Labia puffing is only getting more popular, but is it worth it?

These days you can get filler just about anywhere; your under-eyes, cheekbones, nose, and of course lips – but we aren’t just talking about the ones on your face. That’s right, people are now getting filler in their vulvas, thanks to the increasingly-popular practice of labia puffing. While the cosmetic procedure has been around since the mid-2000s, it’s recently become a hot topic after being discussed by Caitlin Howden and Emily Key on The Weekly Breakdown podcast in December.

Explaining, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist for The Portland Hospital Dr Shazia Malik tells Metro: ‘Labia puffing uses dermal fillers, like hyaluronic acid or fat, to restore volume to the labia majora (the outer lips of the vulva). ‘The minimally invasive procedure is designed to enhance appearance by increasing fullness, smoothness, and symmetry.’. Podcast hosts Caitlin and Emily likened it to ‘looking for a camel toe’ and wanting a ‘puffy p***y’. But let’s be real, there’s a serious reason some of us want to alter how our vulvas look.

‘The procedure is most sought after by women looking to regain a youthful, fuller appearance due to age, weight loss, or childbirth,’ Dr Malik explains. All three of the above can cause the labia to look more deflated or ‘saggy’ which can, understandably, lead to insecurity for some. ‘Many women seek the procedure to address perceived imperfections or asymmetry,’ she adds. ‘Aside from aesthetic improvement, labia puffing can also increase confidence, particularly in intimate situations.’.

Chafing is another problem which can cause discomfort, and can also be a factor into the decision to get one’s labia puffed. But others choose to have work done simply due to general self-consciousness about their genitalia’s appearance, which isn’t exactly surprising given how social media and porn contribute to unrealistic body standards. The Centre for Surgery, an aesthetic surgery based in London claimed labia puffing as ‘contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing and youthful appearance’. It’s a nod to the age-old idea that a woman’s greatest pursuit is to look as young as possible, with a plump vagina seen as the latest accessory for those wanting to remain ageless.

But proving that body insecurity defies generations, a University of Melbourne study that found girls as young as 13 were already worried about how their vaginas look. ‘There is no “perfect” or “ideal” appearance for genitalia—just as with any other body part, every vagina is unique,’ says Dr Malik. ‘Most concerns about vaginal appearance stem from societal pressures and misinformation, not actual issues.’.

She warns that while discomfort or health concerns should be addressed with medical professionals, ‘cosmetic procedures should only be pursued if they are personally desired.’. ‘Labia puffing is a personal choice, and like any cosmetic procedure, it should be approached with careful consideration,’ Dr Malik adds. ‘While it can offer aesthetic benefits and boost confidence, it’s important you seek procedures for your own reasons and not because of societal pressures or unrealistic expectations.’.

The Weekly Breakdown’s Catilin echoed this sentiment, saying: ‘I’m all for any kind of modification, as long as it’s coming from a place of “for me”.’. The obvious benefit to labia puffing, as Dr Malik points out, is the restoration of the labia majora’s appearance, giving it a plumper and more youthful look. It’s also non-invasive, typically carried out with local anaesthetic and carrying fewer risks than surgical alternatives like labiaplasty, along with having a shorter recovery time.

But just because it has fewer risks, doesn’t mean they’re non-existent, and it helps to have all the facts before you cosmetically alter your body. Dr Malik says: ‘The most common risks include swelling, bruising, and irritation at the injection site. Allergic reactions to the filler material, though rare, can also happen, and some patients may generally experience mild discomfort.’. It’s vital to make sure you’re going to a reputable surgeon too, because there is a chance of uneven results or asymmetry if the procedure isn’t done right. Additionally, overfilling can result in an exaggerated look, which you most likely don’t want.

Even if it all goes to plan, Dr Malik adds: ‘In some cases the filler material could shift or form lumps, leading to an unnatural appearance. There are some more serious complications like infection or damage to surrounding tissues too, but choosing a qualified practitioner can help minimise these risks.’. When Jill Lissner was just 15 years old, she went to the doctor, asking to have labiaplasty, a procedure which aims to reduce the size of the labia minora.