Labia are folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening that come in different sizes and shapes. With age, pregnancy, and hormonal changes, the labia can also change size and shape, leading to loss of fullness. While some women simply have thinner labia naturally, others experience change and it can lead to low self-esteem issues. It’s possible to get a plump labia with several minimally invasive treatments such as labia puffing that add volume to the outer lips (labia majora) of the vagina.
WHY PLUMP THE LABIA?
Getting a plump or full labia Is generally a matter of personal preference. Some women are unhappy with changes that don’t make them feel like themselves. Others want plump labia after a lifetime of dissatisfaction. For better results, always talk to your doctor about your reasons for wanting this procedure. The most common reasons for wanting a plump labia are regaining a youthful appearance, concerns about the sudden loss of labia volume, the saggy appearance of the vagina, and labia being asymmetrical.
Youthful Appearance
Like the rest of the soft tissue throughout the body, labia can lose the plumpness and suppleness that we associate with vitality and youthfulness. For many, visual changes to the labia simply represent unwanted signs of aging.
Loss of Labia Volume
As fleshy folds, labia protect the vagina. They also contribute to sexual stimulation and lubrication. Thinning labia could cause irritation and discomfort.
Saggy Appearance
It can be jarring to discover that your formerly puffed labia now appear deflated or stretched. As estrogen and collagen levels dip with age, the labia can undergo noticeable sagging.
Asymmetrical Labia
There’s no “right” size or shape for labia. While minor asymmetry of the inner and outer lips of the vagina is relatively common, noticeable differences in size, shape, or position from one side to the other can make you feel self-conscious. If one side of the labia is severely inflated, this is known as labial hypertrophy. In many cases, asymmetry or enlargement on one side of the labia has been present since birth. However, most women only notice asymmetry when the labia increase in size during puberty.
In addition to creating cosmetic concerns, labia asymmetry can cause irritation or pain when wearing underwear or snug-fitting pants if one side of the labia is much larger. Some women also experience discomfort when riding bikes, horseback riding, exercising, or engaging in sexual activity.
LABIA PLUMPING CANDIDATES
Anyone who is unsatisfied with the appearance of their labia or simply desires plump labia is a candidate. However, most don’t even consider the procedure until they notice changes at key points in life. Most women will consider labia plumping during an after menopause, after giving birth, and when they see noticeable signs of aging.
During and After Menopause
Decreasing estrogen levels that occur both leading up to and after menopause can turn formerly plump labia saggy. During menopause, estrogen decline causes some degree of vaginal atrophy for most women. When this occurs, the labia thin out and lose elasticity. In addition to shrinking, the lips can also appear loose or wrinkled.
After Giving Birth
Pregnancy hormones and the birthing process can both dramatically change the appearance of the labia. It’s common to experience stretching and loosening of the labia minora (inner lips) or labia majora (outer lips) following childbirth. Additionally, tearing or an episiotomy during labor can lead to scarring and visual changes to the labia.
Aging Women
With age, hormonal changes and decreased blood flow to the labia can create dramatic changes. The most common complaints are labia thinning and reduced fullness. Meanwhile, the body’s natural slowdown in collagen production after age 30 can make the labia lose firmness and begin to wrinkle. In some cases, the inner folds of the labia may actually begin to atrophy to further reduce volume and definition of the outer vaginal lips.
Related: What Are The Vaginal Atrophy Treatment Options?
WHAT IS A LABIA FILLER?
Like the injectables that are used to volumize and plump the face, labia filler or vaginal filler is a treatment that plumps and rejuvenates the labia. This cosmetic procedure adds fullness and improves the symmetry of the labia majora (outer lips). Patients enjoy enhanced aesthetic appeal and improved body confidence. For more dramatic and longer-lasting results, some patients prefer fat transfers to the labia.
Hyaluronic Acid Filler
This is the most common option for achieving plump labia. During treatment, a dermal filler made with hyaluronic acid (HA) is injected into the labia majora. People who’ve had facial fillers will recognize that HA is the same ingredient used in many name-brand fillers. HA is a gel-like substance that boosts volume and fills in wrinkles while also triggering the body’s own natural collagen production. Prior to injection, anesthetia is applied to the outer labia. Next, labia filler injections are made in strategic areas of the labia using a fine needle. No downtime is needed. Results from labia filler typically last 6 to 12 months.
Silicone Fillers
Silicone fillers are no longer recommended for labia puffing due to potential risks and complications.
Fat Grafting Labia Filler
A labia fat transfer volumizes the labia by borrowing your own fat cells from other parts of your body. Benefits include a more natural feel and lower risk of allergic reaction and rejection. Fat grafting also offers results that can last for years. Fat grafting to plump labia is more invasive than using injectable labia filler. Fat cells are extracted from the thigh, buttocks, or other area of the body using liposuction. Following extraction, fat cells are injected into the labia.
Would you like to learn more about labia puffing procedures? Dr. Michael Tahery is a leading board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) and urogynecologist serving the Los Angeles area. Dr. Tahery and his team offer a variety of noninvasive treatment options. Book your consultation today.