TYPES OF LABIA

The vulva (external genitalia) is made up of two types of labia called the labia majora and labia minora. The labia help to protect the vagina and urethra.

Labia Majora

Also known as the outer lips, the labia majora are folds located on the outside of the vulva. They are often covered in pubic hair.

Labia Minora

Also known as the inner lips, the labia minora are folds closer to the vagina that extend from the clitoris to the vaginal opening.

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COMMON LABIA SHAPES

Labia come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and types. In some cases, labia simply have characteristics that might make them stand out or look different from the average. In other cases, factors like pregnancy, childbirth, aging, hormonal changes, or injury can alter the appearance of different types of labia.

Asymmetrical Labia

It’s fairly common for one side of the labia minora to be longer than the other. When this occurs, a woman may notice that one side appears to hang beyond the boundary of the labia majora. While common, asymmetrical labia shapes can sometimes lead to physical discomfort or self-consciousness.

Dangling Outer Labia

When outer lips are prominent enough to spill over to hang outside the underwear, these types of labia are often described as dangling outer labia. With this situation, the inner lips become more exposed. Many women also find that wearing fitted clothing becomes more challenging.

Prominent Labia Minora

Prominent inner lips extend below the labia majora. In addition to leaving the inner lips more exposed and vulnerable to irritation and infection, these types of labia can make it difficult to wear fitted clothing or bathing suits without fear of the inner labia becoming visible.

Prominent Labia Majora

When outer lips are thick or puffy, this can create a visible mounded look under fitted clothing or bathing suits. When outer lips appear puffed or oversized, this can create the effect of shrinking or hiding the labia minora.

Curved Labia

Curved labia shapes are actually caused by a curved vulva with outer lips that are molded into something that resembles a horseshoe. When the outer lips are curved, the inner lips will be pushed to peek through the front. In some cases, the labia minora will extend past the labia majora to be visible and prominent. In others, they will remain tucked under the labia majora.

Thin or Wrinkled Labia

In general, thinning or shrinking of the labia will occur with aging and hormonal changes. As women approach perimenopause and menopause, decreased collagen production and reduced blood supply to the genitalia cause skin to lose collagen and elasticity. It’s not much different from the way women may also experience thinning skin on the face or neck due to hormonal changes with age. As tissue in the labia thins, it also becomes more vulnerable to damage and trauma that can exacerbate visible wrinkling.

LABIAPLASTY FOR LABIA CORRECTION

Whether you have concerns about the appearance of the labia or asymmetry and prominence are creating discomfort and irritation, labiaplasty is an option that can help to reshape the labia. Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the appearance or size of the inner and outer vaginal lips. During a procedure, a doctor reshapes or resizes the inner lips, outer lips, or both to create symmetry, restore or decrease volume, and correct other concerns.

The term labiaplasty actually encompasses many different procedures for different labia shapes. These procedures can involve removing tissue to reduce size or prominence of labia, reconstructing labia using tissue from other areas, or injecting filler material to plump up labia. While labiaplasty is often thought of as a cosmetic procedure, many women choose it for hygiene reasons. Excess labia tissue or profound asymmetry can make cleaning more difficult. By undergoing labiaplasty, you may be able to reduce your risks for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other dangerous bacterial infections.

Are you interested in learning more about labiaplasty procedures for different types of labia? Dr. Michael Tahery is a leading Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) and Urogynecologist who has spent the past two decades providing gynecology, urogynecology, and cosmetic care to patients throughout the Los Angeles and Glendale areas. Contact Dr. Tahery to book a consultation today.

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