By Dr. Courtenay Poucher, MD, FACOG, certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the National Society of Cosmetic Physicians

Thanks for your question and for being honest about what’s bothering you. A lot of people feel self-conscious about the appearance of their labia or other external anatomy, so you’re definitely not alone in wondering about this.

That said, it’s important to understand what ThermiVa is designed to do – and what it is not designed to do.

ThermiVa is a non-surgical radiofrequency treatment that gently heats the tissues of the vulva and vagina. It can improve tissue firmness and elasticity; sensation and blood flow; mild laxity of the internal tissues; and offer some support for mild incontinence.

Patients sometimes also notice improved appearance of the labia because increased collagen and tissue tone can subtly change the look of the area. But these effects are usually modest and not the primary goal of the procedure.

ThermiVa is not a cosmetic surgical procedure. So, it will not reshape or reduce the labia minora or labia majora; it will not remove tissue; and it will not directly change the fundamental anatomy of an “outie” appearance.

In other words, Thermiva can enhance tissue quality and texture, but it won’t give the same kind of structural, visible change that a surgical labia minoraplasty or labia majoraplasty would.

For concerns about the size, shape or unevenness of external anatomy, such as labia that protrude in a way that bothers you, a minimally-invasive, in-office labiaplasty is typically the most effective option. This procedure is specifically designed to reshape and reduce external tissue according to the outcome you and your surgeon agree upon.

At Labiaplasty Center of Los Angeles, I aim for results that are natural-looking and tailored to each person’s anatomy and goals. During a consultation, we can discuss what you want to change, why it bothers you and the surgical methods best suited to help you achieve your goals.

Lastly, let’s address that you are 26 with no childbirth history. True anatomical looseness from sex alone is uncommon but not unheard of. At any age there is the possibility of hormonal-based laxity. Sexual activity does not typically stretch the tissues in a way that causes incontinence or structural laxity. That said, symptoms matter more than generalizations – so your experience is valid and worth a visit with a specialist.

Do you have a question about non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty or other intimate surgeries you’d like answered by Los Angeles labiaplasty specialist Dr. Courtenay Poucher? Use our contact form to connect with us. We will answer as many questions via our blog as time allows.