Cosmetic vs. Comfort: Demand for Labiaplasty Continues to Rise

by | Mar 23, 2016 | Health Featured

Statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) shows indisputable evidence that labiaplasty is on the rise.  A simple outpatient procedure that improves the size and shape of the labia minora, labiaplasty isn’t just about achieving a “perfect vagina,” though aesthetic concerns are a strong motivator for many women. This intimate procedure is often sought by patients who experience functional impairment, rubbing and discomfort caused by elongated inner and outer labia.

Labiaplasty procedures skyrocket

According to the ASAPS, labiaplasty surgeries jumped nearly 50 percent from 2013 to 2014 (with 7,535 operations performed), as growing numbers of women elected to go under the knife in the hopes of boosting confidence and comfort.

But why has labia reduction skyrocketed in recent years? Medical experts and cosmetic surgeons attribute the growing trend to several factors. In the mid-to-late 1990s, American women were seemingly obsessed with Brazilian bikini waxes, which left their vulva completely bare. This self-discovery coupled with wide-scale exposure to Internet pornography sparked a palpable shift in how women began viewing their own lady parts and questioning if they were simply “too big down there.”

For starters, there is no “standard” when it comes to vaginas; the labia minora and majora can vary in lengths and shapes from one woman to the next. Protruding inner lips are nothing unusual, but in some women, this can lead to a host of physical and emotional issues, especially when it comes to exercise or sexual intercourse. Long labia can be a source of chafing and pain during normal activities, and create feelings of anxiety and embarrassment with sexual partners. Writer Morgan Jerkins says that she seldom wore bikinis for fear that one of her labia might make a surprise appearance. She had labiaplasty in her 20s and candidly explains how the surgery helped rid her pain while introducing her to the totality of her vagina.

Labia reduction for cosmetic reasons

What about women who have labiaplasty purely for cosmetic purposes? In the past several years, plastic surgeons have been overwhelmed with requests for “designer vaginas” that are close-up ready. One particular type of labiaplasty known as the “Barbie” is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. and abroad. Achieved through the careful trimming of delicate labial tissue, patients are left with a smooth, petite vagina with no visible signs of protruding inner lips.

Although plenty of labiaplasties are performed to relieve physical discomfort, 2011 research by the International Society of Sexual Medicine suggests that 87 percent of patients had the procedure solely for cosmetic reasons. When asked why they had labiaplasty, most said they didn’t like what they saw in the mirror and felt too exposed or self-conscious when wearing tight athletic wear or yoga pants. Not surprisingly, patient satisfaction rates are incredibly high – ranging from 90 to 95 percent.

While there is no perfect vagina, the fact remains that women of all ages and walks of life are now much more discriminating about their genital appearance. For many, labiaplasty is an effective and easy solution to feeling their best and regaining self-esteem.

Resources:

Women’s Health, The Size of Your Vagina: Is it Normal? http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/vagina-size

Fusion.net, Why I Got Labiaplasty in my Twenties http://fusion.net/story/250845/why-i-got-a-labiaplasty-in-my-20s/

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