Since 1998 · Zagreb & Daruvar
Labia Majora Reduction in Croatia
The volume of the labia majora can decrease with age, after childbirth, or after significant weight loss. An examination assesses whether the changes and symptoms really come from the reduced volume, and whether grafting your own fat tissue can achieve the change you expect.
The volume of the labia majora can decrease with age, after childbirth, hormonal changes, or significant weight loss. An examination assesses whether the appearance and the symptoms are linked to the reduced volume, and whether grafting your own fat tissue is a suitable procedure.
Is this for me?
Why the labia majora lose volume
The labia majora are the outer skin folds that cover and protect the inner structures of the external genitalia. Their volume comes largely from subcutaneous fat tissue. When that volume decreases, the skin can become more wrinkled and the labia minora more visible.
This is a common anatomical change, not necessarily a disease or an abnormality. The procedure can be considered when the patient wants to increase the volume, or when the reduced volume is linked to functional symptoms. There is no single appearance that the external genitalia are supposed to match.
After childbirth and with age
Pregnancy, childbirth, age, and hormonal changes can affect the volume of the fat tissue and the elasticity of the skin, but the extent of the change differs from woman to woman.
After significant weight loss
After significant weight loss, volume can decrease in this area as well, while the skin does not necessarily retract to the same degree. As a result, the labia majora can appear less full or more wrinkled.
Realistic expectations
What labia majora correction can change
The procedure increases the volume of the labia majora and can change their contour. The labia majora have a protective role, but friction, dryness, and sensitivity can have more than one cause. Augmentation can help only if the symptoms really are linked to the reduced volume and to the mechanical protection of this area.
The procedure is not intended to treat disease or thinning of the mucosa. If the main symptoms are dryness, stinging, or pain during intercourse, menopausal, dermatological, gynecological, or other changes need to be assessed first.
A realistic assessment
When augmentation may not be the right solution
When the main symptoms are dryness, stinging, and pain during intercourse. Dryness, stinging, and pain during intercourse after menopause are often linked to changes of the mucosa, but they can have other causes as well. Labia majora augmentation is not a primary treatment for these symptoms. A separate gynecological or other appropriate assessment is needed, after which the therapy is determined.
When there is a skin change that requires treatment. Skin conditions need to be diagnosed and treated before any aesthetic procedure, because they can cause symptoms and increase the risk of healing problems. The possibility of the procedure is reassessed once the condition has settled.
When your weight is still changing. Significant weight loss or pronounced fluctuations can change the volume of the grafted fat tissue and the final appearance. Expected changes in body weight therefore need to be taken into account when planning the procedure.
When the patient smokes. Smoking increases the risk of impaired healing and can reduce the survival of the grafted fat tissue. Before the procedure, stopping or temporarily pausing smoking needs to be discussed, following the physician’s instructions.
When a permanent, unchanging result is expected. It cannot be guaranteed that one stage will deliver the final volume, or that the appearance will not change over time. In some patients the result is satisfactory after a single procedure, while in others a second stage may be considered.
The examination can end with a recommendation for fat-tissue augmentation, another form of treatment, further workup, or the conclusion that the procedure is not indicated. The decision depends on the cause of the symptoms, the anatomical findings, the expectations, and the risks.
Why us
Why choose us for labia majora correction
A family polyclinic since 1998
the Polyclinic has been run by the Maletić family since its founding, with more than 27 years of work in aesthetic surgery
Volume is not the cause of every symptom
dryness, stinging, skin changes, and pain can require a different workup and treatment
Confidentiality of medical data
the consultation and documentation are handled in accordance with the rules of medical confidentiality and personal data protection
A named surgeon
the procedure is performed by Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, a specialist in surgery and urology
Grafting of your own fat tissue
fat tissue is taken from a suitable donor area, processed, and transferred into the labia majora
Part of the fat tissue can be resorbed
the final volume is assessed once the tissue has stabilized, and in some patients a second stage may be considered
How we work
What the procedure at Polyclinic Maletić looks like
Examination and assessment of the donor site
At the examination, the current volume of the labia majora, the quality of the skin, the cause of the symptoms, and the possible donor area are assessed. It needs to be established whether there is enough fat tissue to harvest, and the realistic extent of the change — and the possibility of partial resorption — are discussed.
Course of the procedure
As a rule, the procedure is performed under local tumescent anesthesia. Fat tissue is harvested by liposuction from the chosen donor area, processed, and then carefully injected into the labia majora. The goal is an even distribution of volume, but complete symmetry and the absence of irregularities cannot be guaranteed.
After recovery, the patient as a rule goes home with instructions on care, activity restrictions, and the signs that call for contacting the physician. A follow-up appointment is scheduled according to the recovery plan.
- Duration
- depends on the extent of the procedure and the donor area
- Anesthesia
- as a rule local tumescent, per the surgeon’s assessment
- Recovery
- a few days of rest; most of the swelling subsides over approximately 4–6 weeks
- Performed by
- Duško Maletić, MD, MSc
Honest about the result
How long the result lasts and why the procedure is sometimes repeated
The result changes after the procedure, because part of the grafted fat tissue can be resorbed, while the tissue that survives can last long-term.
Fat tissue that takes successfully can last long-term, but its volume can change with age and with changes in body weight. The final result is assessed after several months, once most of the swelling has subsided and the volume has stabilized.
If, after stabilization, the result is smaller than planned, a second stage can be considered.
Recovery
Recovery after the procedure
- The first few days — rest is recommended. Swelling, pain, bruising, and sensitivity can appear on the labia majora and in the donor area.
- The first week — the return to lighter daily activities depends on the extent of the procedure, the type of work, and the donor area. Friction and pressure on the operated area are avoided.
- Over approximately 4–6 weeks — most of the swelling gradually subsides, but the volume can still change.
- Return to sports and sexual activity — determined according to healing and the physician’s assessment.
- After several months — the stabilized volume and any need for a second stage are assessed.
Open about the risks
Possible risks and complications
Grafting fat tissue into the labia majora is a surgical procedure with possible risks and complications. The professional literature on its long-term outcomes is limited and based on a relatively small number of studies and patients.
- swelling, pain, bruising, and sensitivity of varying duration
- unpredictable breakdown of part of the grafted tissue, so the result can be smaller than expected
- nodules in the tissue and oil cysts, especially if too much volume is injected
- infection, as with any procedure
- asymmetry, if the tissue does not take equally on both sides
- excessive volume or an irregular contour if too much fat tissue is injected
- bruising and sensitivity at the donor site
When planning the volume, overfilling needs to be avoided, because its consequences can be harder to correct than a smaller initial result.
The result
What you see a few months later
Once most of the swelling has subsided and the volume has stabilized, the change in the contour of the labia majora, their relationship to the labia minora, and the quality of the skin are assessed. The extent of the change depends on the amount of surviving fat tissue and on the starting anatomy.
If the friction and discomfort were linked to the reduced volume and the mechanical protection of the area, the procedure can ease them. That functional effect is not the same in everyone and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Published case series record high satisfaction in a share of patients, but the number of studies and of women included is small. Those results therefore cannot be turned into a promise of an individual outcome.
The procedure increases the volume of the labia majora, can change their contour, and can reduce mechanical symptoms linked to the reduced volume. It does not treat changes of the mucosa and does not stop further tissue changes related to age, hormones, or weight.
Who we are
Who will be taking care of you
At Polyclinic Maletić, the procedure is performed by Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, a specialist in surgery and urology and co-founder of the Polyclinic. Both specializations matter when assessing the anatomical, aesthetic, and functional aspects of the procedure.
The Polyclinic was founded in 1998 and is run by the Maletić family. Throughout the examination, the procedure, and the recovery, the patient is accompanied by the Polyclinic’s medical team.
The consultation and your medical documentation are confidential and are handled in accordance with the rules of medical confidentiality and personal data protection.
Meet the whole team
Price
The price of labia majora correction in Croatia
The price is listed in our price list, where the procedure appears under the name labia majora augmentation with fat tissue. The amount is marked as the first stage, because once the volume has stabilized, an additional procedure may be considered in some patients.
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Labia majora augmentation with fat tissue (stage 1)
The listed price covers the first stage; the price of a possible second stage has not yet been confirmed. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia as standard, and the surcharge for general anesthesia is €500.00.
See the full price listIf the augmentation is combined with labiaplasty or another procedure, the overall extent, the anesthesia, the recovery, and the price need to be confirmed separately before scheduling an appointment.
A complete overview of prices is available in our price list. If you are not sure whether your problem is volume or something else, arrange an examination through the contact page or by phone, in Zagreb or Daruvar.
Related procedures in the same area are labiaplasty, that is, reduction of the labia minora, and mons pubis reduction. You can browse all the procedures of this pillar on the aesthetic surgery page.
Patient reviews
What our patients say
Reviews taken from our Google Business profiles, Zagreb and Daruvar, translated from Croatian.
★★★★★
“Since high school I watched the double chin I inherited from my father become more and more pronounced — and 15 years later, the double chin is gone. A big thank you to Dr. Maletić and the whole team for making my wish come true. The procedure was painless, as was the recovery, and the results were visible within just a few days. The entire team was exceptionally kind and cheerful, and the atmosphere very pleasant. I left the polyclinic satisfied, and when, two days after the swelling went down, I saw that the double chin was gone, my satisfaction knew no bounds. I warmly recommend Polyclinic Maletić.”
★★★★★
“My experience with breast augmentation with Dr. Maletić in Daruvar was excellent. I am extremely satisfied with the result. All the nurses are very kind and professional. I absolutely recommend them.”
★★★★★
“All praise for Polyclinic Maletić in Daruvar! I had lip augmentation with fillers and I am very satisfied with the result. I would especially like to praise Dr. Mario Bartol, who is exceptionally kind and professional and has a wonderful approach to patients, which made me feel comfortable and safe throughout the treatment. All the nurses are also very kind, accommodating, and professional. I warmly recommend them to anyone considering aesthetic treatments!”
★★★★★
“Laser acne treatment is the only treatment that helped me, and I would not choose any other facial treatment over it. Dr. Ines is one of the kindest people I have ever met and always has useful advice. Kind staff and a top-level service — I warmly recommend her to everyone!”
★★★★★
“I had a wart on my face removed by laser. A very professional service with excellent results. The wart was quite large, but after just one treatment it was gone. All recommendations!”
★★★★★
“I recently had a varicose vein procedure. All praise to the whole team.”
★★★★★
“Blepharoplasty, 4D laser, and double chin. Perfect. All recommendations!”
★★★★★
“My experience at Polyclinic Maletić in Daruvar was extremely positive. From the very beginning I was impressed by the professionalism and kindness of the entire staff. The doctors took the time to inform me in detail about all the procedures, which gave me a sense of security and trust. The whole team was exceptionally professional and attentive, and the result exceeded all my expectations. I would certainly recommend Polyclinic Maletić to anyone looking for quality, personalized healthcare.”
★★★★★
“I came to Dr. Maletić with a big problem and a lot of stress. I was met with such warm empathy and kindness, and with patience in answering all my questions. Thank you, Dr. Maletić, for your advice and sincere support. I know I can always turn to her for advice, and that means a lot to me. The staff of the Zagreb polyclinic are also very accommodating and kind. Thanks to them as well.”
★★★★★
“The best team of doctors, exceptionally professional and kind. I have been loyal to Polyclinic Maletić for more than 10 years and I am always satisfied with the results. Thank you.”
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
How long does the result of labia majora augmentation last?
Part of the grafted fat tissue can be resorbed during the first months, while the tissue that survives can last long-term. The exact percentage of retention cannot be predicted in advance, because it depends on the technique, the blood supply, the healing, weight changes, and the individual properties of the tissue. The final volume is assessed after several months.
Why is the procedure sometimes repeated?
Part of the grafted fat tissue can be resorbed, so the final volume can be smaller than the initial one. If, once the result has stabilized, an additional correction is judged necessary, a second stage can be considered. The recommended interval between the two procedures and the price of the second stage need to be confirmed with the Polyclinic.
Does labia majora correction hurt?
As a rule, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia to keep pain during the operation to a minimum. After the procedure, pain, sensitivity, bruising, and swelling can appear on the labia majora and in the donor area. Painkillers are taken as instructed by your physician.
How long is the recovery, and when can I return to intercourse?
Rest is recommended during the first few days, and the return to lighter daily activities depends on the extent of the procedure, the donor area, and the type of work. Most of the swelling can subside over four to six weeks. The return to sports and sexual activity is determined according to healing and the physician’s assessment.
Will people be able to tell I had something done?
The goal is a moderate increase in volume that matches the patient’s anatomy, but the final appearance cannot be fully predicted. Immediately after the procedure the area is swollen and can look fuller than it will once things stabilize. The extent of the change is planned before the procedure, with the explanation that complete symmetry is not guaranteed.
Will the augmentation solve dryness and stinging?
Labia majora augmentation is not a primary treatment for dryness, stinging, or pain during intercourse. Those symptoms can be linked to menopausal changes of the mucosa, a skin condition, an infection, or another condition, and they require a separate assessment. Further treatment is determined according to the established cause.
Can the procedure be combined with labia minora reduction?
Labia majora augmentation can be combined with labiaplasty if there is a separate indication for each procedure. The overall extent, the anesthesia, the recovery, and the price are determined according to the combined surgical plan.