Dr. Hardwick-Smith was the first gynecologist in the Houston area to train with well-known Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. David Matlock to perform cosmetic gynecologic procedures including labiaplasty and vaginoplasty (“vaginal rejuvenation”). She has been performing this surgery regularly for several years with excellent results, and is now one of the most experienced surgeons in this field in the Southwest United States.
 

Many women complain that they would prefer their inner labia minora to be smaller or more symmetrical. Labia minora come in all shapes and sizes and all are “normal”. As women ourselves we believe that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, we never suggest to our patients that they need this procedure, and we hope that you will love your body as it is. But like any other body part and any cosmetic procedure, we believe that women who prefer to change their body for the purpose of enhancing self esteem or comfort have a right to do so. We have worked with a large number of women who have suffered from self esteem issues related to the appearance of their labia minora and we understand that this can be a real problem. We listen to you, and will empower you with knowledge, choices and alternatives.

Reduction labiaplasty of the labia minora is a 60-90 minute procedure which may be performed with anesthesia at an outpatient surgery center or in the comfort of our office. Patients go home the same day and can generally return to work in a week. Some patients also request a reduction of the “prepuce”, which is the skin lateral to the clitoral hood. Particularly after massive weight loss, patients may also to reduce the excess skin of the labia majora.

While no surgery is without risk, the risks and complications from labiaplasty are minimal. As a gynecologist Dr. Hardwick-Smith understands the anatomy of the labia and clitoral area thoroughly and she uses meticulous cosmetic surgery techniques to reduce complications and enhance the cosmetic outcome. You may chose to see a series of before/after pictures at labiaplastysurgeon.com/dr-hardwick-smith

If you are interested in discussing this procedure with Dr. Hardwick-Smith, she will first schedule a detailed consultation and examination with you to make sure this is the right decision for you. If you decide to proceed with surgery, she will meet with you for a detailed preoperative visit to go over consent forms, pre and post-operative instructions. We require at least two visits before proceeding with surgery and recommend if you are traveling from outside the Houston area that you make plans to stay in Houston for at least a week postoperatively so that we can see you back for at least one visit before you leave.

While enlarged labia certainly can cause physical discomfort which may be improved by surgery, labiaplasty is not considered medically necessary, it is a cosmetic surgery which is purely elective and is not covered by insurance. Surgical fees vary between patients and are based on operative time. In general the total cost for this procedure including OR and anesthesia fees is in the $6000-8000 range. After your exam and consultation we will be able to give you a more accurate quote based on your unique needs.

Return
 

Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure which decreases the diameter of the vaginal “tube” by removing a strip of vaginal tissue from the anterior side (top or bladder side) of the vagina and from the posterior side (bottom or rectal side) of the vagina. The underlying muscular tissue is plicated together to add strength to the vagina and add support to the bladder and rectum. The outer vagina and perineum (area between the vaginal and anal opening) is also tightened.

This procedure has been performed by gynecologists for many years for treatment of pelvic prolapse (to treat a “falling” or prolapsed bladder, or a protruding or prolapsed rectum) and is also known as an “anterior and posterior repair” or “colporraphy”. For this reason the risks, benefits and long term outcomes of this procedure have been very well studied in the medical literature. There are emerging studies showing that vaginoplasty improves sexual function for some patients. We have worked with many patients who claim to experience improvement in sexual function after vaginoplasty which they feel is because of increased friction. If you are considering vaginoplasty for the purpose in improving sexual function, Dr. Hardwick-Smith will discuss the existing data with you in detail and help you to make the right decision for you. To download a copy of the most recent study on outcomes of labiaplasty and vaginoplasty, visit labiaplastysurgeon.com/articles/Labiaplasty-Patient-Study.pdf

For some patients vaginoplasty is medically necessary and is covered by insurance, for example if there is a symptomatic cystocele (prolapsed bladder) or rectocele (prolapsed rectum). For patients who do not have any medical complaints but simply want their vagina to be tighter for enhancement of sexual gratification, it is considered by insurance companies to be a cosmetic procedure. Surgical fees vary between patients and are based on operative time. In general the total cost for this procedure including OR and anesthesia fees is in the $6000-8000 range. After your exam and consultation we will be able to give you a more accurate quote based on your unique needs.

Return