Labia Augmentation: Specialists & Information

In cosmetic surgery, labiaplasty is performed to correct the appearance of the female genitalia.

Unwanted changes to the labia can occur at any age. The reasons for changes in the outer labia are varied. Reasons for labia augmentation may include labia that

• are sagging,
• are underdeveloped,
• a previous tightening procedure was not effective enough,
• a lipoma or tumor has developed in the genital area, or
• the protective function at the vaginal opening is no longer ensured.

Changes or sagging of the labia majora (outer labia) also frequently occur after weight loss. In such cases, the aesthetic appearance of the area may no longer be satisfactory.

Some women find the shape, size, and especially the texture of their outer labia unattractive. Increasingly, vulvar reshaping (the external female genitalia) is performed for rejuvenation purposes. The labia minora are reduced in size and the labia majora are enlarged so that the labia majora completely cover the labia minora.

Labia augmentation is performed using the patient’s own fat. In principle, this type of labia correction is a fat graft or autologous fat injection.

Clinical studies have shown that approximately one-third of the injected fat tissue remains permanently. Accordingly, follow-up procedures may be necessary after four to six months.

You do not need to take any special steps to prepare for the surgery. We recommend that you shave the genital area 24 hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.

For 14 days prior to the surgery, you should

• take no pain relievers, such as aspirin, and
• blood-thinning medications, such as Marcumar,

, as these delay blood clotting. You should also largely avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and nicotine.

Even before the anesthesiologist administers the anesthesia, the areas are measured again.

Fat grafting (lipofilling) can be performed under short-term anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon first extracts the patient’s own fat using thin cannulas. The buttocks are an ideal source for this. This fat tissue is purified and processed. The outer labia are then infiltrated using a microfat injection technique and special instruments.

The procedure takes approximately 60 to 80 minutes. Between 8 and 12 ml of fat is required per session and per side.

Your hospital stay will be between one and three days, depending on the extent of the area treated.

Labia augmentation uses the patient’s own fat, which is first harvested and prepared © HB511 | AdobeStock

Immediately after the surgery, you will need pain medication to help you get the rest and relaxation necessary for healing. If needed, you will be given an antibiotic for the first 24 hours.

You should wear compression stockings to help prevent blood clots and embolisms. This also includes daily subcutaneous administration of an anticoagulant.

No surgery is without risk! If you suffer from

• vascular disease,
• venous stasis, or
• blood clots (thrombosis, embolisms),

special precautions must be taken in consultation with your doctor. Be sure to inform your doctor before the surgery

• whether you have allergies to medications, bandages, or ointments,
• if you suffer from any other medical conditions, and
• take medication regularly.

It is also important to keep the wound areas very clean. Since these are intimate areas, bacterial infections can interfere with healing.

After the procedure, in addition to the general risks of surgery, you may experience mild “tugging” to moderate pain. These symptoms usually subside within a few days after the procedure.

In the area where liposuction was performed, sensory disturbances such as numbness may occur. These usually resolve almost completely within a few weeks.

Circulatory and wound-healing disorders can lead to delayed wound healing and unsightly, wider scars. Injury to lymphatic vessels may cause swelling following this surgery.

After labia augmentation, it is especially important to take it easy for the first three days. Even walking too much can cause

• bleeding,
• increased swelling, or
• the transplanted fat cells “displacing”

. The dressing consists of an antiseptic ointment, compresses, and a sanitary pad, which can be changed as needed and removed when using the restroom.

Showering is generally permitted again after 48 hours, but should not be too extensive. Bathing is possible no sooner than six weeks after the procedure and only if the wounds are stable and fully closed. You must wait two to three weeks before resuming sexual activity.

Significant swelling may occur after labia augmentation. Therefore, you should take a chamomile sitz bath at least once a day. This swelling can also lead to visual asymmetry of the labia. It usually takes three to six months for all swelling to subside.

We recommend that you refrain from lifting and carrying heavy loads, as well as from exercising and using the sauna, during this period.

Vitamins and zinc are important for a successful healing process. Therefore, be sure to maintain a healthy, balanced, vitamin-rich diet.

You can usually return to your daily routine after just 72 hours, as postoperative discomfort is generally minimal.

You will be informed about further steps regarding your individual postoperative care before you are discharged from the clinic.

The cost of cosmetic treatment to enlarge or augment the labia can vary significantly from person to person. Labia augmentation is available starting at 2000 €.

The goal of most procedures involving the external female genitalia is to achieve an aesthetically harmonious result. The skills and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure are essential for a positive outcome.