Labia Majoraplasty
Labia majoraplasty refers to surgical procedures performed to reduce the volume, tighten, or decrease the excess skin or size of the outer labia.
Genital Outer Labia Aesthetics
In women, the region observed as the outer part of the inner labia at the entrance of the vagina, covered with hair, is referred to as the "large genital lips" or "outer genital lips." In Latin languages, the outer labia are also known as "labia majora" or "labia externa."
We call the excessive laxity and loss of elasticity in the skin of the labia majora, which is part of the outer structure known as the "vulva," "labia majora laxity" or "large labia sagging."
In some cases, the labia majora may appear larger than normal without sagging or wrinkling, which can be aesthetically and psychologically discomforting. Although not as common as inner labia aesthetics, outer labia aesthetics have become a frequently chosen cosmetic procedure by patients in recent years.
While only reduction is performed on the inner labia, genital aesthetic operations aimed at both enlarging, reducing, and tightening can be performed on the outer labia. This section will discuss the reduction and aesthetic surgeries of the outer genital lips, also known as "labia majoraplasty."
Particularly in individuals who experience rapid weight fluctuations or lose weight quickly after gastric sleeve surgery, outer labia sagging can become a significant aesthetic concern.
The outer genital lips are fleshy tissue protrusions covered with hair, located on the outer part of the inner labia. They form the largest part of the external genital area known as the "vulva" in women. Structurally, they are situated on both sides of the pelvis, usually extending from the pubic area to the perineum. The outer genital lips are considered a continuation of the "mons pubis," known as the "pubic mound."
Medical Terms
- Vulva: The name given to the external genital area in women, encompassing various anatomical structures.
- Labium: Lip
- Labium minus: Small (inner genital) lip
- Labium majus: Large (outer genital) lip
- Labia: Lips
- Labia minora: Small lips (inner genital lips, labia interna)
- Labia majora: Large lips (outer genital lips, labia externa)
- Labia majora laxity: Sagging, looseness in the large lips
- Perineum: The area between the vaginal entrance and the anus
Outer Lip Aesthetics: What is Labia Majoraplasty?
Labia majoraplasty refers to surgical operations performed to reduce the volume, tighten, or decrease the excess skin or size of the outer labia. Within vaginal aesthetics, it is also known as "large lip aesthetics" or "outer genital lip aesthetics."
The goal of labia majoraplasty is to tighten the outer genital area, eliminate wrinkles and depressions, and achieve a younger and healthier appearance.
What is the Function of the Outer Lips?
The primary function of the outer genital lips is to protect the more sensitive internal structures from mechanical impacts and support them like a cushion. These structures include the labia minora, clitoris, urethral opening, and vaginal entrance. Additionally, the hair-covered surface is effective in preventing infections. The outer genital lips become more prominent with sexual arousal and are a sensitive area.
Anatomy of the Outer Genital Lips
The outer genital lips consist of a skin layer at the top, a thin sheath called the "dartos fascia" underneath, subcutaneous tissue containing hair follicles and sweat glands, a protective sheath known as the "tunica fascia," and fat tissue (adipose tissue). The fibers of the "round ligament" supporting the uterus also terminate in this region.
During puberty, the outer lips become more prominent, hair growth begins, and they swell with blood during sexual arousal or masturbation. The outer genital lips can vary in size, shape, and color among women. Due to the relatively darker color, laser treatments for genital area color lightening are also frequently applied.
What is the Ideal Appearance of Large Lips?
The shape, color, and general appearance of large lips can vary from person to person. However, the following points are generally important for the desired appearance of large lips:
- Symmetry: It is important for both genital lips to be perfectly symmetrical.
- Color: The color of the outer lips can vary based on the individual's skin tone, hormones, age, and genetic factors. Typically, it is slightly darker than the skin color. Ideally, the color of the outer lips should be as close as possible to the skin color of the thigh area.
- Texture and Elasticity: Healthy outer lips are usually soft and elastic. However, skin elasticity can increase with age or due to various health conditions, leading to significant sagging and looseness. An ideal aesthetic large lip structure should not have wrinkles, sagging, or depressions.
Labia Majora Laxity: Advanced Sagging of Large Lips Post-Menopause
Sagging and excess skin in the large lips, known as "labia majora laxity," generally result from aging, rapid weight fluctuations, childbirth, and poor collagen structure. Besides these reasons, genetic factors can also lead to sagging in the outer genital lips. This condition is more commonly observed in fair-skinned women.
Factors Leading to Outer Lip Sagging:
- Aging: As age advances, the skin loses elasticity, making sagging more likely. Aging reduces collagen and elastin production, negatively affecting the skin's firmness and elasticity. Skin sagging becomes widespread throughout the body, including the genital area.
- Menopause: Especially during menopause, the decrease in estrogen and overall collagen loss are reasons for sagging and loosening.
- Other Hormonal Changes: Particularly the decrease in estrogen levels and some thyroid diseases adversely affect skin health. The decrease in collagen and elastic fibers in the skin results in sagging.
- Childbirth: Giving birth, especially multiple or difficult births, can cause the skin in the vulva area to loosen and increase wrinkles.
- Rapid Weight Fluctuations: Rapid weight gain and loss, as well as long-term obesity, can cause the skin to lose elasticity and sag. Rapid weight loss can lead to fat loss in the vulva area, causing the skin to sag and form deep depressions called "collapse."
- Genetic Factors: Some people genetically have poor collagen structure and looser labia majora due to familial reasons. This condition is more frequently observed in fair-skinned individuals.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and sun exposure negatively affect collagen structure and overall skin health, leading to sagging in the genital area.
Types of Normal Larger and Sagging Outer Lips:
The larger and sagging appearance of the outer lips, located in the external part of the genital area, can primarily be an aesthetic problem. This enlargement can be observed in two different types:
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Primary Labia Majora Hypertrophy Primary labia hypertrophy refers to the condition where the large lips are larger, bulkier, or excessively developed due to excess fatty tissue. The outer lips are very large and fleshy rather than sagging skin. This condition causes a protruding appearance known as "camel toe" when wearing bikinis, tights, and tight jeans.
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Secondary Labia Majora Hypertrophy In primary labia majora hypertrophy, the problem is excess fatty tissue, while in secondary labia majora hypertrophy, the issue is a decrease in subcutaneous fatty tissue and collagen, leading to skin sagging and loosening. Wrinkles, looseness, and in advanced cases, depressions and sagging are prominent in the outer genital area. This condition can reduce a person's self-confidence and even negatively impact partner relationships.
How is Outer Genital Lip Aesthetics Performed?
Outer lip aesthetic surgeries can be performed in a clinical or hospital setting under general or local anesthesia. The operations typically take 1 to 1.5 hours, and patients are usually discharged on the same day.