Shape of the labia majora and minora: a key factor before considering a labiaplasty

Intimate aesthetic surgery continues to evolve and is becoming increasingly popular among women seeking solutions to improve their intimate comfort.

Discomfort in the vulvar area—particularly involving the clitoral hood and labia minora when they are excessive—can take many forms:

• Irritation due to friction with underwear,
• Pain when wearing tight clothing,
• Discomfort during certain physical activities (pinching, increased sensitivity),
• Discomfort during intimacy, with sensations of pulling or pain during movement or penetration,
• A feeling of self-consciousness when wearing certain lingerie or swimsuits, leading to insecurity and loss of confidence.

During the consultation, a lack of volume in the labia majora may be identified as a potential cause of these discomforts.

The essential role of the labia majora

The labia majora play a crucial role in protecting the female intimate area. Their volume can change at any age due to:

• Underdevelopment,
• Significant weight fluctuations,
• Pregnancy,
• The natural aging of tissues.

The labia majora consist of skin, often with hair that helps protect the vulvar flora, and a layer of fat responsible for their fullness. Over time, and particularly with the trend of full hair removal, volume loss becomes more noticeable, giving the labia a wrinkled or “deflated” appearance.

I like to compare the labia majora to breasts: both are composed of skin and fat, with the addition of glandular tissue in the case of breasts. Like breasts, the labia majora respond to weight variations—gaining volume with weight gain and losing it with weight loss.

Restoring volume to the labia majora: What are the options?

Loss of volume in the labia majora can cause various forms of discomfort. Fortunately, there are several ways to restore fullness:

Hyaluronic acid injections

The simplest and quickest solution. Products specifically designed for this purpose, such as Desirial Plus®, can restore volume to the labia majora.

• Procedure: Performed at Dr. Guzma’s medical office under local anaesthesia, painless, and entirely outpatient.
• Results: Immediate, lasting approximately one year.

Lipofilling (fat transfer)

For a longer-lasting effect, nothing is better than using your own fat to restore volume.

• Required amount: Only a small amount of fat is needed to regain comfort.
• Procedure: A minor surgical procedure requiring a sterile environment, performed under sedation or light general anaesthesia, on an outpatient basis.
• Results: Once integrated, the transferred fat remains for life and naturally adapts to weight and hormonal changes.

What to expect after the procedure?

For both techniques, the recovery process is similar:

• Mild swelling in the first few days due to the procedure.
• Once the initial inflammation subsides, comfort is restored.

In some cases, restoring the volume of the labia majora alone is sufficient to improve intimate comfort. In others, it may be combined with a labiaplasty (reduction of the labia minora) or correction of excess skin on the clitoral hood.

A comprehensive evaluation for a tailored approach

Before considering a labiaplasty, it is essential to assess the overall harmony of the vulva. Volume loss in the labia majora may be the primary cause of discomfort and addressing it may be enough to restore intimate comfort.

Dr. Adriana Guzman, plastic surgeon, in Paris, specializes in intimate surgery and offers her expertise during consultations to provide discreet, professional advice and recommend the most suitable solution for your needs.