The tabloid newspapers will often make headlines out of the latest celebrity cosmetic surgery procedures, and if we have learnt one thing, is that even the vulva and vagina may go under the surgeon’s knife.
From the Kardashian sisters openly discussing getting laser vaginal treatment to Sharon Osborne talking about her vaginal tightening procedure, and glamour models getting a vaginal lift to boost their careers, it’s clear that cosmetic treatments below the belt are becoming commonplace.
It’s also a trend that had gained popularity with non-celebs too. Labiaplasty, also known as a ‘designer vagina’, and involves surgically altering the labia, has seen a 53 per cent increase in procedures in the US between 2013 and 2018, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
However, there are other reasons beyond aesthetics as to why labiaplasty has gained such popularity over the years. The growing trend might be due to an increase in awareness and conversation about vaginal health. For many generations, vaginal health has been considered taboo, and procedures and options for care for female genitalia weren’t available.
Regardless of the exact reasons behind the trend, vaginal health and plastic surgery in and around the vaginal area are getting more attention than ever before.
So, what is labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is typically an aesthetic procedure, but it can also be functional, as we will discuss below. Surgery, in most cases, alters the labia minora, the inner lips of the vagina, but it can also involve altering the out lips too.
The surgeon shortens the labia to remove excess tissue, which could be causing problems for the patient, either for aesthetic reasons, or more functional ones, such as it gets in the way during sex or exercise.
Most of the reasons for undergoing labiaplasty are aesthetic as opposed to medical necessity. Let’s have a look at a few of the reasons.
Dissatisfaction with the appearance of the labia
This is the most common reason for labiaplasty. Women may feel embarrassed or have a lack of confidence due to how their labia looks, especially during sex. For the majority of women, the labia minora hang lower than the labia majora, which is completely normal, but may not meet the narrow beauty standards that women see in the media.
Discomfort
Having a larger or longer labia could cause functional problems for some patients, including discomfort while riding a bike or even while wearing underwear.
Pain during sex
Aside from discomfort due to a lack of confidence, an enlarged or longer labia could interfere with sex, and be quite painful, or at least rather uncomfortable. Reducing the size of the labia can improve sexual function.
Cancers or pre-cancerous conditions
One medical reason for a labia reconstruction might involve having to remove part of the labia that contains cancer cells in the vaginal area. Cancers or pre-cancerous conditions that can grow there might require excisions.
If you’re considering labia minora reduction surgery in London, book a consultation today.
