Why are women becoming more interested in intimate aesthetics?
Women's relationship with their intimate anatomy has changed. Topics concerning the vulva, vagina, sexuality or the consequences of menopause are now discussed more easily than a few years ago.
This development allows some women to discuss discomfort they previously tended to keep to themselves. A change in the appearance of the labia majora, vaginal dryness or discomfort during intercourse may therefore become a reason for consultation.
Social media and more frequent exposure to images of the genital area also play a role. However, they can give a very standardised view of what a vulva should look like. In reality, there is naturally great diversity in the shapes, sizes, colours and asymmetries of the external genital organs.
An aesthetic request should therefore always begin with a simple question: is there actually an abnormality, or is this a normal anatomical variation?
What changes in the intimate area with age?
The intimate area changes throughout life. Hormonal changes, pregnancies, childbirth and ageing can alter the appearance and function of vulval and vaginal tissues.
After menopause, declining oestrogen notably causes changes in the vaginal and vulval mucosa. Tissues may become thinner, less supple and less hydrated. Dryness, burning or discomfort during intercourse may appear.
The labia majora may also gradually lose some volume. This reduction in subcutaneous fatty tissue can change their appearance and make the labia minora relatively more visible.
These changes are physiological. They do not automatically require treatment. Management may be discussed when they cause discomfort or when the patient finds an aesthetic change distressing.
Does intimate aesthetics concern only the appearance of the vulva?
No. Consultations grouped under “intimate aesthetics” may address very different requests.
Some women consult to change the appearance of the labia majora or another part of the vulva. Others have functional symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, a feeling of vaginal laxity or urinary problems.
This distinction matters because an aesthetic request and a functional disorder require different assessments and treatments.
Vaginal dryness, for example, may be associated with genitourinary syndrome of menopause and requires medical assessment.
Similarly, the cause of urinary incontinence or pain during intercourse must be investigated before treatment is considered.
Why is the appearance of the labia majora becoming a reason for consultation?
The labia majora can lose volume with age and hormonal changes. They may then appear less full and their appearance may change.
Hyaluronic acid injections may be offered to restore some lost volume. The aim is to correct this volume loss while respecting the vulva's natural anatomy.
Before any injection, medical examination confirms that the request concerns volume loss in the labia majora and rules out any vulval lesion or disorder.
A hyaluronic acid injection into the labia majora can restore volume, but cannot reduce the size of the labia minora.
Vaginal dryness: is it really an intimate aesthetic issue?
Vaginal dryness is a medical symptom that can cause a feeling of dryness, burning, irritation or pain during intercourse. It is common after menopause, but can also occur in other situations.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Local treatments may be offered according to the patient's medical situation.
Hyaluronic acid injections and vaginal laser treatment may also be considered in certain situations. Their indication should be assessed individually because available scientific data vary according to the techniques used and symptoms treated.
Vaginal laser: what can you realistically expect?
Vaginal lasers may be offered for certain symptoms associated with changes in vaginal tissues, particularly after menopause. They act on tissues to trigger local remodelling.
However, their indication must be precise. Scientific evidence remains insufficient for certain uses, and results vary according to the symptoms treated and techniques used.
The term “vaginal rejuvenation” is imprecise: a laser does not aim to make the vagina “younger”, but to treat an identified symptom when a medical indication exists.
Vaginal laser treatment should therefore not be routinely offered for dryness, sexual discomfort or a feeling of laxity. The cause of these symptoms must first be investigated to determine whether laser treatment is actually indicated.
Can a feeling of vaginal laxity be treated without surgery?
A feeling of vaginal laxity may appear after childbirth or with ageing. Medical examination is necessary to identify its cause.
This feeling may be associated with changes in vaginal tissues, but also with a pelvic floor disorder or prolapse. Treatment therefore depends on the cause identified.
In certain situations, pelvic floor rehabilitation is more suitable than an aesthetic medicine procedure. In others, gynaecological or urogynaecological assessment is necessary.
Vaginal laser treatment can be effective when symptoms correspond to a specific indication.
Does intimate aesthetics improve sexual wellbeing?
No intimate aesthetic medicine treatment can guarantee improved pleasure or sexual wellbeing. Female sexuality depends on many factors, including desire, arousal, lubrication, pain, hormonal context, psychological state, the relationship with a partner and pelvic floor function.
Changing the appearance of an intimate area therefore does not predict improved sexual function.
However, when a symptom disrupts intercourse, treating it can improve comfort. Vaginal dryness or pain should first be assessed to identify the cause and offer suitable treatment.
Is there really a “normal” vulva?
Vulval appearance naturally varies between women. The size of the labia minora and majora, their colour, symmetry and visibility can differ greatly without being abnormal.
Asymmetrical or visible labia minora may therefore represent perfectly normal anatomy.
Images shared online and on social media do not always reflect this diversity and may suggest that an ideal vulval appearance exists.
During consultation, medical examination determines whether there is actually an abnormality. In some cases, it simply confirms that the anatomy is normal and no treatment is necessary.
Article written by Dr Valeria Romano
Dr Valeria Romano supports each patient through a comprehensive approach to facial, body and intimate aesthetics, as well as skin and hair quality. Every treatment is based on a personalised medical assessment.
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