Demand for female genital aesthetic surgery has traditionally been limited, but women are now enlisting surgeons to improve the appearance of their intimate parts in unprecedented numbers. What recent change is causing the fairer sex to notice, and to care?
The growing popularity of labiaplasty and other procedures is attributed to three trends. First, shaving and removal of pubic hair show more details of the female anatomy. Second, fashions show more skin, increasing self-awareness. Third, athletic engagement among women is more frequent and at a higher level, and competitors want to avoid distraction and discomfort that interferes with performance. Widespread distribution of pornographic media is a debatable fourth possible contributing factor, exposing the vulva and setting standards of appearance.
Because there is a wide range of normal labial size and shape, labiaplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, a good outcome has important functional benefits as well. Scientific studies have proven that confidence in one’s genital appearance improves sexual response for both men and women. If a specific result is desired, clearly communicate this to the surgeon in advance to avoid disappointment.
Labiaplasty to trim excess bulk and length of the inner lips, reduction of the skin fold covering the clitoris, and labia majora procedures are now commonly performed under local anesthesia in the surgeon’s office with quick recovery and reliably good results. The primary caution to both doctor and patient is to avoid removing too much: it is much easier to return for minor adjustment and to remove more than to replace or reconstruct these delicate specialized structures. Near-total removal of the labia minora however, provided vulvar appearance remains normal, is unlikely to interfere with the sexual experience.
Labiaplasty surgeon are expert resources for women considering labiaplasty and/or vulvovaginal aesthetic procedures. The entire discipline of plastic surgery is focused on the application of advanced techniques to variable anatomy for transforming appearance toward the desired outcome while preserving or enhancing function.
