Not every woman is born with perfectly shaped, symmetrical labia. Additionally, many women will note their labia becoming loose and misshapen over time.
As the body’s collagen stores are depleted during the normal aging process, tissues almost anywhere on the body can see a dramatic decrease in volume and lose their youthful shape, including the labia majora and minora. Physical trauma, such as pregnancy and childbirth, accelerates this process.
Excessively long, misshapen, or asymmetrical labia can become a source of embarrassment, as a woman may not think her genitals look aesthetically pleasing or “normal.” On top of this, excess labia tissue can pull and pinch under clothing and during intercourse. Thus, over time, women may lose interest in sexual activity and note a decreased ability for physical exercise. Some women may even experience an increased risk of infection from constant irritation. Sometimes, women are unable to wear tight clothing due to embarrassment.
Dr. Ravi is a board-certified Houston plastic surgeon who specializes in the labiaplasty procedure, helping women reclaim more balanced, comfortable, and attractive labia and feel their most confident and beautiful in every setting.
“Not only did he surgically do a remarkable job, but his bedside manner is honestly the best I've ever experienced from a doctor and staff. His nurses are very kind and make you feel comfortable through the whole experience as well. One more thing I would love to mention is that with the research I've done, you know they're a good plastic surgeon when there is very minimal pain during recovery, and for this surgery—with all the research and what I was told—is that I would be in pain for at least five to seven days, and I was fine by the third day! I was in pain the first day, which wasn't really that big of a deal because I had enough of the anesthesia in my system that I just slept it off. After that, the second day was bearable, and by the third day, I was able to sleep, walk, and sit comfortably! Thank you, Dr. Ravi and staff, for treating me so great and making me look exceptional!"
—Labiaplasty patient.
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Houston’s Dr. Ravi Somayazula’s labiaplasty procedure can remove unwanted, excessive labial tissue, effectively improving symmetry and reducing drooping of the vulvar lips, while adding fat to the area in targeted ways that add volume where you want it for a beautiful, natural-looking result.
A labiaplasty is an easily tolerated outpatient procedure that will sculpt and reshape the labia to create an aesthetically pleasing and more comfortable genital area. Through his customizable labiaplasty techniques, Dr. Ravi will create more attractive labia, restoring a woman’s confidence and increasing her physical pleasure.
There are many reasons a woman will turn to Dr. Ravi for a labiaplasty; all are uniquely personal. A large or misshapen labia can be the result of a congenital deformity, or the tissue may have changed due to childbirth or the normal aging process. Either way, a long or unattractive labia can cause significant emotional and physical distress.
With a labiaplasty Houston patients can address the following concerns:
Women who are uncomfortable with their labia may find themselves shying away from intimate situations. Additionally, bulky labia can be seen under tight clothing like swimwear and leggings. Aside from the emotional strain of cumbersome labia, the excess of tissue may rub under jeans or during physical activities. Sexual intercourse can be extremely painful, as the tissue is pulled and pinched.
Dr. Ravi Somayazula is a Harvard-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with a decade of labiaplasty experience. Over the years, Dr. Ravi has honed his labiaplasty techniques to best meet the aesthetic and physical needs of his patients. Together with the top plastic surgery staff in Houston, Dr. Ravi offers women a chance to reclaim their confidence and self-esteem through female genital surgery.
One of the most important aspects of Dr. Ravi’s practice is his clear, open line of communication with each patient. He takes the necessary time to get to know every patient prior to creating her surgical treatment plan. Dr. Ravi and the staff at Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics understand the concerns over female genital surgery and educate patients during this consultation about its pros and cons. By carefully assessing each woman’s aesthetic desires and personal lifestyle, Dr. Ravi can plan for a labiaplasty procedure that will provide the most satisfactory results, ultimately reaching her surgical goals for a more comfortable and beautiful life.
Most women struggling with a large or misshapen labia can make a good candidate for Dr. Ravi’s Houston labiaplasty vaginal rejuvenation procedure. The ideal patient will be an individual who is troubled by either physical discomfort or embarrassment from the excessive skin of an elongated labia.
Potential candidates need to be in generally good health, with a clear understanding of the surgical process and recovery requirements. Patients should not smoke or should be willing to avoid all nicotine products for at least four weeks before and four weeks after surgery.
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for Dr. Ravi’s labiaplasty procedure will be through a private consultation at Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. Please put aside one hour for this initial, in-depth appointment. During your consultation for a labiaplasty Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Ravi will take time to get to know your situation and aesthetic desires before performing a physical evaluation. Next, he will explain the various surgical approaches for sculpting and shaping the labia.
Dr. Ravi will use a variety of before and after photographs of his recent labiaplasty patients to assist in visualizing your potential results. After addressing any remaining questions, Dr. Ravi will determine if a labiaplasty is the right procedure to reach your desired aesthetic goals, improving both function and aesthetics. If so, he will create a personalized labiaplasty treatment plan, which includes the total cost. A patient coordinator will review all of your payment options at this time, as well.
Roughly two weeks before your labiaplasty procedure, a pre-op appointment will be scheduled with Dr. Ravi. At this time, an information packet will be provided, including a list of dos and don’ts for before and after surgery. Surgical consent forms will be signed. Dr. Ravi will write prescriptions for an antibiotic, anti-nausea medications, and pain medications. Please have these filled out before the day of surgery. Finally, a set of “before” photographs will be taken to be compared with the final results. Plenty of time will be provided to ask any last-minute labiaplasty questions, as well.
Dr. Ravi performs his labiaplasty procedures at our accredited surgical center. The technique is performed on an outpatient basis, taking from one to two hours. Most of our Houston labiaplasty patients are back at home the same day. Depending on the individual patient, most labiaplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia, with a board-certified anesthesiologist present at all times. In some cases, depending on patient preference, only local anesthesia is needed. This approach may facilitate an easier transition from surgery to recovery at home.
There are three major types of labiaplasty vaginal rejuvenation procedures offered at our Houston plastic surgery practice. The right technique will depend on the individual patient’s needs and lifestyle. These include:
To begin the labiaplasty procedure, Dr. Ravi will make several small incisions along the labia majora or labia minora. Next, he will remove any excess tissue, reducing unwanted skin. Finally, the remaining labia is contoured and reshaped until the desired aesthetic has been achieved. If any additional techniques are to be combined with the labiaplasty, such as a clitoral hood reduction, they will be completed at this time. To finish, Dr. Ravi will place dissolvable sutures, ensuring a proper recovery. Some women may also opt to have this performed as part of a Mommy Makeover along with a Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck, or Liposuction.
As the labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure, there is no need for an overnight hospital stay. Mild swelling, redness, bruising, and discomfort are common for the first few days. Dr. Ravi will provide the appropriate pain medications as needed. Women should refrain from sitting for prolonged periods during the initial two weeks. Swelling and discomfort from surgery should resolve over the first several days.
Most women are feeling good enough to return to work in three to five days, although everyone heals at their own pace. Tight clothing should be avoided for at least six weeks. Sexual intercourse will need to be postponed until the labia has fully healed, usually at about six weeks post-procedure. Several follow-up appointments will be scheduled with Dr. Ravi, allowing him to carefully follow your healing process. When you are ready, he will give the go-ahead to resume physical activities, including sexual intercourse.
Located on the Katy Freeway in Houston, the Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics office is easy to reach from all sides of the city. Our beautiful, state-of-the-art office located in the Spring Valley Medical Plaza building in Memorial is well-appointed, comfortable, and private.
To find out more about a labiaplasty Houston patients are encouraged to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Ravi by calling 281.602.3472 or filling out our Contact Us form. An online consultation can be arranged for those women coming from outside of the immediate area. Speak with one of our patient care coordinators for more information.
Long, misshapen, or asymmetrical labia may be the result of a congenital malformation or occur over time with hormonal changes, childbirth, and the aging process. Dr. Ravi’s labiaplasty is an outpatient surgical procedure designed to shape and sculpt the labia majora and the labia minora, increasing patient comfort and restoring an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Depending on the individual patient and the extent of correction, Dr. Ravi’s labiaplasty will take from 30 to 60 minutes to perform.
Most women are feeling well enough to return to work, school, and other daily activities in three to five days, although everyone’s recovery will be different. Strenuous exercises and heavy lifting should be postponed for four to six weeks in order to give the tissue appropriate time to heal.
Sexual intercourse should not be resumed for six weeks so that the labia can fully heal. Dr. Ravi will carefully follow your recovery progression and let you know when intercourse can be resumed.
Dr. Ravi’s labiaplasty is considered a safe and effective procedure. Redness, tenderness, and swelling are normal immediately after surgery, but these will quickly improve. As with any surgical procedure, there is always a very small chance for complications to arise. Although rare, unexpected bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, and nerve damage can occur.
Dr. Ravi Somayazula and Dr. Swapna Gopathi, are Board-Certified Physicians, while using a patient-centered approach and spend as much time as needed to make each patient feel special and respected—not just another person walking through the door. As a team, a one-of-a-kind treatment plan is created to address concerns from head to toe with the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques, including: Breast Augmentation (Implants), Tummy Tucks, Liposuction, Mommy Makeovers, miraDry®, Botox®, Dermal Fillers, and AVÉLI ® Cellulite treatment. Working side-by-side, Dr. Ravi and Dr. Gopathi strive to create a long-lasting relationship with each patient, meeting any new aesthetic needs as they arise. Together, the staff at Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics take each patient step-by-step through their cosmetic journey to achieve the desired aesthetic results.