The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reports that interest in cosmetic genital procedures such as labia puffing has increased in the last 10 years.
Many factors are driving the trend, but ACOG points to the practice of removing pubic hair as one of the reasons. A lack of pubic hair allows women and their intimate partners a better view of the labia, which can draw attention to asymmetries and aesthetic differences.
While appearance isn’t the only reason more women are asking doctors about labia puffing, it’s an important one. This procedure can address a lack of volume in the labia caused by weight loss, childbirth, menopause, and natural aging.
What Is Labia Puffing, and How Is It Done?
Labia puffing is a minimally invasive, non-surgical cosmetic procedure that allows a woman to shape her intimate area and plump the labia for a more youthful look and feel.
Labial fat transfer and injectable fillers are the two main techniques used for puffing. Some women choose dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid to plump the labial tissues and restore elasticity.
The second option is labial fat transfer. For this procedure, fat from another area in the patient’s body is used as a filler instead of hyaluronic acid. In both cases, the plumping material is injected into the labia majora, the outer lips of the vulva.
Aging and Its Effects on the Labia
Your body experiences many changes throughout your lifetime. The skin on your face and body becomes thinner and less elastic due to a loss of collagen and hormones like estrogen.
This change affects the tissues in the labia and the entire vaginal structure. After menopause, many women experience:
- Reduced erotic sensation in the vulva area
- Less natural lubrication
- Poor tissue tone
- A different appearance and structure of the labial folds
Labia puffing, either with dermal fillers or fat transfers, can add volume to the labia and improve elasticity. One study found that women between the ages of 35 and 50 account for over 40% of all vaginal rejuvenation procedures.
Labia Puffing Filler Treatment and Sexual Function
When hormonal changes and collagen loss cause the labia to droop and thin, it can interfere with sexual pleasure and function. Thinning tissues may not produce adequate lubrication, and chafing can cause physical discomfort. Some women may also feel unsatisfied with the way they look, which can interfere with intimacy.
Many women report more sexual confidence and an increased response to erotic touch after labia puffing. The fact that approximately 30% of women in the U.S. are menopausal or perimenopausal may account for at least a portion of the interest in non-surgical intimate care.
Meeting Aesthetic Goals
Women may also seek labia puffing and other vaginal rejuvenation procedures because they want to change the way their vulva looks. Online resources, social media, and word of mouth have increased public knowledge about available procedures and their benefits.
The desire to maintain a youthful appearance from head to toe is understandable. Labia puffing offers a non-surgical method to address concerns about appearance.
The Benefits of Labia Puffing
The many benefits of this procedure are another factor driving its popularity. Labia puffing offers numerous aesthetic, physical, and psychological benefits, such as:
- Reduced discomfort from drooping labia folds
- Enhanced, more symmetrical appearance
- Improved elasticity
- Smoother texture
- Increased confidence
- Enhanced comfort during intimacy
While it does not directly enhance sexual pleasure, labia puffing can increase a woman’s sexual confidence. Improved self-esteem may lead to more frequent and more pleasurable intimacy.
Is Labia Puffing Treatment Safe?
Another reason for the growing popularity of labia puffing is the low level of risk related to the procedure. The use of dermal fillers and fat transfers has been clinically studied, and complications are rare. Some tenderness near the injection sites, swelling, and bruising may occur.
Women with a history of keloid scarring, certain autoimmune diseases, or allergies to hyaluronic acid fillers may not be good candidates for the procedure. Women who are generally in good health and have realistic expectations may benefit from labia puffing.
This procedure should be administered by a certified, licensed, and experienced vaginal rejuvenation provider. Full recovery can take up to 14 days. Combining platelet-rich plasma therapy with dermal fillers can reduce recovery time and provide even more pleasing results.
Are You Considering Labia Puffing?
David Ghozland, M.D., offers a comprehensive list of intimate cosmetic procedures, including labia puffing, vaginoplasty, and The Intimate Renewal™ procedure for women who experience pain during intercourse. Contact Dr. Ghozland to schedule a consultation for labia augmentation.