A wave of women are reportedly shelling out thousands to fix an unexpected side effect of rapid weight loss caused by drugs like Ozempic.
Known online as “Ozempic vagina,” the condition refers to changes in the appearance and feel of the vulva that some women say occurred after using GLP-1 medications, which also include Wegovy or Mounjaro.
These drugs, originally designed for Type 2 diabetes, have soared in popularity for their dramatic weight-loss results, especially among Hollywood elites. But for some women, the transformation hasn’t just been skin-deep.
What Is 'Ozempic Vagina'?
While the term isn’t recognized by pharmaceutical companies, some women claim they’ve experienced sagging, discomfort, and loss of fullness in the vulva area after shedding weight on these medications.
“In some women who take Ozempic, the rapid weight loss that occurs throughout the body may result in visible sagging of the labia or vagina because of overall fat and volume loss,” explained Dr Michael Tahery.
“It’s also common for rapid weight loss to cause the labia to suddenly feel out of proportion compared to how it previously felt," he added.
One Reddit user recounted a gynecologist’s warning that her “vulva is saggy,” and she would continue experiencing pain while sitting or biking unless she opted for surgery or fillers.
Other reported changes include altered discharge, odor, less lubrication, increased vaginal infections, decreased pelvic floor strength, and even changes to the menstrual cycle.
However, it’s the physical deflation of the labia majora that appears to be prompting the most urgent cosmetic concern.
Labia Puffing
To combat the visible side effects, many women are undergoing a non-invasive procedure called labia puffing.
The treatment, which dates back to the 2000s, uses hyaluronic acid or fat injections to restore volume and plumpness to the labia majora, Metro reported.
Dr Shazia Malik, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, said: “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.”
Plastic surgeon Dr Dan Marsh explained the rise in demand: “When you have a lot of fat loss, the labia becomes empty and stretched, much like when people lose weight and are left with excess skin. It’s causing an increase in patients seeking ways to fix issues of excess skin, especially over the last 12 months.”
Surgeon Dr Gerard Lambe said he’s seen a 20% spike in enquiries. “I performed 42 labia puffing procedures last year. Most were combined with a labiaplasty, but increasingly many women simply desire the filler option on its own,” he said.
While motivations vary, Lambe emphasized that it’s rarely about vanity: “Most women tell me they’re opting for the procedure to feel physically better and more comfortable, not to please a partner.”
Labia puffing typically starts at around $2,000 and can go higher depending on the amount of filler used or whether it’s combined with labiaplasty. In the UK, Dr Lambe charges up to £500 per ml of filler.
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Risks and Rewards
The benefits, according to experts, include enhanced confidence, improved comfort, and a return to pre-weight-loss proportions.
For women dealing with chafing or insecurity due to sagging, the results can be life-changing.
But there are risks as Dr Malik warned: “The most common risks include swelling, bruising, and irritation at the injection site. Allergic reactions to the filler material, though rare, can also happen. Some patients may generally experience mild discomfort.”
There’s also a risk of overfilling, lump formation, or asymmetry if not performed correctly. “Choosing a qualified practitioner can help minimise these risks,” they said.
Social pressure also plays a significant role. Cosmetic surgery centers now pitch labia puffing as a way to maintain a “youthful appearance,” while media and porn reinforce unrealistic beauty standards.
Studies have shown that even girls as young as 13 are worrying about the appearance of their vulvas.
“There is no ‘perfect’ or ‘ideal’ appearance for genitalia - just as with any other body part, every vagina is unique,” Dr Malik said.
Still, experts say the most important thing is that any procedure be a personal choice. “Labia puffing is a personal decision, and like any cosmetic procedure, it should be approached with careful consideration,” Dr Malik added. “Seek it for your own reasons - not because of societal pressures.”
Podcast host Caitlin from The Weekly Breakdown echoed the sentiment: “I’m all for any kind of modification, as long as it’s coming from a place of ‘for me’.”