All Procedures
Labia Majora Augmentation: Labia Enhancement
Useful information for patients on Labia Majora Augmentations
What Is Labia Majora Augmentation?
Labia Majora Augmentation, also known as labia enhancement, is a procedure that helps restore volume, appearance, and size to the labia majora (the outer lips of the vulva). This procedure rejuvenates the outer genital area and can be comfortably performed under local anesthesia.
Over time, factors such as aging, childbirth, significant weight loss, or hormonal changes can cause the labia majora to lose volume, appearing deflated or wrinkled. This procedure aims to improve both the appearance and comfort of the area, for example, by reducing friction and irritation.
Generally, the procedure is performed for aesthetic reasons, as deflated or wrinkled labia are natural signs of aging. However, the labia majora also play a functional role by helping to properly close the vaginal opening. When the outer opening does not close fully, it can lead to increased dryness, a symptom that women are already more prone to experiencing after menopause.
This procedure restores volume and contour to the labia majora, using either autologous fat grafting or hyaluronic acid fillers.
Labia Majora Augmentation Using Your Own Fat (Fat Grafting)
For the filling with autologous fat, the inner thighs are typically used, or fat is taken from another part of your body.
- The fat is gently removed using liposuction
- It is then processed and prepared
- The fat is carefully injected into the labia majora to restore volume in a smooth and layered manner avoiding fluid pockets from forming.
Subsequently, the fat can be treated by decantation, centrifugation, or filtering.
Autologous fat Benefits
- In some populations, such deposits are not scarce
- Used as a filler, with your own natural tissue
- Low risk of allergic reactions
- Can provide longer lasting results
Labia majora augmentation with Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers:
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body and commonly used in aesthetic treatments. For the filler with hyaluronic acid, it is specially formulated for the genital area. It is important to take into consideration that this will be reabosrbed over time according to the kind of brand used.
We must avoid this type of product in patients with a tendency to hypertrophic scars, streptococcal infections, autoimmune diseases, pregnant or breastfeeding.
Hyaluronic acid benefits:
- Quick and minimally invasive procedures
- An office procedure
- No need for anesthesia
- Liposuction is not required
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, Labia Majora Augmentation is considered safe and effective. However, any risks of the procedure should be discussed during consultation.
Who Is It For?
Labia majora augmentation may be suitable for patients who:
- Patients who notice volume loss or sagging in the labia majora
- Patients with deflation due to ageing or weight changes
- Those seeking improved contour or symmetry of the area.
- Patients seeking physical comfort from lack of volume in labia majora
- Patients with realistic expectations
- Patients seeking minimally invasive treatments.
Preparation:
Before surgery, patients typically undergo:
- Medical consultation and examination
- Review of medications
- Evaluation of donor sites (for fat grafting)
- Smoking cessation and history of current medications (for fat grafting)
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
How Long Is the Procedure?
- Fat grafting: approximately 40 minutes depending on whether it is performed with combined procedures or not
- Labia majora augmentation with hyaluronic acid (HA): approximately 10 minutes
Anesthesia
Do I Need Anesthesia?
- Fat grafting: Local anesthesia with light sedation. However, general anesthesia or pudendal blockage may also be chosen.
- For labia majora augmentation with hyaluronic acid, topical anesthesia and lidocaine mixed with the hyaluronic acid may be sufficient.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
When labia majora augmentation is done with autologous fat, the patient can leave the surgical facility the same day after recovery from anesthesia.
Additional Information
What are the side effects?
- Too much volume that looks unnatural
- Nodules can increase with time and become visible
- Loss of volume and sagging present again
What are the risks?
- Swelling
- Resorption
- Nodules
- Infection
- Allergic reaction (HA - rare)
When Labia majora augmentation with autologous fat the area may be swollen for 4-6 weeks. Return to work is possible after 2-3 days. Sexual activity and sports are allowed after four to four-eight weeks.
When labia majora augmentation with hyaluronic acid, the incorporation into her habitual life is immediate.
Recovery
- Fat grafting: Swelling 4-6 weeks; return to work 2-3 days
- HA: Immediate return to activities
With good surgical technique, the results are very satisfying with improved self-esteem, with improved aesthetic appearance and function.
Improved volume and contour. Fat grafting may be long-lasting; HA is temporary.
Please note: Individual results vary from patient to patient due to factors such as age, skin quality, body type, and overall health. To understand what results you can expect, consult with a qualified aesthetic plastic surgeon.
Autologous fat
- No external materials are used
- No allergic reaction risk
- No need to buy filler
- Usually higher volumes can be easier to use than with HA
Hyaluronic acid
- Easy office based
- No recovery time
- Low complication rate
Autologous fat
- Variable, unpredictable, and interpersonal resorption (30-50%).
- Fatty cysts if excessive filling.
- Increased risk of infections
Hyaluronic acid
- Requires a series of touch-ups to achieve the desired volume.
- Increased risk of allergic reactions.
- Dose-dependent price.
- Lasts about a year.
- Less elastic touch and nodules.
- Inflammatory reactions (rash, edema, erythema)