As women age, their labia minora can appear longer and larger than before. This blog discusses the age-specific reasons this may be happening, as well as how labiaplasty is a great remedy.
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How the Labia Change With Age
Aging is a gift not bestowed on all, but sometimes, the changes it brings are unwelcome. Just like every other part of the body, a woman’s labia minora (inner vaginal lips) go through changes. If you’re noticing that your labia minora are looking longer or thinner than in your younger years, it’s likely a natural effect of aging.
Below, we’ll discuss what age-related changes might be causing your labia minora to appear longer or larger, and how labiaplasty can help.
Top Age-Related Factors for a Large Labia
1. Hormones and Menopause
Hormones are powerful, and with the onset of menopause and even perimenopause, which cause fluctuations, the female body undergoes a wide range of changes. The timing is different for everyone, but if you’ve experienced hot flashes, irregular periods, or other menopause symptoms, you might be experiencing hormone fluctuations that may be affecting your labial appearance. As the body begins producing less estrogen (as happens around menopause), collagen, elastin, and fat diminish, which affects the labial appearance. It’s not uncommon for menopausal women to notice that their labia minora appear thinner and longer, which may make them appear larger.
2. Labia Majora Changes
Additionally, the above factors can also affect the labia majora, or outer lips. As collagen depletes, the outer labial appearance can similarly look thinner than it used to. When this happens, it becomes an issue of optics, as the inner labia minora only look more prominent in response to a smaller outer labial appearance. So while the labia minora may not actually be longer, or only minimally so, the appearance of the outer labia can make them appear longer by comparison.
3. Weight Fluctuations
Vaginal tissues, the labia minora and majora, are made up of fat, collagen, and elastin. Some women experience weight fluctuations as they age, and when you lose fat in the rest of your body, you lose it in the labia, as well. Additionally, rapid weight fluctuations later in life take a toll on the skin and tissues that no longer have the ability to snap back into place, potentially resulting in a sagging appearance—yes, even to the labia minora and majora. If you’ve recently lost weight rapidly, this may be the cause of your larger labia.
4. General Aging
It’s a simple fact of life that after a certain age, gravity takes its toll. Just like the breasts or buttocks that were maybe once perky, the labia, too, can experience ptosis (sagging). This can be compounded by past pregnancies and vaginal deliveries, which cause the tissue to fluctuate.
Love Your Labia At Any Age
So what are you to do? You deserve to feel beautiful and vibrant at any age, so if your large labia are causing you personal distress, there’s something you can do about it: labiaplasty.
This safe and effective cosmetic procedure is designed to specifically address the aesthetics of an enlarged labia minora—no matter the cause. Dr. Gary Alter is a world-renowned expert in labiaplasty and labiaplasty revision, having invented and perfected today’s modern surgical techniques that create lovely, natural-looking results.
Labiaplasty is perfectly safe, a quick procedure, and has one of the highest rates of patient satisfaction. On top of that, the labiaplasty recovery period is a cinch: just take six weeks off sexual activity. No removable sutures or major discomfort.
It’s time to invest in yourself. If age-related enlarged labia are causing you to feel out of sorts with your body, you have options.
Learn More About Labiaplasty in Beverly Hills, CA, and NYC
Choose the best name in labiaplasty: Dr. Gary Alter offers in-person and virtual consultations for his bicoastal practice. Call (310) 275-5566 for his Beverly Hills location, and (212) 321-0749 for his NYC location to request a consultation and learn more about how labiaplasty can help you feel your best.