Labia surgery warning after weight loss drug side-effect leads to surge

An urgent warning has been issued by doctors to anyone considering labia surgery after enduring a niche side effect of weight loss drugs known as 'Ozempic vulva'.

For those in need of a reminder, the medication - which is traditionally prescribed to individuals battling type 2 diabetes - contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a type of GLP-1 agonist which reduces appetite and slows down digestion.

As such, its propensity to increase the feeling of fullness and reduce calorie intake has made the drug increasingly popular with those attempting to shift a few pounds - including a horde of huge-name stars.

Being a particularly new 'hack' to members of the weight loss community, however, new side effects to Ozempic are still emerging each and everyday, including one nicknamed 'Ozempic vulva'.

Complaints have been made about 'Ozempic vulva' (Getty Stock Image)

According to Metro, hundreds of thousands of female Ozempic users have complained about changes to the shapes and sizes of the genitalia as a result of the weight loss drug.

"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," plastic surgeon Dan Marsh told the publication this week.

"It’s causing an increase in patients seeking ways to fix issues of excess skin, especially over the last 12 months."

As such, he says, a number of these women have been researching the pros and cons of a process known as labia puffing, which uses dermal fillers (like those used in lip filling procedures) used to plump up the outer lips of the vulva.

Dr Shazia Malik - a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist for The Portland Hospital - also told the news outlet: "The minimally invasive procedure is designed to enhance appearance by increasing fullness, smoothness, and symmetry."

"The procedure is most sought after by women looking to regain a youthful, fuller appearance due to age, weight loss, or childbirth."

Labia surgeries are reportedly becoming increasingly common (Getty Stock Image)

Malik continued: "Many women seek the procedure to address perceived imperfections or asymmetry. Aside from aesthetic improvement, labia puffing can also increase confidence, particularly in intimate situations."

The issue she raises, however, is the message that commonplace labia puffing procedures conveys with regards to young women and their bodies, with a University of Melbourne study finding that girls as young as 13 are concerned about the aesthetics of their genitalia already.

"There is no 'perfect' or 'ideal' appearance for genitalia," Malik continues. "Just as with any other body part, every vagina is unique.

"Most concerns about vaginal appearance stem from societal pressures and misinformation, not actual issues."

She went on to emphasise: "Labia puffing is a personal choice, and like any cosmetic procedure, it should be approached with careful consideration.

"While it can offer aesthetic benefits and boost confidence, it’s important you seek procedures for your own reasons and not because of societal pressures or unrealistic expectations."

The surgery has reportedly surged in popularity (Getty Stock Image)

As Malik points out, however, there are also a number of physical risks to the procedure.

"The most common risks include swelling, bruising, and irritation at the injection site," the doctor explained.

"Allergic reactions to the filler material, though rare, can also happen, and some patients may generally experience mild discomfort."

She also emphasised the risks of filler 'shifting' or 'forming lumps', which could lead to an unnatural appearance.

A spokesperson for Ozempic's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, told LADbible Group in a statement on 'Ozempic vulva': "Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. We continuously collect safety data on our marketed GLP-1 RA medicines and work closely with the authorities to ensure patient safety.

"We recommend patients take these medications only for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Treatment decisions should be made together with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the appropriateness of using a GLP-1 based on assessment of a patient’s individual medical profile.

"We recommend that any UK patient experiencing side effects while taking GLP receptor agonists including Wegovy®▼ or Ozempic® report them to their healthcare provider and via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/."