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The size and shape of the labia can change over time. Although many women are aware of the changes that can occur to their bodies as they approach menopause, they may not be prepared for significant changes in the appearance of the labia, which may lead to labia shrinking. The size, shape and firmness of the labia often change throughout different stages of a woman’s life. There is a broad spectrum of normality regarding the appearance of the labia, including various shapes, sizes, and skin tones. There is no one normal labia appearance, although shrinking labia may become noticeable over time.
The labia are the inner and outer folds of skin that surround the vaginal opening. The labia minora are the inner lips that immediately surround the vaginal opening and fuse with the clitoral hood at the upper aspect. The labia majora are the larger outer lips, which lie laterally to the smaller labia minora. The labia can appear smooth or wrinkled depending on the stage in a woman’s life and may be shortened or enlarged after pregnancy and childbirth. It is often only when significant changes in the appearance of the labia lead women to feel self-conscious that they then seek medical treatment. If you have noticed significant changes in the appearance of your labia, which caused them to appear shrunken, there are several causes. Fortunately, there are highly effective treatments, including labiaplasty surgery, available to treat shrinking labia that may appear shortened. Our expert gynaecologists are experienced in the full range of treatments for labia shrinking in London and the UK.
What causes Shrinking Labia?
The size, shape and elasticity of the labia change throughout a woman’s lifetime, and this is normal. Pregnancy, childbirth and significant weight loss can contribute to changes in the shape and size of the labia. Having said this, two recognised causes of shrinking labia are amenable to corrective treatment.
Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that results in skin thinning in the female genital region. One of the characteristic features of this disorder is skin discolouration occurring in a patchy manner. Lichen sclerosis can result in several unpleasant symptoms, including itchiness, blistering, burning sensation, skin wrinkling, propensity to easy bruising and painful sexual intercourse. Long-standing lichen sclerosus can lead to a significant change in the appearance of the labia. In advanced cases, the labia may often take on a flattened appearance with significant shortening of the labia. The vaginal opening may also appear shrunken.
Lichen sclerosus can affect women of all ages, although it most commonly occurs in women after menopause. Although the underlying mechanism of the condition is still incompletely understood, it is likely linked to a combination of genetics, immune dysfunction, infection, or traumatic injury.
Menopause
As women enter menopause, there is a significant decline in the production of oestrogen. A lack of oestrogen results in the vaginal tissue becoming thinner. Thinning of the vaginal soft tissues can result in the shortening of the labia. Lack of hormonal oestrogen can also result in significant labia asymmetry, giving rise to a lopsided appearance.
Labia shrinking treatments
Despite the fact that shrinking labia is more common than most people think, there are several effective treatment options for labia shrinking. Non-invasive treatments include topical preparations and oestrogen supplements. Explore the options below if you want to learn how to improve the appearance of shrunken labia.
Topical ointments
Lichen sclerosus resulting in shrunken labia can be addressed with the application of prescription-grade topical ointment to enhance labial fullness. Treatment can also improve skin tone and colour, minimise discomfort, and reduce the risk of localised scarring. Lichen sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, and treatment must be instituted for a prolonged period to achieve satisfactory results.
Hormonal therapy (oestrogen supplements)
Lack of oestrogen associated with menopause can result in vaginal atrophy, and this is linked with labia shrinkage due to soft tissue thinning. Oestrogen therapy is effective for improving shrinking labia and can be taken in various formulations, including topical creams, suppositories, rings and tablets. The aim is to provide a steady and consistent release of oestrogen. In some cases, oestrogen taken by mouth is a viable option should other options be inappropriate.
Labial puff (labia puffing)
Labia puffing is a non-invasive type of vaginal rejuvenation involving the injection of synthetic hyaluronic acid-based fillers or a patient’s own fat. Labia puff is designed to produce improved fullness of the labia majora, and the plumping effect helps to make the labia appear more youthful. Labia puffing with fat transfer is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that can produce permanent results without requiring regular injections of hyaluronic acid filler.
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a type of surgical vaginal rejuvenation aimed at improving the size and shape of the labia. Many women often feel self-conscious about having lopsided or uneven labia caused by shrinkage of one side of the vaginal opening. As well as improving cosmetic appearance, Labiaplasty can help address pain and discomfort caused by elongated labia on one side, which may affect sexual intercourse.
Labia Shrinking treatment at Centre for Surgery
Although for many women, shrinking labia is seen as an inevitable part of the ageing process, its development can cause some women to feel concerned and increasingly self-conscious, especially if the labia appears uneven. Women do not have to accept these undesirable changes and can achieve effective correction of labia shrinking caused by menopause or lichen sclerosus with labiaplasty or labia puffing. It is particularly important to seek treatment for shrinking labia if lichen sclerosus is present, as long-term scarring is a potential complication.
Centre for Surgery is a leading plastic surgery clinic with years of experience in treating labia shrinking in London and the UK using medically proven treatments carried out by specialist surgeons. By improving the appearance of the labia, women can achieve a significant boost in self-confidence, allowing them to live their lives how they want to. Call us today on 020 7993 4849 or complete the contact form below to schedule an in-depth, in-person consultation at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone.
