Labia Majora Correction
Volume, excess skin and the shape of the labia majora are individually assessed and treated in a targeted way, to preserve natural proportions and existing anatomy.
The labia majora can change over the course of life.
Ageing processes, hormonal changes, pregnancies, childbirth and weight changes can cause volume loss, skin laxity, or changes in proportion.
Very different starting situations can result from this. For some women, volume loss is the main concern. For others, mainly excess skin exists. Often, both changes occur together.
A labia majora correction, therefore, is not planned according to a standardised procedure. At Clinic Selnau in Zürich, we first distinguish which anatomical change is actually present, and which treatment makes sense for it. It is one of several procedures within female intimate surgery, alongside treatments addressing the labia minora or changes following pregnancy and childbirth.
Our Approach
The labia majora are part of the natural protective structures of the female intimate area.
Shape, volume and symmetry differ from person to person. For this reason, treatment is not about creating a particular shape or size.
We consider the relationship between skin, subcutaneous tissue and existing volume, as well as the relationship to the labia minora. Only from this does it become clear whether treatment makes sense at all, and which method may be considered.
Neither more nor less volume is the aim. What matters is which relationship suits the existing anatomy.
Volume Loss or Excess Skin?
This distinction forms the basis of treatment.
With volume loss, the skin can appear emptier or less supported. In other situations, sufficient volume is present, but clear excess skin exists.
If only volume is added while mainly excess skin is present, the actual cause is not addressed. Conversely, skin reduction is not automatically appropriate where mainly volume is missing.
For this reason, we assess:
- Volume of the labia majora
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Existing excess skin
- Symmetry
- Relationship to the labia minora
- Changes following pregnancy or weight loss
- Previous procedures and scars
On this basis, treatment is planned.
Treatment With Fat Transfer
Where relevant volume loss exists, the body's own fat can be used.
A limited amount of fat tissue is harvested from a suitable body area, processed, and placed into the labia majora in a targeted way. The aim is a restrained restoration of volume.
Not all of the transplanted fat tissue integrates permanently. Some is reabsorbed during the healing phase. The final remaining volume, therefore, cannot be predicted to the millimetre. Depending on the starting point and desired change, a further treatment may be necessary.
Fat transfer is intended to restore lost volume, not to create an artificially enlarged shape.
Treatment of Excess Skin
Where mainly excess or lax skin is present, surgical skin reduction may be considered.
Excess tissue is removed in a targeted way, and the contour is reshaped. The incision is planned according to individual anatomy and positioned within natural transitions where possible.
How much skin can be removed depends on tissue quality, blood supply, and existing tension. Here, too, maximum reduction is not the aim — sufficient tissue needs to be preserved to maintain natural anatomy and protective function.
Combining Skin Reduction & Fat Transfer
Excess skin and volume loss can exist at the same time.
In this case, a combination of targeted skin reduction and volume restoration with fat transfer can make sense. Two different problems are treated: excess skin is reduced, and missing volume is restored.
Whether a combination is necessary depends on the individual starting point. Not every change requires both techniques.
Labia Minora & Labia Majora
The labia minora and labia majora form an anatomical unit.
For this reason, changes to both structures are considered together. Where mainly the shape or size of the labia minora is disruptive or causes functional discomfort, a labiaplasty can make sense.
Where changes exist in both structures, both treatments can be planned within a joint concept. This does not mean, however, that both regions should automatically be operated on. What matters is which change is actually desired and medically sensible.
Following Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy and childbirth can also change the labia majora.
Hormonal changes, tissue stretching, and changes in body weight can influence skin and volume. Where changes to the labia minora, scars, or other discomfort also exist, a more comprehensive assessment as part of intimate surgery following pregnancy & childbirth can make sense.
The individual changes are first assessed separately, and then considered within a joint treatment concept.
Naturalness & Function
The labia majora fulfil a natural protective function.
This function needs to be considered in every aesthetic change. Excessive skin reduction or disproportionate volume restoration can change natural proportions.
A successful correction does not change as much as possible. It restores a balanced relationship between skin, volume, and the adjacent structures.
Healing & Results
The healing process depends on which treatment was performed.
Following fat transfer, swelling and bruising can occur both in the treated area and at the donor site. Following surgical skin reduction, wound healing and scar development are additionally involved.
During the early healing phase, friction, greater pressure, and physical strain on the region should be avoided. Sport, cycling, and sexual activity need to be paused for an appropriate period, depending on the procedure.
Swelling can significantly affect appearance at first. With fat transfer, too, volume changes during the first weeks and months. The final result, therefore, should not be assessed immediately after treatment.
Long-Term Changes
The tissue of the labia majora remains subject to natural changes.
Ageing, hormonal influences, weight changes, pregnancies and births can influence skin and volume again. With fat transfer, the permanently integrated fat generally behaves like fat tissue elsewhere in the body, and can respond to significant weight changes. These factors are considered during planning.
Consultation
During your personal consultation at Clinic Selnau in Zürich, we assess skin quality, volume, symmetry, and the relationship between the labia minora and labia majora.
We discuss what concerns you and what change you would like. On this basis, we decide whether skin reduction, treatment with fat transfer, or a combination can make sense.
Where the labia minora are also affected, we discuss a labiaplasty where relevant. Where the changes arose in connection with pregnancy or childbirth, a more comprehensive plan as part of intimate surgery following pregnancy & childbirth can make sense.
We speak openly about possible scars, the healing process, and the limitations and risks of each treatment. The aim is not a predetermined shape. It is to bring skin and volume into a balanced relationship, according to your existing anatomy.