Modern Health Observation

A study warns of the lack of information about the risks of vaginal cosmetic surgery, an increasingly popular practice.

The research published in a British journal, also raises concerns over the ethical foundations of the genitals to bring aesthetic criteria.

Surgical operations to improve the appearance of sexual organs by physical or psychological reasons are increasing in the UK.

Observing this phenomenon, researchers from University College London reviewed all existing studies on vaginal cosmetic surgery and found that not much effort has been made in documenting the side effects that can have long-term.

However, some plastic surgeons believe that the warnings of the report overstated the risks of a procedure that is practiced in this country for years.

Insecurity and social pressure

The most frequent interventions are to reduce the tissue of the labia and cost about $ 5000 in the private health sector. They are offered as solutions to different problems: some women complain that they are uncomfortable to wear tight clothing or cycling, while others say they feel embarrassed in front of their partners.

But Sarah Creighton gynecologist and psychologist Lih-Mei Liao “authors of the research question the ethical value of providing surgery to resolve such uncertainties. According to experts, causing such anxiety is the social pressure and advertising of “genital appearance homogenized and prepubescent”.

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, as compared to the male genital ridge, which is much larger and causes no discomfort.As an alternative to surgery, say Creighton and Liao, psychological support is preferable.

Risks

The number of women who undergo vaginal cosmetic surgery in the UK is unknown because most are made in private. But last year these procedures increased in the British public health service (NHS, by its initials in English) by 70%-to-1118 cases compared with the previous year.According to numerous studies that were reviewed by the researchers, the main reasons for surgery are: dissatisfaction with the appearance of the vagina, low self-esteem and sexual difficulties.

However, Dr. Creighton is that far from relieving sexual problems, surgical intervention could increase them by damaging the nerves in the area, affecting the sensitivity and sexual satisfaction.Creighton also suggests 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.

Other views
In contrast, former President of the British Association of Plastic Surgeons, Douglas McGeorge, flatly rejects the comparison with female circumcision.

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 “says McGeorge.

For its part, the surgeon Kavouni Angelica, an expert in vaginal surgery, believes that it is wrong patient “terrorize” the idea of long-term negative consequences.

“This is an operation conducted from a 70 years. Any intervention performed poorly carries risks, but if done properly does not have to “.

Have I 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”, says a surgeon.