Labia Majora Augmentation
In childhood and adolescence, the labia majora are tight and firm in consistency. However, if we age, the skin of the labia majora can stretch significantly. As the amount of fat and the volume in the labia majora decreases, in old age; the skin looks saggier, has more wrinkles, and hangs down in an unsightly way. This is not just unfavourable from a cosmetic perspective; it can also impair the protective function of the vagina, resulting in vaginal infections.
The procedure
Depending on whether the skin of the labia majora is saggy and there is overhanging of skin, or whether the (fat) volume of the labia majora has decreased over the years, There are three possibilities for corrective surgery
1. Tightening the labia majora by removing excess saggy skin.
2. Filling the labia majora with autologous fatty tissue. 3. A combination of both approaches
Tightening/Reduction
This involves the removal of excess skin by making a spindle-shaped incision along the line of reflection through to the labia minora. The labia majora are tightened/reduced by closing the wound edges. This procedure can easily be performed under local anaesthesia.
Filling with autologous fat
Autologous fat gives the labia majora volume and consistency. The fat is usually removed from the outer thigh under local anaesthesia and then injected into the labia majora in one procedure to shape and fill the volume of the labia majora. We generally add more volume than is actually necessary as some of the transplanted fatty tissue will deplete again. However, the part of the autologous fat (approx. 50-60%) is permanently preserved.
Sometimes it can be necessary to repeat the procedure. On average, around 20 ml fatty tissue is required on each side to sculpt and boost volume.
Results
Avoid mechanical friction as much as possible for six weeks after the procedure
Postop Period
There will be mild burning pain especially during the first postoperative day. You may be able to return to work as early as two to three days after surgery. It is very important that you try to avoid any friction and forces acting on this area for six weeks following the procedure: no sexual intercourse, jogging, cycling, horse riding. Immediately after surgery, you should wear close-fitting underwear that you can pull firmly upwards to apply some pressure on the area. This helps to prevent excessive swelling and reduces the risk of postoperative bleeding.
