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The female body is remarkable in its ability to adapt, stretching, softening, and reshaping itself through the maturation process. Our bodies exhibit extraordinary resilience, from childbirth to menopause.
Yet the passage of time brings undeniable changes. As we move through the seasons of life, tissues naturally lose elasticity, hormonal shifts restructure the body, and intimate areas can reflect these transformations in ways that feel foreign.
Many women notice that their labia no longer hold the same volume, that skin seems less supple, or that internal vaginal tissues feel drier than in previous years. These gradual changes can be cosmetic; but they also intersect with function and sexual experience.
Part of this is due to shifts in collagen production, a structural protein that underpins the integrity, elasticity, and hydration of tissues throughout the body, including the vaginal walls.
The Substance of Elasticity
Collagen is the scaffolding that keeps our tissues resilient. It provides structural support, maintains elasticity, and helps retain moisture. While collagen is found throughout the body, vaginal collagen has specialized functions: it supports the smooth muscle and mucosal layers, maintains the rugae (the natural folds of the vulva), and plays a pivotal role in natural lubrication.
Collagen supports the membranes responsible for producing cervical mucus, the secretions most familiar in sexual response but that also contribute to vaginal health. When there is a dip in estrogen levels, collagen production slows, affecting the vaginal wall’s firmness, hydration, and the mechanics of pleasure. After age 40, even the deeper muscular layer of the vaginal wall starts to lose some collagen.
Collagen itself comes in different “types”: some lend strength and support, while others affect flexibility and stretch. As we age, the balance shifts toward the stronger, less flexible type, which can make vaginal tissue stiffer, less elastic, and drier. The body’s inclination to favor one type over the other as we age contributes to functional changes that result in sexual discomfort, vaginal dryness, loss of volume and firmness in the labia majora (the outer lips), and changes in the natural contours of intimate tissues.¹
Estrogen also supports adequate blood supply to the vaginal mucosa; a healthy blood supply maintains lubrication and stimulates collagen synthesis. Without sufficient estrogen, collagen depletion accelerates, leading to the sensations and changes that become unmistakably noticeable over time.²
Plump Up the Volume
No one can turn back the pages of time, but science and technology can make it feel like you did.
The Labial Puff is a minimally invasive procedure designed to replenish volume and restore the contours of the labia that may have lost fullness due to aging, childbirth, hormonal fluctuations, or weight changes. It’s designed to improve sagging or a loss of volume in the labia majora; create a more defined, plump appearance; reduce the prominence of the labia minora (the inner lips); and balance asymmetry between the outer lips. Using hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, the process gently replenishes tissue, creating a nourished, healthy, and rejuvenated appearance.
The treatment itself is straightforward and quick. A topical anesthetic is applied to the area, sometimes paired with a local injection, to minimize discomfort during the filler placement. Most sessions take between 10 and 30 minutes and require minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their daily activities almost immediately.
Patients typically notice an immediate effect: the labial tissues appear fuller, smoother, and more hydrated right after the procedure. Results generally last 9-12 months, though individual metabolism may influence longevity, and touch-ups can be performed as needed.
Direct pressure on the treated area should be avoided for 2-3 days after the procedure, allowing the tissue to settle and heal. This is an ideal window to indulge in self-care; take a day or two to relax, unwind, and de-stress. Physical and emotional stress can trigger an inflammatory cascade, and using this time to reduce it can do wonders for the body overall.
Lifestyle Mitigation
You can help mitigate the effects of aging and reinforce clinical results with, you guessed it, healthy lifestyle habits.
Collagen synthesis requires nutrients like vitamin C, antioxidants, and amino acids. A diet rich in citrus fruits, berries, eggs, beans, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains like quinoa supply the building blocks your body needs to stave off the aging process and amplify the benefits of collagen-enhancing treatments.
When you aren’t feeling as confident with your intimate spaces as you once did, this next part may sound counterintuitive or unexpected, but regular sexual activity can have a positive rebound effect. Engaging in pleasure, shared or solo, feels good in more ways than one: it promotes blood flow, helps maintain vaginal elasticity, and stimulates natural lubrication. Pelvic floor exercises can also support structural integrity and improve overall function.
Along with some additions to your lifestyle, some subtractions can also minimize the acceleration of collagen loss. Smoking, excessive sun exposure, and high caffeine intake can speed up collagen breakdown; moderating these factors preserves the integrity of vaginal tissues and maximizes the longevity of rejuvenation procedures.
Harsh soaps, heavily perfumed products, and some commercial lubricants or gels can disrupt the intricate vaginal ecosystem. Opt for mild, pH-balanced, and fragrance-free products to protect delicate tissues, especially following the Labial Puff procedure.
The natural decline in vaginal collagen and labial volume is, unfortunately, a normal part of aging and childbearing for some women. But it doesn’t have to define your intimate experience. A holistic approach can help you feel your best in a way that is both functional and aesthetically satisfying.
The team at Aayla Sexual Wellness and Aesthetics brings science, technology, and compassion to the forefront of feminine health. If you’re ready to reclaim your contours, revitalize your intimate tissues, and enjoy sex again, a consultation can help determine if Labial Puff is right for you.
References:
- 1Xiao, Z., Zhou, L., Wu, J., Yang, S., Wu, Y., Zhang, P., Li, A., Tang, A., Sang, N., & Yang, J. (2025). Age-Associated Collagen Remodeling in Vaginal Tissue: A Histomorphometric Analysis. Aesthetic surgery journal, sjaf157. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaf157.
- Naumova, I., & Castelo-Branco, C. (2018). Current treatment options for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy. International journal of women’s health, 10, 387–395. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S158913.