Genital Aesthetics: Labiaplasty, Vaginoplasty and Other Procedures

Genital aesthetics covers procedures relating to the appearance of the female external genital area or to functional complaints that arise after childbirth, ageing and weight changes. This article explains the main procedures covered by genital aesthetics and what to know before making a decision.

Are Differences in the Appearance of the Genital Area Normal?

The appearance of the external genital area varies greatly from person to person. Inner lips that extend beyond the outer lips, the two sides being of different sizes, or differences in colour are usually part of normal variation. For this reason, genital aesthetics is not considered in order to achieve an appearance that "should" be a certain way, but in situations that cause the person discomfort, pain or significant concern.

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is an operation to reduce or reshape the inner lips (labia minora). It may be considered if the size or sagging of the inner lips causes friction and pain in tight clothing, during sport, when cycling or during sexual intercourse. For details you can read our labiaplasty page.

Augmentation of the Outer Lips

The outer lips (labia majora) may lose volume and sag with age or after weight loss. In this case the outer lips can be made fuller with the person's own fat (fat injection) or with a filler containing hyaluronic acid. The doctor decides the method, the type of anaesthesia and the details of the procedure.

Vaginoplasty (Vaginal Tightening)

Vaginoplasty is an operation to narrow the vaginal canal, which can loosen after childbirth or with age, by repairing the underlying muscles and supporting tissues. For who it is suitable for and what it does not change, you can read our article Vaginal Tightening (Vaginoplasty): Who Is It Suitable For?.

Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation

There are also treatments for vaginal laxity or dryness using laser and similar energy-based devices. Health authorities have warned that there is not enough evidence on the safety and effectiveness of using these devices for vaginal rejuvenation. For this reason, it is important to have a gynaecological examination before treatment and to discuss expectations in detail with the doctor. For details you can read our laser vaginal rejuvenation page.

Hymen Repair (Hymenoplasty)

The hymen is a thin membrane of tissue at the vaginal opening; its structure varies from person to person and in some people it is very small from birth. The hymen can also tear during everyday activities other than sexual intercourse; for this reason, the state of the hymen does not give reliable information about a person's sexual history. Hymenoplasty is a procedure in which the remaining parts of the membrane are brought together with stitches; it cannot be performed if no tissue remains.

Before Deciding

Genital aesthetic procedures are considered in adults whose genital development is complete. Before deciding, the cause of the complaint should be clarified through a gynaecological examination, and what the procedure can change and its risks should be discussed with the doctor. These procedures do not solve all problems related to relationships or self-confidence; for expectations about sexual life, you can read our article How Does Vaginal Aesthetics Affect Sex Life? Realistic Expectations.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın