As the popularity of elective vaginal surgery continues to rise, research is beginning to examine its effects. Women opt for these surgeries to boost their body confidence, alleviate physical discomfort, and potentially enhance sexual pleasure. However, studies indicate that influences such as increased exposure to pornography promoting certain body types, evolving trends in pubic grooming, and shifting societal perspectives on plastic surgery may have a more significant impact than patients’ expressed motivations.
Girls and women are currently and futurely affected by society’s beauty standards, which have a negative impact on them. This is demonstrated by the growing popularity of procedures like hymenoplasty, labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, and vaginal rejuvenation. The practice of aesthetic vaginal labiaplasty has been around since 1983.
This paper aims to explore different surgeries that aim to improve the aesthetic appearance of women’s genitals. These procedures include rejuvenation after childbirth, labia alteration, clitoral hood removal, clitoris shortening, and hymen reconstruction. The study will analyze the increasing frequency of these surgeries and evaluate their impacts on women from both positive and negative perspectives. Additionally, it will investigate potential future implications for women.
The main reason why most women undergo vaginal surgery is for cosmetic purposes, commonly referred to as “designer vagina.” Many women choose to reduce the size of their labia due to feeling self-conscious about its appearance, especially when there is a noticeable difference in size between the labia minora and majora. Additionally, some women opt for labiaplasty to address physical issues such as difficulties with hygiene, discomfort caused by tight clothing irritating the labia, or pain during sexual intercourse when longer labia are pulled inward (Davison, 2011).
While some people view “clitoridectomy” as the same as female genital mutilation, there are women who willingly choose to have procedures that involve removing their clitoral hood or shortening their clitoris. These women believe that their clitoris is too large and resembles a small penis, which affects how they perceive their femininity (Chalker, 2009). Although it is not a common practice to solely remove or reduce the hood, it may sometimes be offered in addition to a labiaplasty. Some procedures aim to enhance pleasure for both the woman and her partner rather than altering the appearance of the vaginal area.
Both vaginal rejuvenation and hymen restoration aim to restore a woman’s genitals to their original state before engaging in sexual activity or giving birth. Vaginal rejuvenation, also known as vaginoplasty, involves removing a portion of the vaginal lining while tightening the surrounding muscles and tissues near the vaginal opening. In contrast, hymenoplasty reconstructs the hymen, allowing women to experience the feeling of losing their virginity again. Some women choose this surgery as a symbolic gesture towards their partners, symbolizing the restoration of their virginity (Chalker, 2009).
The popularity and recognition of vaginal surgeries are on the rise. While certain women choose these procedures for medical purposes, the majority do so to enhance their appearance or improve sexual satisfaction. In the past, gynecological surgery focused mainly on addressing issues such as incontinence or vaginal sagging after childbirth. However, there is now a growing trend of non-essential genital surgeries being performed on women.
Information regarding the number of vaginal rejuvenation and labiaplasty procedures is scarce due to their newness. The American College of Plastic Surgery considered it unnecessary to closely monitor these statistics. However, in 2005, there were 800 recorded instances of vaginal rejuvenation, which slightly rose to over 1,000 in 2006. By 2008, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimated approximately 3,500 procedures.
The data on labiaplasties is even more distorted as gynecologists who carry out these procedures do not gather any information about them (Bonavoglia, 2010). In the UK, reporting is slightly more comprehensive, with the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology recording an almost fivefold increase in labiaplasties in the past five years (Hogenboom, 2012). Researchers attribute the sudden surge in popularity to various factors. One notable factor is the availability of pornography, which sets unrealistic standards for the physical appearance of women, specifically their genitals.
The impact of pornography on women’s perception of their genitals was discussed in the Australian news show ‘Hungry Beast’ (2010). In Australia, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of labiaplasty, which is a surgical procedure that alters the appearance of the labia. This rise is attributed to porn being reclassified in the country. Full frontal nudity is allowed in the ‘unrestricted category’ (M15+), as long as any depicted genitals are discreet. As a result, magazines digitally manipulate models by performing labiaplasty through graphic designers to remove any perceived explicit imperfections. This phenomenon extends beyond Australia, as American women also compare their genital appearance to that of porn stars. Dr. David Veale from King’s University suggests that this demand for surgery is influenced by society’s increasing sexualization and represents a new frontier for body modification (Davis, 2011).
The increasing popularity of waxing, often linked to pornography, has contributed to the rise in these surgeries. TV programs like “Sex and the City” advocate for Brazilian waxes and even shame women who do not groom their pubic area (Donaldson James, 2012). Moreover, the diminishing social stigma associated with cosmetic surgery has made it more acceptable for women to modify their bodies if they are dissatisfied.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported a 5 percent rise in cosmetic procedures in 2011 compared to the previous year. It is crucial to acknowledge the potential adverse effects of surgery on women. The physical risks associated with elective surgery should be carefully considered, similar to any other medical procedure. Specifically, surgeries such as labiaplasty or vaginal rejuvenations may not truly improve sexual pleasure and could potentially lead to reduced sensation.
Labiaplasty, a minimally invasive surgery performed under local anesthesia, carries certain risks. These risks include bleeding, discomfort, changes in vaginal skin color, and loss of feeling. It is important to consider that the labia minora contains numerous nerves, so removing any tissue may not align with individuals’ desires for enhanced pleasure (Chalker, 2009). Some may also mistakenly believe that reducing the clitoral glans can enhance pleasure. However, according to Chalker, the glans solely serves for sexual sensation.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists expresses concern regarding the safety and effectiveness of vaginoplasties and labiaplasties. Insufficient data on these procedures raises concerns, highlighting the need for improved awareness among women about potential complications. Uneven labia can result from certain labiaplasties while others may encounter pain during sexual intercourse due to overly tight vaginoplasties. It is crucial to consider the underlying motivations behind a woman’s decision to undergo these cosmetic surgeries.
According to Davis (2011), many women undergo surgery without proper diagnosis or psychological examination, which can result in the oversight of psychological disorders such as body dysmorphia. Donaldson James (2012) further reveals that even girls as young as 11 years old have been subjected to vaginal surgeries, leading to misleading ideas about what is considered “normal.” However, some argue that cosmetic surgery can have positive impacts, as it can boost a woman’s confidence. In 2012, a project called Centrefold aimed to promote discussions on the rise of labiaplasty among women. The project included a short film featuring three women discussing their surgeries, their motivations behind it, and their post-surgery experiences.
The women were distressed by the appearance of their labia, causing severe anxiety in one individual. After the surgery, two of them were satisfied with the outcome and no longer experienced anxiety related to their appearance. While the surgery may not actually affect physical responses during sexual activity, it can significantly enhance a woman’s confidence, thereby potentially fulfilling her desired outcome. This is particularly relevant if the procedure aims to address physical issues such as pain during intercourse, making these surgeries undeniably beneficial.
Hymenoplasty is a surgical procedure that can enhance the lives of women who face potential consequences for not being virgins or having their hymens damaged. In certain cases, Muslim women must undergo “virginity examinations,” and failing these tests can result in considerable shame. Hymenoplasty provides these women with an alternative to avoid such situations. The increasing popularity of this procedure, along with other cosmetic surgeries, raises concerns regarding the future of plastic surgery for women as a whole.
Ensuring the respect for individuals’ freedom and choices in regards to surgery is crucial, although there are concerns regarding the absence of psychological testing for patients and increased exposure to sexualized imagery. It is essential to differentiate between choosing surgery based on physical reasons versus undergoing a risky procedure due to societal pressure. Valuing beauty in its various forms, rather than just the “ideal,” and educating younger generations to embrace and be content with themselves as they are, will ensure a confident and healthy future.
The demand for procedures like vaginoplasty, labiaplasty, and hymenoplasty to achieve a “designer vagina” is increasing. These procedures are sought after for medical or self-esteem reasons. However, researchers believe that societal expectations regarding female genitalia greatly contribute to this trend. Other factors include changing grooming practices for women and reduced stigma surrounding cosmetic surgery. It is important to recognize that the risks associated with these surgeries outweigh the limited research on their potential benefits.
Insufficient psychological testing prior to surgery may also hide mental problems that cannot be exclusively resolved through surgery. It is crucial not only to concentrate on surgical methods but also to invest more time and effort in understanding the reasons behind a woman’s wish for this procedure. As a society, it is vital that we endeavor to empower women, allowing them to embrace their true selves and acknowledge the inherent beauty they possess.
References
ASPS. (2011). American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2011 plastic surgery statistics report. Retrieved from http://www.lasticsurgery.org/News-and-Resources/2011-Statistics-.html Bonavoglia, A. (2010, February 24). Cosmetic vaginal surgeons clueless about female sexuality. Retreived from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-bonavoglia/cosmetic-vaginal-surgeons_b_475929.html Chalker, R. (2009). The ‘perfect’ porn vulva: More women demanding cosmetic genital surgery. AlterNet. Retrieved from http://www.alternet.org/story/141479/the_%27perfect%27_porn_vulva%3A_more_women_demanding_cosmetic_genital_surgery Davis, R. (2011, February 26).
According to The Observer, the increase in labiaplasty surgery can be attributed to pornography (Davison, 2011). The article emphasizes that women are being misled in their pursuit of a “perfect” vagina (Donaldson James, 2012).
