Ask Bonnie

Cosmetic surgery can reshape your nose, transform your figure, erase wrinkles and sags, and even change the appearance of your vagina. “Vaginal rejuvenation” is a controversial cosmetic surgery aimed at improving the look of the vagina.

An array of procedures are available, including tightening vaginal muscles, reshaping asymmetrical labia minora, trimming the labia minora so the tissue doesn’t extend past the outer lips, transplanting fat to the labia majora to give them a more youthful appearance, and removing unwanted fat from the mons pubis and upper parts of the labia majora with liposuction.

These procedures aren’t to be confused with traditional gynecologic surgeries that are performed to correct abnormalities stemming from scarring or birth defects or to treat bladder or rectal problems that sometimes occur in women who have had multiple childbirths. Unlike vaginal surgeries that are medically necessary to minimize pain or discomfort, vaginal rejuvenation is marketed to women who want to change the appearance of their genitals. Some doctors who perform vaginal rejuvenation state that it also enhances sexual function, but there is no scientific data to back up these claims.

The idea of advertising surgery to “improve” the aesthetics of a vagina upsets people who feel that this is just another way to make money off of the insecurities of some women. The list of critics includes women’s advocates, as well as many physicians and gynecologic surgeons, who question what “ideal” female genitals look like. “There is no standard of beauty here,” says Dr. Alan Altman, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a medical editor of this Special Health Report. “Appearances of the outer genitals vary from woman to woman. And who is to say what normal is? It’s an outrageous procedure.”

Critics also point out that the procedures are costly (ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 or more) and not without risks, including the possibility of nerve damage and painful scarring. For those reasons, vaginal surgeries are best left for women who really need them.

source: Harvard Health Publications

Love grey. Grey walls. Grey clothes. Grey cars. No melancholy tendencies here, I just find it plain comforting, and classy. And paired with summer white jeans they are a solid trend.

Looks like there’s a realm of celebs that also think warm grey with crisp white is a good summer trend. Get a kimono sleeve sweater like J-Lo’s at bananarepublic.com. Nab a simple cardigan like Hilary’s at urbanoutfitters.com, or belted like Kate Middelton’s pick.

Aug. 3-5 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Thomas the Tank and his engine friends pull together to prepare the railroad for Sodor’s Magic Lantern Festival in Thomas Saves the Day, the international debut for these choo-choo characters. The performance invites preschoolers and their families to enter a world of imagination and adventure through storytelling and songs that encourage discovery, friendship and cooperation. Shows are at the Au-Rene Theatre of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Aug. 3, 7 p.m.; Aug. 4 and 5, 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m. Tickets, $36; lap seats for children 10 months and younger, $10. www.browardcenter.org, or call Broward Center’s Box Office, 954-462-0222.

For some time now, we’ve noticed the voracious appetite many celebs have for loading their arms up with bangles and bracelets. In particular, chicks like Lindsay (seen here), Reese, and Mischa, have demonstrated a loyalty and enthusiasm for Chanel and Hermes wrist adornments that appears to be unflagging. While impressed by their dedication, the cost of attempting to replicate this look is exhausting—or so we thought!

As Lindsay demonstrates here, Chanel’s skinny resin/metal bracelets from the Cruise collection are simply delightful (six different colors, from $330-$1950, at select Chanel boutiques, 800-550-0005) and Hermes’ enamel options are new classics (narrow H Bracelet, $455, hermes.com). So naturally we were pleased to find affordable versions that are clearly inspired by their haute cousins.

1. Yellow and Kelly Green Enamel Bangles by A.V. Max. ($25 each, avmaxaccessories.com)
These bracelets are 22k gold-plated, 3/8’’ wide, and come in seven colors: purple, red, gold, peacock blue, black, white, and kelly green. If you like, you can also purchase bangle sets, featuring an enamel color of your choice paired with two, plain, goldtone bangles. ($48, shoptwigs.com)

2. Purple Wide Enamel Bangle by A. V. Max. ($45, avmaxaccessories.com)
If you need a little more bang(le) for your buck, go for the wide version of A.V. Max’s simple bracelet.

3. Leather Screw Bracelets by CC Skye. ($140, maxandchloe.com)
We think these leather and gold plate pieces look like an inexpensive hybrid of Cartier’s Love Bracelet ($2975 for 18k yellow gold, cartier.com) and Hermes’ Bracelet Looping ($455, hermes.com). The bracelet has a buckle closure and is available in orange, green, and black.

4. Legacy Stripe Bangle by Coach ($98, coach.com)
This enamel, brass, and gold plate bangle was created in homage to Coach’s Legacy prints. It also comes in three different widths, so there’s a version for any wrist.

5. Solid Turnlock Bangle by Coach ($128, coach.com)
Coach’s bangle is made of palladium and enamel—like the Hermes version. The lock detailing is a nod to another Hermes favorite, the Kelly Double Tour bracelet ($345, hermes.com ).

source: www.WhoWhatWearDaily.com