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Minnesota Cosmetic & Reconstructive Gynecology

Advanced Surgical Solutions for Women
Labiaplasty, Vaginoplasty, Extreme Pelvic and Vaginal Reconstruction 

Our Distinctive Advantage: Knowledge, Training, and Experience

In recent years, pelvic surgeries like prolapse repair, vaginoplasty, and labiaplasty have become associated with "plastic" surgery. The thinking is that if it looks okay, it is okay. That's really not how a woman's body works.

Women are incredibly complex beings. Consider the range of jobs this group of nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and organs can accomplish ... including pregnancy, birth, voiding, and pleasure. Everything is interconnected. Any time surgery is attempted, this complexity must be part of the understanding. 

Dr. Ashford is board-certified as both an OBGYN and a Urogynecologist - a specialist in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. While he has terrific aesthetic capabilities, his strength as a surgeon rests with his complete knowledge of the system that forms the female pelvis. From labiaplasty to complex vaginal reconstruction, Dr. Ashford has a proven ability to achieve the outcomes women want – not only visually, but functionally. 

We have included a sample of before and after images of surgical restorations by Dr. Ashford. We recognize the sensitive nature of the images and recommend using your discretion.

Labiaplasty:
Before and After

In most circumstances, Labiaplasty refers to the remodeling of the inner "lips" - the labia minora. The photos shown here are of that procedure.

Dr. Ashford does perform other surgical work on the labia minora and labia majora including labia majora augmentation and labia majora reduction.

Exceptional Results with Combination Treatments

Some women get the best results when two or more procedures are combined at the same time. Dr. Ashford can make this determination at your initial consultation.

In addition, a unique offering by Dr. Ashford is Multimodality Full Compartment Vaginoplasty. To achieve an absolutely outstanding outcome, Dr. Ashford combines FemiLift, Vaginoplasty, and Pelvic Floor Muscle Conditioning. Each of these procedures on its own has great results, but in Dr. Ashford's experience, when combined the result is unparalleled.

Labia Majora Augmentation (Fat Transfer)

This procedure is requested when women want to restore the labia majora to a more youthful appearance. To accomplish this, Dr. Ashford transfers a woman's own fat cells to the labia majora. This process eliminates sagging skin and improves both fullness and firmness.

Vaginoplasty:
Before and After

Vaginal rejuvenation (vaginoplasty) is the strengthening of the vaginal structure. While it may be performed at the same time as labiaplasty, it is a different procedure.

Vulvar Lightening and Tightening:
Before and After

Although darkening of the genital areas is normal with time and aging, it is very common for women to seek options to lighten genitals. Often treatments such as laser lightening and tighteningare combined for maximum results. The lightening procedure requires a number of treatments over a period of time with incremental results. 

Extreme Vaginal Reconstruction:
Before and After

Prolapse Repair - also called Surgical Repair of Female Genital Prolapse - is an extremely technical surgery requiring specific training, knowledge and skills.

Dr. Ashford routinely performs these intricate surgeries. With his advanced knowledge and expertise that go beyond simple aesthetics, Dr. Ashford is uniquely qualified to provide surgical assistance to women who undergo genital surgery of any kind.

FGM Reversal

FGM refers to the cultural practice of removing some or all of a woman's external genitalia. This often interferes with normal bodily functions of women and girls. 

Dr. Melvin Ashford is experienced in FGM Reversal - the reconstructive process that restores a woman's body and its natural functions.

Special Case Reports:
Before and After

In the course of his work, Dr. Ashford sees patients with unusual symptoms – women who require exceptional surgical skill for a wide range of conditions. With his gift for surgery and knowledge of female anatomy, Dr. Ashford is able to restore health and function in a wide range of circumstances. 

Special Case Repair

Detached Labia, Multiple Repairs

T.S is a patient who previously had a vulvar cyst removal by an outside surgeon years ago. She presented to Dr. Ashford with a left labia that was detached from the superior edge, a large “cavity” and opening that was 4cm deep into her left vulva and posterior vaginal defects. A vaginoplasty, left labiaplasty and excision/revision of left labia defect was performed.

Special Cases - Hidradenitis suppurativa Treatment

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This patient was referred to us with active Hidradenitis suppurativa abscesses and considerable pain with the intention of repeat surgery. She had had multiple surgeries for this leaving obvious scars. We elected for an alternative approach of Laser and RF treatment of the vulva resolve her pain – not add to more disfigurement – and hopefully to improve the baseline appearance.

For more information, visit the Hidradenitis Suppurativa page and view the video showing Dr. Ashford administering treatment. Click to view the video

Questions about our services?

Call  651-600-3035 or email us at MNWCare Support

Book a Consultation

What Our Patients Say About Dr. Ashford

"Dr. Ashford has a great way of making each visit calming and also extremely informative. He clearly explained all my options moving forward in my journey so I can make the best and most informed decision for myself. I also really like that I felt welcome the second I walked into the front door and while working with his nurse."

- Patient - K.D. on Google

"Dr, Ashford is thorough and has helped me tremendously. I'm grateful for him and his staff. They care about the individual and listening to the patients' problem."

- Patient - C.P. on Google

"Dr. Ashford exceeded my expectations! He is very compassionate and he makes sure you understand how your procedure will be done and what to expect afterwards. I never felt like he was in a rush to get to his next patient. I would highly recommend Dr. Ashford."

- Patient - M.W. on Google

"Dr. Ashford and his staff are by far the most knowledgeable doctor that I have met when it comes to Hormone replacement therapy. Knowing pre menopause and menopause were in my near future I began researching years ago. It was not until I stumbled upon Dr. Ashford and his staff was I, not only, acknowledged and validated for my concerns… but offered a variety of remedies for my hormonal issues. I am so grateful for Dr. Ashford and his staff because I do not have to suffer through menopause like other generations prior to me did."

- Patient - C.M.P. on Google

"Sharing new symptoms that I didn't think would be related, resulted in finding an issue that we had not previously found. Tying that into all the other things I've had going on and we have a new direction to look for answers and relief. Time and time again, I feel that I'm getting more answers and relief than I ever have with any other clinic. Dr Ashford and his team are all so helpful and I feel like they truly care about resolving my problems. I've never felt so passionate about the help I've gotten from a clinic. Life changing is an understatement with regards to the help I've received."

- Patient - J.H. on Google

"Listens carefully and explains thoroughly. Dr. Ashford cares about his patients and makes sure they are comfortable!"

- Patient - J.W. on Google

"Dr. Ashford is a breath of fresh air. He was kind, caring, and funny. I trust his judgement and I finally feel like I am being seen and heard as a black woman. Thank you Dr. Ashford."

- Patient - L.M.F. on Google

"Dr. Ashford and his staff are incredible and well worth the two hour drive I have to see him. He is a great listener and really takes all of your questions and concerns into consideration before coming up with a treatment plan. I can not recommend him enough!????"

- Patient - H.B. on Google

"My experience at this clinic has been nothing short of amazing. Dr. Ashford is attentive, thorough, knowledgeable, and above all you can tell he CARES. He took his time to explain all my options and I never felt like he was trying to sell me on anything. I've now booked a surgery and am looking forward to the results!"

- Patient - A.H. on Google

"Dr. Ashford is an exceptional doctor with an excellent bedside manner. As a female looking for vaginal rejuvenation after three pregnancies, the thought of being examined by any doctor made me anxious. However, Dr. Ashford has such a calm & caring bedside manner that he quickly put my worries at ease, and I was able to open up with all my concerns with his genuine interest in my overall health."

- Patient - Posted at RealSelf

"I could not have asked for a better surgeon or care team."

- B. - Patient

"Dr. Ashford and his entire staff are outstanding! I just had surgery and couldn't be more impressed about the care and compassion I received from Dr. Ashford. He really took time to listen to my concerns, answered all my questions and was great at informing me about my options. "

- S. - Patient

"A huge thank you to Dr. Ashford for the last surgery to remove scar tissue that was messing things up and causing me pain everyday. I am now back to myself - feeling great & active - and no pain!!"

- E.A. - Patient

"My experience with Dr. Ashford has been absolutely amazing. I've seen many physicians for my problem and this is the first time I feel that someone has listened and offered options/solutions versus being dismissive. I feel like I'm finely on the right path. I would highly recommend Dr. Ashford!"

- Anon - Patient

"Dr. Ashford was very thorough and listened to my concerns. Dr. Ashford explained all my options and made me feel comfortable. He asked if I had any questions and took the time to answer them."

- A.D. - Patient

"Dr. Ashford is the best! Being a doctor that is both a gynecologist and an urologist he has been able to help me solve all of my issues, not just some of them. Even when I was questioning what was going on, he has remained calm and has always had a plan. He also has explained everything in a way that I could understand."

- Anon - Patient - RateMDs.com

"I recently had surgery performed by Dr Ashford. I was extremely impressed with his level of competence and caring throughout the process. I totally trusted him,the surgery was a total success at this point with followup appointments scheduled to make sure I have healed correctly. He is an exceptional surgeon who cares personally about each of his patients. I definitely recommend Dr Ashford to any women with pelvic issues."

- Marilyn - Patient

"Dr. Ashford was very comprehensive in his treatment plan options, and came up with a plan tailored to my needs. It's a great practice, and I feel like I'm getting access to a team with excellent knowledge."

- J.C. - Patient

"Doctor Ashford and his staff gave me my life back and I would recommend them to anyone dealing with OBGYN needs. He worked with me for many months and really listened to and understood me, he also personally preformed surgery on me in April."

- M.A. - Patient

"Dr Ashford is the best surgeon in the state of Minnesota dealing with Womens pelvic issues. He uses state of the art methods and gives you very individual care. He really listens to you. His staff from the moment you walk into his clinic treat you with the best service possible and always make you comfortable. I love going to this clinic!"

- M.R. - Patient