Shrinking Labia – Causes and Treatments

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The size and shape of the 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, General Health & Wellbeing 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, on the stage in a woman’s life, and may be shortened or enlarged after pregnancy and . 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, causing them to appear shrunken, there are several potential causes. Fortunately, there are highly effective treatments, , available to address labia that appear shortened due to shrinkage. 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 a normal process. 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 to corrective treatment.

Lichen sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that results in skin in the female genital region. One of the features of this disorder is skin discolouration occurring in a patchy manner. Lichen sclerosis can result in unpleasant symptoms, 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 assume a flattened appearance, accompanied by significant shortening. The vaginal opening may also appear shrunken.

Lichen sclerosus can affect women of all ages, although it most commonly occurs in women after . Although the of the condition is still incompletely understood, it is likely linked to a combination of genetics, immune dysfunction, infection, or traumatic injury.

As women enter menopause, there is a significant decline in the production of oestrogen. A lack of oestrogen results in the vaginal tissue becoming . 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

Although shrinking labia is more common than most people think, several effective treatment options are available for labia reduction. Non-invasive treatments include topical preparations and oestrogen supplements. Explore the options below if you want to learn how to improve the appearance of labia.

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.

Lack of oestrogen associated with menopause can result in vaginal atrophy, and this is linked with labia 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.

is a non-invasive type of vaginal the of synthetic hyaluronic acid-based or a patient’s own fat. Labia puff is designed to produce improved fullness of the labia majora, and the effect helps to make the labia appear more youthful. Labia puffing with fat transfer is a minimally invasive outpatient that can produce permanent results without requiring regular of hyaluronic acid filler.

 is a type of surgical aimed at improving the size and shape of the labia. Many women often feel self-conscious about having lopsided or uneven labia caused by the 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 appear 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 imperative to seek treatment for shrinking labia if lichen is present, as long-term scarring is a potential complication.

The Centre for Surgery is a leading plastic surgery clinic with years of experience in treating labia shrinkage in London and the UK, using medically proven treatments carried out by specialist surgeons. By enhancing the appearance of the labia, women can experience a significant boost in self-confidence, enabling them to live their lives as they choose. Call us today on 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.

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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, excellence and results sit at the heart of everything we do.

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