Intimate surgery includes operations in the genital area of men and women. Intimate surgery has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in the female genital area. This article therefore focuses on female intimate surgery in particular. Demand is steadily increasing and the topic is increasingly becoming less taboo in the media.
There are two specialist societies in Germany that are exclusively dedicated to intimate surgery:
As a new discipline of plastic and aesthetic surgery, female intimate surgery encompasses several areas. It aims to improve the aesthetic and functional appearance of the genital area. It is often based on a medical indication.
Various factors can cause problems in the intimate area, including
- genetic predispositions such as weak connective tissue,
- the natural ageing process
- one or more births or
- hormonal changes.
Depending on their severity, functional disorders can occur that severely impair everyday life and sexuality.
Aesthetic aspects should also be taken seriously, as they can cause psychological problems that can last for years. In young women in particular, this can lead to isolation and disruption in psychosexual development.

The aim of intimate surgery is the aesthetic and functional optimization of the intimate area © illustrissima | AdobeStock
Intimate surgery improvements are possible in the following areas:
- Labia minora: If the labia minora, the small, inner labia, protrude widely from the labia majora, they can become inflamed due to friction against clothing. Moderate to severe infections can occur and sexual intercourse can be severely disrupted. Aesthetic reasons can also play a role if you feel embarrassed in front of your partner or in the sauna. A labia reduction can provide a remedy here.
- Outer labia: The labia minora should normally cover and protect the labia minora. Genetically or due to a connective tissue defect, they can be too small or sag and therefore not fulfill their function. In this case, labia augmentation can be considered.
- G-spot intensification: The excitability of the G-spot located in the vagina can diminish over the years due to sagging of the tissue. Injections can increase sensitivity again and intensify the sensation of pleasure.
- Mons veneris: Excess fat deposits on the mons veneris are often resistant to diet. Despite a slim body, fat is deposited here for hormonal and age-related reasons. This can interfere with swimwear and sexuality. Uncomplicated liposuction restores a harmonious transition to the lower abdomen.
- Vagina: The vagina can widen after childbirth or due to tissue weakness. The restrictions on sexual intercourse can be very severe.
- Caesarean section scars: In the wake of increasingly controlled birth processes, the caesarean section rate has continued to rise in recent years. However, the scar does not always heal well and often causes discomfort. If bulging scars remain and the abdominal wall shifts, a post-correction is helpful.
- Defloration: The hymen can tear in an accident, during sport or during sexual intercourse. This can be a problem for the person affected for religious reasons, for example. The hymen can be reconstructed with the help of intimate surgery.
- Vaginismus: Vaginismus, or "vaginal cramp", has only been recognized as a disease in recent years. In severe cases, affected women are unable to insert a tampon, undergo a gynecological examination or have sexual intercourse because the vagina contracts like a cramp. Often dismissed as psychological, the condition has only been recognized as such in recent years. There are numerous therapeutic approaches to treating vaginismus.
A detailed consultation with the surgeon takes place before every operation. The patient discusses her expectations of the procedure with the surgeon. The surgeon will explain to her
- how the procedure will proceed,
- what the risks are and
- what results can be expected.
The techniques and procedures in the various areas of intimate surgery are explained below.
Intimate surgery for labia reduction
There are two different options for reducing the labia minora . They are used depending on the physiognomy:
- Labiaplasty below the clitoris: In this comparatively simple technique, the excess tissue below the clitoris is carefully removed. The procedure can only be used in certain cases. An incorrect diagnosis and application of this technique will result in an unnatural and operated appearance.
- Labiaplasty with correction of the clitoral hood: In most cases, the clitoral hood must be tightened or excess skin removed here too. This is the only way to ensure that the aesthetic unity between the labia and clitoral hood is taken into account and adequately treated. The clitoris itself is not touched and therefore full sensitivity is preserved. The result is a harmonious and very natural appearance of the clitoris. The scars are hidden so that they are almost invisible.
Enlargement of the labia minora in intimate surgery
The labia minora can be reshaped and enlarged by injections. Either hyaluronic acid, which is well tolerated by the body, or autologous fat is used for this purpose.
In the autologous fat procedure, fat is first removed from another part of the body under local anesthesia. The fat cells are processed and then inserted into the labia minora.
Reduction of the labia minora and augmentation of the labia majora can easily be combined. The surgeon then performs both procedures in a single operation.
G-spot injections in intimate surgery
It is also possible to inject either hyaluronic acid or autologous fat to intensify the G-spot.
After treatment with hyaluronic acid, the effect lasts for about a year. It is therefore a good opportunity to try out this form of pleasure intensification.
G-spot intensification with the body's own fat cells can last a lifetime. However, it is not possible to introduce so much autologous fat into this area, as the fatty tissue would then die off.
If success is still uncertain before treatment, treatment with hyaluronic acid is usually recommended.
Mons veneris correction in intimate surgery
The excess fat that has accumulated in the mons veneris can be easily removed in a minor outpatient procedure.
First, the area is marked and a tumescent solution is applied. After a short exposure time, the fatty tissue is suctioned out using a thin cannula that leaves barely visible scars.
If necessary, the lower abdomen can be tightened at the same time.
Vaginal tightening in intimate surgery
During a vaginal tightening, the vagina, which has widened due to childbirth or tissue weakness, is tightened again. The tightening is performed through a surgical procedure. The self-dissolving stitches disappear completely after a few weeks.
In addition, the patient's own fat can be injected during the same procedure to further narrow the vagina.
The patient and her partner can enjoy their sexuality more intensely again after such a procedure.
Scar correction after caesarean section in intimate surgery
A caesarean section can leave very unsightly scars under certain circumstances. They can manifest themselves in severe adhesions and fat deposits, and possibly even a displacement of the abdominal wall.
The treatment must be adapted depending on the symptoms. It can consist of fat redistribution or abdominoplasty. With
the lower abdomen can be given back an aesthetic shape.
Hymen reconstruction in intimate surgery
A torn hymen can be reconstructed using remaining hymen remnants and the body's own vaginal tissue.
Self-dissolving stitches disappear after about six weeks. The hymen reconstruction is then no longer recognizable.
Vaginismus in intimate surgery
The targeted injection of botulinum toxin(Botox) is a very effective treatment for vaginismus. Various studies have shown that treatment with botulinum has a success rate of over 90 percent. Careful follow-up treatment is also necessary for such good results.
Even in cases that have existed for many years, sexual intercourse is possible approximately two to three weeks after treatment.
Botulinum toxin causes the muscles in the vagina to relax and thus prevents the reflex-like cramping.
The effect of botulinum toxin wears off after a few months. However, the vicious circle is then often broken and there are usually no more relapses.
Every surgical procedure is associated with risks. You should inform the doctor of any medication intolerances, allergies and health problems during the consultation. Even if these are not directly related to the procedure. In this way, risks can be largely eliminated.
Postoperative bleeding, inflammation and swelling can always occur, but can be treated with medication. They usually subside after a few days.
If you develop a fever or any other abnormal symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Most intimate surgery procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. For some, a short general anesthetic is recommended.
Healing is usually problem-free and comparatively quick, as the intimate area is very well supplied with blood. As a result, it is able to regenerate quickly. Nevertheless, as with all surgical procedures, careful hygiene and aftercare are necessary.
Depending on the extent of the procedure , the patient should also take appropriate care after the operation . Painkillers and the necessary rest promote the healing process.
Functional disorders can usually be eliminated.
The outcome of intimate surgery always depends on the individual case.
In most cases of vaginismus, treatment can completely eliminate the disease.
Hymen reconstruction can achieve excellent results: Without leaving any traces, the natural state is restored just a few weeks after the procedure.
With
- Labiaplasty,
- mons veneris and
- scar corrections
In addition to the elimination of functional problems such as
- inflammation,
- incarcerations and
- problems with sexuality
aesthetic aspects also always play a role. Today, very good results can be achieved with special techniques for each of the various operations.
Procedures in the field of aesthetic and plastic surgery are not normally vital. However, they do improve the quality of life of those affected.
Statutory health insurance companies do not usually cover the costs of cosmetic surgery. Private health insurance companies also only contribute in the rarest of cases.
However, the treatment costs can be declared as a special expense for tax reduction purposes.