They’ve dropped, and they seem to be sagging.
Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs have gained a lot of attention for their effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes symptoms and assisting with weight loss. In fact, recent studies indicate that around 4% of Americans were using these medications last year.
As GLP-1 usage has become more common, concerns about potential risks and side effects are also on the rise. One emerging issue is what’s being dubbed “Ozempic Vulva” or “Ozempic Vagina.”
“Rapid weight loss can lead to noticeable sagging, looseness, and wrinkling of the skin throughout the body,” said Dr. Shelley Ross, an ob-gyn from Santa Monica, California, who has written extensively on women’s health.
“Visible skin changes can occur in all areas of the body due to significant weight loss,” she remarked.
The vagina consists of two sets of “lips” or skin folds: the Labia Majora, which are larger and external, and the Labia Minora, which are smaller and internal.
These folds extend from the pubic bone, which has a rounded, fatty area above it.
Some users of GLP-1 medications have noted that their weight loss seems to have led to a reduction in their labia size, giving it an appearance that suggests aging or contraction.
In some cases, procedures like bulking the labia can help. This approach often involves using dermal fillers or fat grafts to restore fullness.
Dr. Michael Taheley, a board-certified ob-gyn in Los Angeles, mentions that the fillers used for labial enhancement is typically similar to facial fillers. These small injections can last around eight months, and there’s usually no recovery time required.
With fat grafting, doctors inject small amounts of fat from the patient’s thighs or abdomen into the labia.
“The benefit of this method is that there’s no rejection risk since it utilizes the patient’s own fat,” Dr. Taheley explains. “However, fat can be reabsorbed by the body over time.”
Lipoplasty procedures can also help restore tightness and provide relief by reinforcing the vaginal canal.
Dr. Justin Perron, an Australian plastic surgeon, notes that the rise in GLP-1 drug usage has led to increased requests for vaginal rejuvenation consultations.
“I see these requests several times a week,” he stated, emphasizing the trend.
Aside from physical changes like these, GLP-1 drugs can also cause abnormal side effects, suppressing appetite by mimicking hormones that are naturally released after eating. Common reactions include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
