Cosmetic surgery for the vagina
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
