. Ahmad Ahmadi and express any concerns or aesthetic goals you have regarding your labia. He will also ask you questions regarding your lifestyle and medical history, followed by an in-depth examination. Dr. Ahmadi and his team fully understand the intimacy of this consultation, but we are very discreet and confidential to make you completely comfortable. Any information you provide during this consultation will only be used to ensure we can provide the best results and reduce any unnecessary risks. Once you and Dr. Ahmadi agree with the plan that he creates for you, our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule your surgical date and time, as well as provide you with any instructions you will need before your surgery.
What to Expect on the Day of Labiaplasty
On the day of your Labiaplasty, it can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and what is discussed with Dr. Ahmadi in your consultation. As mentioned above, there are several techniques used when performing a labiaplasty but can be placed into two different surgical categories: edge trimming and wedge resection. During an Edge Trimming, Dr. Ahmadi will remove the free edge of each labia to reduce the portion present outside of the Labia Majora. A Wedge Resection involves him removing a triangular wedge of tissue, followed by suturing the remaining portions back together. This technique is also the only way to tighten the vaginal opening and provide the least amount of scarring.
In some situations, Dr. Ahmadi may utilize the Clitoral Hood Reduction technique which is considered to be a more technically difficult procedure, it can decrease the chance of scarring around the clitoris. While wedge resection is considered to be one of the most valuable techniques to provide our patients with a more aesthetically pleasing vaginal appearance, Dr. Ahmadi will make the right technique choices to meet your needs.
A Labiaplasty will typically only take between one and two hours.
Labiaplasty Recovery
Once you have been released from surgery, you will be able to return home to rest. You should have a relative or friend to provide you with a ride home because you will most likely be sore and still feel the effects of anesthesia. We encourage our patients to take at least a week from work to heal comfortably, as there will be some mild-to-moderate pain and swelling that can make sitting uncomfortable. Dr. Ahmadi will prescribe you some temporary pain medication to alleviate the initial stages of your recovery, but we will also provide you with instructions on how to get the most out of your healing process. This will include gently applying an ice pack to alleviate some of the soreness, and avoiding the use of tampons or any sexual activity for about four to five weeks. Any scars you get from your treatment tend to fade within a few weeks to a couple of months.
How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost in Houston, TX?
The cost of a Labiaplasty in Houston is based on a variety of factors, including the changes needed to be made and the techniques that Dr. Ahmadi uses. After coming in for your consultation and having your surgical plan created, our Patient Coordinator will be able to provide a breakdown of the pricing of your entire treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Ahmadi?
After receiving his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Ahmad Ahmadi performed his residency in plastic surgery at Saint Joseph’s Houston. He went on to become board-certified with both the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Dr. Ahmadi is well known for his artistic eye and comforting demeanor, making him one of the most requested plastic surgeons in the greater Houston area. When you come into Avante Plastic Surgery, not only will you be shown the care and attention that you deserve, but you will have a dedicated and highly-skilled plastic surgeon walk with you through your entire experience from beginning to end.
Schedule a Consultation
So many women have had their lives changed with a Labiaplasty in Houston. If you are struggling with intimacy, self-confidence, or even wearing certain items of clothing, we encourage you to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ahmad Ahmadi. Call Avante Plastic Surgery at 281-265-2639, or use our website to request your appointment today!
Labiaplasty FAQ’s
Patient Resources
We’re here to help, with a number of patient resources designed to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Read through the materials below, and don’t hesitate to reach out and set up your consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.