Glossary L

Labia Majora
The labia majora are lip-like structures comprised mostly of skin and adipose tissue, which extend on either side of the vulva, and after puberty are naturally covered with pubic hair. When standing or with the legs together, they usually entirely or partially cover the other parts of the vulva. The color of the outside skin of the labia majora is usually close to the overall skin color of the individual, although there is considerable variation.

Labia Minora
The labia minora (obsolete: nymphae) are two soft folds of skin within the labia majora and to either side of the opening of the vagina. The clitoris is anterior to the vulva where the labia minora meet superiorly. The visible tip of the clitoris, the clitoral glans, is entirely or partially covered by a "hood" of tissue (the clitoral hood).

Labiaplasty
Surgery that changes the shape and size of the labia minora and/or labia majora, most often making the labia minora (or inner lips) smaller. This may be done using different techniques. The procedure is done using a local anesthetic and on an outpatient basis.
Labiaplasty may be undertaken for functional reasons, aesthetic reasons, or a combination of the two. The procedure is frequently performed to reduce the size of one or both sets of labia. It may also be used to repair the labia following disease or injury, especially from childbirth. A hoodectomy may be performed to expose the clitoris in order to address clitoral phimosis. Hoodectomy is sometimes used to address sexual dysfunction such as lack of orgasm

Lipoplasty
See liposuction

Lipostructure
A fat grafting technique, used to restore the fullness that is lost due to aging. It  can be used to rejuvenate and enhance all areas of the face including the chin, nose, neck, jawline, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, brow, upper eyelids, temples, lips, breasts, buttocks, and areas of the lower body.

Liposuction
A procedure that removes excess fat through a suctioning process. Although liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, it is a way of changing the body's shape and contour.