The cosmetic surgery is the most common vaginal labia-plasty, an operation that is to reduce the tissue of the labia. Another intervention increasingly realized, particularly in some communities is hymenoplasty, a procedure to recover by restoring the hymen virginity. Other procedures of questionable effectiveness and increased risk include interventions to reduce the volume of the vagina and shake.

A recently published study by University College London, who warns of the lack of information about the risks of vaginal cosmetic surgery. The research also raises concerns over the ethical foundations of the genitals to bring aesthetic criteria. Following the publication of this study, some plastic surgeons believe their conclusions are overstated.
According to Lih-Mei Liao, author of the report and researcher at University College London, part of the demand is due to advertising that proposes a homogenized and pre-pubertal genital appearance to all women that can lead to insecurity in many women

Surgeries shortening labia are offered as a solution to various problems arising from their excessive size, including: discomfort when wearing tight clothing or cycling, shame to have sex, or in extreme cases makes difficult to maintain relationships sex ..

The gynecologist and the psychologist Sarah Creighton Lih-Mei Liao, authors of the paper, question the ethical value of providing surgery to resolve such uncertainties. For them, what causes anxiety is the social pressure and publicity of a “homogenized and prepubertal genital appearance. They also suggest that any pain caused by excess tissue in the labia are more likely to have a psychological root. And as an argument, compare it with the “male genital ridge, which is much higher and cause no discomfort. As an alternative to surgery is preferable to believe that psychological support.
The study’s authors warn of the complications and argue that far from alleviating sexual problems, surgical intervention could increase them by damaging the nerves in the area, affecting the sensitivity and sexual satisfaction. They also suggest that women who undergo these procedures could have problems at birth-tearing and bleeding, similar to those that may face those who have suffered genital mutilation.

Plastic surgeons in the UK believe that the findings of this study are exaggerated and alarmist. Dr Douglas McGeorge, flatly rejects the comparison with the removal of the clitoris (an argument often used by opponents of labiaplasty). McGeorge says the BBC that aesthetic surgery is a minor procedure with little risk of complications. “This is essentially removing some meat and letting loose lips with elegant appearance. The intervention did not affect sexual function.
For its part, the surgeon Kavouni Angelica, an expert in vaginal surgery, believes that it is wrong “terrorizing patients” with the idea of long-term negative consequences. “This is an operation conducted since the ’70s. Any intervention performed poorly carries risks, but if done properly does not have. ” “I have refused to operate because some women felt that they had no problem, but in cases of severe hypertrophy, when the tissue is dark-hung and surgery is a simple solution.