Here’s what you should know about labiaplasty surgery
What is a Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the size or shape of the inner or outer vaginal lips. People opt for it to address physical discomfort, emotional distress, or aesthetic concerns related to the appearance of the genital area.
Many women, consider labiaplasty when they experience discomfort during physical activities or sexual intercourse due to enlarged or asymmetrical labia.
Besides dealing with physical discomfort, some women choose labiaplasty to make their genital appearance more balanced or attractive. This desire for a better look can come from what society considers beautiful, cultural beliefs, and personal preferences. Deciding to have labiaplasty isn’t simple—it’s influenced by how someone feels physically, what they think looks good, societal pressures, cultural background, and advice from doctors.
For many, feeling uncomfortable or not liking how their genitalia look can really affect how they feel about themselves, their body image, and their relationships. So, they may see labiaplasty as a way to improve their overall happiness and confidence.
A Growing Trend
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of labiaplasty procedures performed worldwide.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “In the United States, for example, 18,813 labiaplasty procedures were reported in 2021, a 36% increase from 2020.3 From a global perspective, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 164,667 labiaplasties were reported in 2020, a 73% increase from 2015.4,5 There has also been growth in the volume of research conducted in the field of labiaplasty, particularly concerning the motivating and influencing factors for the procedure, as well as its safety and efficacy.”
This trend can be attributed to several factors, including increased awareness and acceptance of cosmetic genital procedures, advancements in surgical techniques, and greater accessibility to plastic surgeons specializing in genital aesthetics. The internet and social media make it easier for people to find information and connect with others who have similar concerns about their private parts. This makes them more likely to consider surgery to fix what they see as flaws.
Body Image and Labiaplasty
The decision to undergo labiaplasty is often influenced by body image concerns and social expectations about genital appearance. Many people feel self-conscious or unhappy about the size, shape, or evenness of their labia, which can really affect how they see themselves and their relationships. Unrealistic ideas of what “perfect” genitals should look like, shown in the media and talked about in society, can make people feel like they don’t measure up. This can push them to consider surgery like labiaplasty to match what they think is ideal and feel better about themselves. It’s important to understand how our own ideas of beauty, what society says is normal, and the pressure we feel all play into the choice to have labiaplasty.
Medical vs. Cosmetic Reasons for Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty can be performed for both medical and cosmetic reasons, each with different motivations and considerations. Medical indications for labiaplasty include physical discomfort, pain during sexual intercourse, recurrent infections, or hygiene issues resulting from enlarged or hypertrophic labia minora. In such cases, labiaplasty helps improve overall genital health and function.
“There’s a variety of shapes and sizes of labia minora, for some women the visual aspect might be uncomfortable or might cause some sort of insecurity which may have repercussions when it comes to wearing some type of garment or intimate clothing. The more tissue there is, the more irritation it generates when wearing tight clothing or when doing activities such as cycling, riding a motorcycle, etc. It’s not only the aesthetic aspect that might bother but also the functional part of it.” States Dr. Saldaña.
Cosmetic labiaplasty is done mainly for aesthetic purposes, such as improving the appearance of the genital area, achieving symmetry between the labia minora, or reducing the size of the labial tissue. Cosmetic labiaplasty is driven by personal preferences, cultural influences, and beauty standards rather than medical necessity. It’s crucial to know the difference between doing it for health reasons or just for appearance. It’s important to have a thorough medical evaluation and counseling to make sure you choose the right treatment and get the best results from surgery.
