Laxities, wrinkles and collapses in the labia majora are among the important aesthetic problems in female external genital anatomy. Laxity of the labium majus (outer labia) is known as ‘hypotonicity’, and weakening of the labium majus is known as ‘hypotrophy'. In these cases, the problem can be solved for a short time by applying Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler to the genital area. Hyaluronic acid fillers applied to the genital area provide aesthetic and functional acquisitions.
His section includes answers to many questions we receive from you, such as “what is hyaluronic acid, in which areas it is used, what is the hyaluronic acid filler used for the genital area, how is it injected, does it involve any risks, what are the costs?”
What are the causes of genital area laxity?
Laxity of the external genital area tissue (vulvar laxity) can develop due to a variety of factors. Vulvar laxity and sagging that lead the female genitalia to look older than it is can be caused by factors such as:
- Poor collagen structure due to the person’s genetic characteristics,
- Pregnancy and childbirth,
- Rapid weight gain and loss,
- Chronic irritation and vulvar dystrophies,
- Menopausal period,
- Smoking,
- Bad eating habits,
- Being a light-skinned person,
- Aging,
- Stress.
In all these cases, fat grafting or hyaluronic acid injections can be applied to in the genital area to rejuvenate it and increase its fullness. Besides their bulking effects, hyaluronic acid fillers have also moisturizing effects on the tissue.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a natural substance with a ‘polysaccharide’ structure (consisting of sugar) available in the human body. Therefore, it has been used safely in the cosmetic world for years. In human body, it is mostly found in the eyes, cartilage, synovial fluid, and skin. It is one of the most important components of synovial fluid. It is found in significant amounts in the lung, kidney, brain and muscle tissues, as well. It has important application areas such as the facial plasty and lip enhancement procedures in particular.
Use of hyaluronic acid in the field of cosmetics
Hyaluronic acid is commonly used in dermatology and cosmetology because of its plumping, moisturizing, collagen stimulating, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-edema properties. With its water retention feature, it also plays an important role in ensuring the availability of appropriate skin turgor. It is one of the most hydrophilic (water-retaining) molecules in nature, so much so that 1 gram of HA can retain 6 liters of water. HA containing fillers are used intensively in the field of cosmetics. HA is most frequently used in the following fields of cosmetics:
- Elimination of the signs of aging (anti-aging),
- Treatment of wrinkles around the lips and in the eye contour area,
- Lip enhancement,
- Accentuation of the facial contours.
In which cases are hyaluronic acid injections made to the genital area?
It can be applied for a variety of aesthetic and functional purposes. These include;
Augmentation of the labia majora (Labial augmentation)
It is performed in women whose labia majora is smaller than normal, with intent to increase the sizes of the labia majora or to hide the labia minora.
Elimination of labia majora collapses (Labial collapse)
It is performed to eliminate the collapses and wrinkles in the labia minora.
Elimination of labial asymmetries
It is preferred to provide equalization if one labium is structurally different from the other, or if it is larger or smaller than the other.
Elimination of menopausal complaints
It can be preferred for the elimination of complaints such as burning, itching and stinging due to skin thinning in the menopausal period. Especially in recent years, it has been a good solution for patients suffering from vaginal dryness due to menopause.
G Shot (G Spot Amplification)
Hyaluronic acid fillers can also be used to amplify the G spot on the anterior vaginal wall to enhance sexual pleasure and facilitate the orgasm function. This procedure is called ‘G Shot’ (G spot amplification).
Treatment of painful sexual intercourse
Injection can be made into the vaginal introitus to solve the ‘vulvar vestibulitis’ problem, which manifests itself with symptoms such as pain and burning sensation at the vaginal entrance.
Suitable candidates for hyaluronic acid filler
In some patients, hyaluronic acid fillers can be applied to the labia majora for functional and aesthetic purposes. Suitable candidates for hyaluronic acid filler are those who experience loss of tone and trophicity due to collagen loss caused by rapid weight gain and loss, smoking, stressful life, genetic predisposition etc. and those who suffer from menopausal and age-associated problems. Rejuvenation of the labia majora enables the genital area to gain a fuller, brighter and younger appearance.
How are hyaluronic acid fillers applied to the labia majora?
First, the vulva area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and dried. Then the application area is marked with a skin marker pen. Hyaluronic acid injections are made using a special HA cannula (thin tube). After the local anesthetic injection, the skin is pierced with a small piercing needle, and then a cannula is inserted through the hole. The hyaluronic acid injector screwed into the cannula is slowly injects the hyaluronic acid into the subcutaneous tissue. After the injection, a light massage is applied to the labia majora to facilitate the distribution of the hyaluronic acid in the tissue.
For each labium, the volume to be applied in a single session should not exceed 1-1.5 cc. If necessary, another amount can be injected after a week. The procedure takes as little as 5 minutes on average. It is a quite painless, comfortable, outpatient procedure.
Application methods
HA applications vary depending on the application area in the body and the intended purposes. These include:
- Linear threading,
- Serial punctures, point by point,
- Fanning,
- Cross hatching, Cross radial.
What are the undesirable conditions that can be encountered after the application of hyaluronic acid fillers?
HA is a natural component available in all living things, which has biocompatible, degradable, viscoelastic and suitable hygroscopic properties. Despite being rare, undesirable conditions can be encountered. These include:
- Redness in the application area in the early period,
- Allergic reactions,
- Necrosis of the tissue,
- Edema,
- Itching,
- Mild pain at the injection site.
It is necessary to know the contact reaction property of fillers. Today, ‘hyaluronidase’ enzyme is used to eliminate side effects related to the complications of hyaluronic acid injection. In very rare cases, there are also risks such as shocks of varying degrees up to anaphylaxis, filler migration, leakage of the filler from the injection site and nodule formation. Pulmonary embolism and vascular occlusions are the rare but risky complications of hyaluronic acid injections. In order to minimize these risks, it is of great importance to make sure that the physician knows the genital anatomy well and is experienced in the procedure. On the other hand, aseptic conditions should be observed and organ injuries should be avoided to minimize the risk of infection.
Another point to consider is that only hyaluronic acids CE-certified for genital applications should be used. Some physicians apply hyaluronic acid products intended for facial application to the genital area as well. However, this is not an appropriate approach. Today, CE-certified special hyaluronic acids produced for the genital area are available.
The points to take into consideration after labial augmentation
After the application on the labia majora, the patient should stay away from hot water, thermal pool, sauna and hot springs for 7 days. The patient should also stay away from sexual intercourse in this period. Horse riding and cycling are also prohibited for a week. Drinking about 3 liters of water for the first 2-3 days after the injection will increase the water absorption of the filler.
How long does its effect last?
In general, the effect of hyaluronic acid applications lasts 6-8 months. Although there are longer-lasting fillers on the market, it is not recommended to apply such substances to the genital area. There is no drawback in repeating it periodically when desired.
Patient’s satisfaction after the procedure
After hyaluronic acid filler injection to the labia majora, the external genital area recovers, gains fullness, becomes wetter, lighter colored and achieves significant rejuvenation. Therefore, patient’s satisfaction with the procedure is quite high. Sometimes, fillers can be applied for the purpose of Barbie vagina surgery. While performing operations such as labiaplasty and vaginal tightening, genital area fillers can be performed in the same session as well.
What is the cost of hyaluronic acid injection to genital area?
The cost of hyaluronic acid injection to genital area varies depending on the volume of the hyaluronic acid used in the injection, the physician who performs the procedure and the health institution where the procedure is performed. It would be useful to consult the clinic to get information about the pricing. However, it should be noted that the knowledge and experience of the physician who will perform the procedure is of great importance in minimizing the risks.
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