Cosmetic surgery has become fairly commonplace, but perhaps surprisingly, an increasing number of women are seeking perfection to their intimate area.
Although so-called ‘designer vaginas’ are often blamed on pornography, some women claim they are unable to enjoy sex since having children, fueling their desire to have the risky procedures.
Yet, Dr Gabrielle Downey, gynaecologist at Birmingham City Hospital, warns these procedures are not available on the NHS and can be expensive, therefore women should be aware of what’s involved before making the drastic decision.
Importantly, Dr Downey stresses the importance of ensuring your chosen clinic is safe and your surgeon informs you of all the potential risks.
Here, in a piece for Healthista, she explains your options and what to expect.
Yet, Dr Gabrielle Downey, gynaecologist at Birmingham City Hospital, warns procedures are not available on the NHS and can be expensive, so women should be aware of what’s involved
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WHY DO MORE WOMEN WANT ‘DESIGNER VAGINAS’?
According to figures from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery almost 100,000 women across the world underwent labiaplasty surgery in 2015.
In the UK alone labiaplasty popularity has soared, with the most recent figures from the NHS indicating 2,000 women in the UK underwent the procedure in 2010.
Contrary to what feminists may assert, the rise in demand for so-called designer vaginas has virtually nothing to do with pornography, one doctor claims.
Dr Navid Jallali, who has a clinic on London’s Harley Street, said: ‘Women are now talking more openly about the appearance of their genitalia, breaking down the taboo and becoming more aware they have options.
‘I would suggest this was more likely to be behind the boom, rather than the amount of pornographic images available online.
‘These are genuine reasons and women over the age of 18 should be allowed to make their own decisions about their bodies.’
Yet, Dr Jallali stressed the procedure must only be carried out on women over the age of 18 for functional or psychological problems.
He said: ‘As surgeons we have a duty to inform people that bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and there’s really no such thing as normal.
‘This is of even greater importance when dealing with young women whose bodies are likely to still be developing.’
Labiaplasty
The most commonly requested procedure is the removal of excess labial tissue (the inner lips of the vulva that hang outside the outer lips) in a procedure known as a labiaplasty.
Women typically ask for the surgery either because they do not like the look of their labia, it gets caught during sex or it rubs on their clothes.
These issues can cause embarrassment and low self-esteem.
Labiaplasty sculpts and removes excess tissue, and usually evens out the labia minora (inner lips). Some doctors remove excess tissue around the clitoris (called prepuce reduction), however, most avoid this due to the risk of nerve damage.
Surgery in this area is controversial. The NHS cites it as a ‘procedure of limited clinical value’. Some even refer to it as a form of female genital mutilation (FGM).
The fundamental difference between labiaplasty and FGM is the women’s choice.
Furthermore, only enlarged tissue is removed, the clitoral nerves remain intact and the vagina’s size is unchanged.
Labial reduction takes between one and two hours and can be performed under local or general anaesthetic.
Any cuts that are made are carefully placed to prevent scarring along the rim of the labia and are closed with dissolving stitches.
Mild discomfort and swelling for a few days after the operation is expected, which usually eases after 1-2 weeks. This can be managed by taking painkillers or using local anaesthetic gels.
A week after surgery you should be able to return to work and normal daily activities should resume after 2-3 weeks.
Sexual activity is not recommended for 4-6 weeks following the surgery and tampons should not be used during the first six weeks.
The labial incisions usually heal quickly and are rarely noticeable.
Costs: £1,750–3,000 ($2,259-3,872)
Vaginoplasty or Vaginal Rejuvenation
In some women, the vagina’s muscles have poor tone, strength and control.
The internal and external diameters have enlarged, and the muscles of the area between the anus and vagina (known as the perineum) are weak and poorly supported.
As a result, sexual gratification is diminished.
Pelvic floor exercises can improve tone in up to 70 per cent of cases and should always be tried first before surgery. Yet, for some, these are not enough.
Relatively new to the UK is Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation®. It is about a one-hour outpatient surgical procedure designed to enhance sexual gratification by increasing friction.
Healing is quick and you can resume normal activity in a few days to weeks.
A wand type instrument attached to a laser is inserted in to the vagina. It is performed while the patient is awake and is relatively painless.
This stimulates collagen (which gives tissues tone and elasticity) production, as well as increasing fluid production by enhancing blood flow. Repeat treatments are usually required annually.
More conventional techniques are to perform a traditional gynaecological operation called an anterior and posterior repair. This involves removing excess vaginal tissue and bringing muscles back to their normal position.
The recovery for this procedure is generally 4–6 weeks.
Although it is more precise than the rejuvenation method, it is also more complicated with a risk of infection, scarring and damage to the bowel and bladder. All of these complications are rare.
Cost: About £4,000 for vaginoplasty ($5,163), £1,500-3,000 ($1,936-3,872) for laser vaginal rejuvenation
Discomfort and swelling is expected initially after labiaplasty, the most common procedure
Perineoplasty
The perineum is often stretched during childbirth and the muscles can be torn or cut.
This results in a gaping appearance and reduced muscle tone.
The fact that the vaginal entrance is more open can result in air getting trapped or difficultly controlling your bowel movements.
Perineoplasty repairs and restores the relaxed, ageing or injured perineum. It is usually done in combination with vaginal surgery but can be a stand alone procedure.
It can be painful as the muscles can spasm and tighten when they return to their natural position.
The surgery results in increased sensation at penetration.
Their is a risk of the vagina being made too tight and painful.
Cost: £1,500-3,000 ($1,936-3,872)
Mons pubis reduction
A much less common procedure is reduction of the mons pubis – the area above the pubic bone.
Generally it is a cosmetic surgeon and not a gynaecologist who undertakes such procedures.
It involves reducing the bulge in that area by removing fat, usually via liposuction.
Cost: Around £,1500 ($1,936)
This article was originally published by Healthista.