An intriguing trend in cosmetic surgery is stirring up conversations as it promises to bestow women with a more youthful appearance — in a rather unexpected area: their vulvas. Dubbed as a ‘Labia Puff’, this procedure involves the injection of fillers or fat into the labia majora, which are the outer lips of a woman’s genitalia, in order to enhance their fullness. Dr. Karen Leong, a plastic surgeon offering this procedure, elucidates that a ‘labia puff’ can grant a woman a rejuvenated and more youthful-looking vulva. She explains, “As collagen production diminishes with age, it is not uncommon for sagging and wrinkles to manifest on various parts of our bodies, including the vulva region.”
While older women often seek rejuvenation post-childbirth or menopause, plastic surgeon Dr. Ira Savetsky highlighted to The New York Post that younger women, particularly those who have experienced weight loss, are also turning to this procedure for “volume restoration”. He added, “Some women feel that this change makes the area look aged or less aesthetically pleasing.”
The cost of these fillers can soar up to $5,000, yet plastic surgeon Dr. Bianca Molina noted to the NYP that the procedure is currently in high demand. A Getty Stock image depicts a doctor holding a tray of syringes, symbolizing this rising beauty trend.
On Reddit’s r/Menopause community, diverse opinions surfaced regarding this procedure. One Redditor expressed, “I am on my 2nd UTI in six months and the whole mess down there is on fire. I cannot begin to think what filler in the flaps would feel like.” Another Redditor countered, “Normal aging will deflate the labia a little… IT’S OK! No one cares. The idea that women think they need filler to make their labia look better is ridiculous and a very sad statement about our culture.”
However, another Redditor emphasized that for some individuals, the procedure is not solely about aesthetic enhancement but rather about physical comfort: “Things like sitting, walking, and sex were very painful. The filler made everything much better, and I do not have pain any longer. I think it’s a viable treatment for people who have similar issues.” Additionally, a Redditor pointed out the gender bias in the criticism, stating, “Not sure why people are clutching their pearls over this when these micro [erectile dysfunction] guys out here jacking up their Johnsons with fillers for years. So sexist in my opinion.”
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