ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com

Cosmetic gynecology is no longer taboo and has become a hot topic among plastic surgeons in the last few years. In fact, cosmetic gynecology is one of the fastest growing segments in cosmetic surgery today.

Most common procedure in cosmetic gynecology

Vaginal rejuvenation surgeries such as labia reduction surgery known as labiaplasty, are becoming increasingly popular, according to the AmericanHealthAndBeauty.com. Dr. Christine Hamori, a board certified plastic surgeon from Boston says, one of the reasons behind this growing trend is current styles in fashion and the media depicting celebrities in sheer undergarments.

Dr. Hamori says more and more women are coming into her office and requesting an alteration to the appearance of their labia.  Hamori says, many women don’t want any of the inner labia extending beyond the outer labia.  She says this sagging process can result from a number of things including childbirth, weight gain or loss and the sagging that occurs naturally with age. “Many women who are bothered by this condition say they feel sexually incompetent,” according to Hamori.

Cosmetic reasons are not the only reason this segment of plastic surgery is growing.

Hamori says, women will undergo labiaplasty for daily life functioning reasons, such as discomfort when wearing tight-fitting clothing, when exercising or during intercourse.

“The treatment is basically trimming a small amount of the labia minora, so that it doesn’t show much beyond the labia majora,” says Hamori.  She says, another option for older or peri-menapausal women is to inflate the labia majora.  “As we age, just like the face loses weight, your labia majora deflates,” states Hamori.  She says in order to build up the labia majora we can use injectables to puff up the area. Some of the injectables Hamori uses are Sculptra and Radiesse.  Hamori says, “This gives women who are concerned about this area more confidence and can affect their emotions and their intimate relationships.”

Because this is a relatively new field of plastic surgery, Hamori advises that anyone who is considering a procedure of this type should first consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who is well-trained and regularly performs these types of procedures.

In recent years, however, more and more women have sought labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons, which has sparked some controversy both inside and outside the medical profession. Opponents of cosmetic labiaplasty argue that plastic surgery to improve the appearance of the labia provides unwarranted exposure to the inherent risks of cosmetic surgery, especially since there are no “ideal” labia and varying appearances are normal.

Who can get a labiaplasty?

Labia surgery is for women who have large or asymmetrical labia or related issues. Labiaplasty reduces the outward appearance of the labia or corrects misshapen or irregular labia. The best candidates for labiaplasty are women who experience sexual dysfunction, embarrassment, or pain.

Risks of Labiaplasty
The risks involved in labiaplasty are many, and probably long-term, since most patients seeking labiaplasty are relatively young.   The resulting scar tissue at the opening of the vagina may subsequently cause complications and trauma during childbirth. Also, dyspareunia (medically- or psychologically-induced painful sexual intercourse), modified sensation, and infection may occur.

Before Arriving at a Decision
Women are strongly advised to study the matter very carefully before making a delicate move like having a labiaplasty. They should get advice from different competent, highly reliable sources. Very few surgeons are skilled enough to undertake this intricate procedure with good results. It is important for patients  considering labiaplasty to find highly trained and experienced in female genital cosmetic surgery.