Why more women are getting surgery to change the appearance of their vulva (and what risks they face)

People are increasingly seeking surgery to change the appearance of their vulva.

According to a survey by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS), labiaplasty, a procedure known as femtoplasty to reduce the size of the labia minora, has increased 33 percent worldwide in the past three years.

There has also been a 20% increase in the number of patients undergoing “vaginal rejuvenation” over the past two years, a term that covers a combination of procedures that can be surgical or nonsurgical. This includes the reduction and lowering of the vaginal lips.

ISAPS also reported that for two years now, Brazil remains the leading country for intimate procedures, also known as “vaginal surgery,” although the most procedures are performed on the vulva (the name for the outside of the female genitals, which has a cavity inside, the vagina).

“Brazilian women are very conscious of their appearance and, culturally, are more inclined to undergo plastic surgery,” said surgeon Renata Magalhães, a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgeons (SBCP).

The rise of these surgeries has led some to say they are another form of aesthetic pressure placed on women.which specifies the ideal size, shape, and color of the vulva.

Pornography and social media may influence searches for changes to vaginal lips, an Australian study has found.

Meanwhile, professionals and patients who perform the procedure insist it can be a way to improve the well-being of those who are dissatisfied, although they recognise that the “perfect” vulva is a myth.

The NHS, England’s public health system, stresses that “it is completely normal to have noticeable folds of skin around the vaginal opening.” The system also warns that labiaplasty carries risks and that “the results will not necessarily lead to a better relationship with your body”.

Labiaplasty is the most common type of female genital cosmetic surgery and one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed. According to ISAPS, the fastest growth is among young people worldwide.

This surgery reshapes the labia minora and/or labia majora, which are the folds of skin on either side of the vaginal opening, commonly called the labia.

The NHS warns that the procedure should not be performed on girls under 18 because the lips are still developing after puberty.

Renata Magalhães, a surgeon at SBCP, said labiaplasty can be recommended for women and people of different genders who have hygiene problems, have difficulty in sexual relationships or simply want to change their appearance.

In addition to labiaplasty, According to doctors, there are more than ten types of surgeries that can be performed on the female private parts.

Other surgical goals include reducing the size of the mound of Venus (located above the pubic bone), removing skin, and reducing sagging in areas such as the labia majora, labia minora, and perineum.

Magalhães confirms that the purpose of most surgeries is cosmetic, but also insists that they have important functional benefits, “because female sexuality is closely tied to confidence and self-esteem.”

“Some patients experience functional discomfort, such as pain when wearing tight pants or lacy underwear, or have problems after previous surgery.”

Furthermore, according to her, she has been performing these surgeries for 15 years, “In specific and rare cases, removing excess skin can alleviate problems such as odor and hygiene difficulties.

In Australia, According to a recent report, more than 500,000 people have undergone or considered having labiaplasty.

The Labia Diversity Study, published in June by women’s rights group Victoria Women’s Health, included data from a survey of 1,030 women and people aged 18 to 50 with labia.

The document states that “pornography and social media have fueled an increase in the number of people undergoing or considering labiaplasty, with images and videos distorting perceptions of what female genitalia should look like.”

According to ISAPS, the number of labiaplasty surgeries worldwide increased by 14.8% in 2023 compared to 2019.

The NHS said the decision to have the procedure should be considered carefully as “it can be expensive and involves many risks”.

Labiaplasty surgery: UK health service warns Sometimes it can cause bleeding, infection, tissue scarring, and decreased genital sensitivity. This is in addition to the risk of clots forming in your veins or an allergic reaction to the anesthesia.

“Also, there is no guarantee that you will get the results you expect, and surgery will not necessarily make you feel better about your body,” the NHS says.

“Some women want labiaplasty because they don’t like the look of their labia. However, it is completely normal to have noticeable folds of skin around the vaginal opening.”

Experts warn that there is no “ideal” or “perfect” vulva.

“I’m not referring to women who have alterations or deformities. I’m saying that all vulvas are normal, just like some women want to reduce large breasts and some want to enlarge small breasts,” Magalhães said.

“I always stress that all vulvas are normal. Our goal in surgery is to make sure that those who are dissatisfied are satisfied.”

Dr Berrin Tezcan, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: “Every woman’s vulva is unique.

“No vulva is the same shape, size, color, or appearance as another vulva,” she points out.

“When my patients come to me and are concerned that something is not right with their vulva, I tell them that this is completely normal. 90% of people will feel relieved when there is nothing wrong with their body.

While the procedure continues to gain momentum around the world, experts note that in some countries women do not have access to a trusted gynecologist for guidance.

In Iran, for example, female sexual health is still considered taboo, making discussions about genitals awkward among women.

Some people on social networks complained about the doctor’s comments Behaving unprofessionally and making comments about a patient’s physical appearance that make the patient feel uncomfortable.

“A friend of mine had a labiaplasty and we asked her why she had it done because apparently it’s very uncomfortable,” said one post on the social platform X.

“She told me, ‘Because my gynecologist asked me why my labia minora was so horrible. He said, ‘Why are your labia minora so big and ugly? Why is your vaginal opening so wide? Did you give birth naturally?’ ? That’s why they did the surgery on me.”

Currently, in Brazil, there are no large number of advertising posts on social media encouraging genital surgery, but in other countries, there are content selling “ideal” vulvas and vaginas.

In this context, Müjdegül Zayıfoğlu Karaca, a gynecologist from Turkey, stressed the importance of women understanding their genitals better and making peace with their bodies before considering any surgery.

Some of the posts and videos, which have been viewed by millions of users, also suggest using products to change smell and appearance, including lip gloss and female genital highlighter.

Gynecologist They warn against using these products, saying they can change the pH of the vagina and cause infection.

“The vagina and vulva have their own flora and balance, and any chemical injected into them can damage their structure,” Karaka warns.

Additional reporting by Ozge Ozdemir of BBC Türkiye

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