The Doctors TV Highlights Vaginal Reduction Surgery
Labiaplasty, one of the lesser known cosmetic surgery procedures, was recently featured on The Doctors TV program. The vaginal reduction surgery has been gaining popularity in recent years, and the show highlighted a patient named Shannon who underwent the procedure.
The 23-year-old patient reported that she felt deformed and said she had “constant discomfort throughout the day.” A urologist suggested labia reduction surgery for Shannon, which was performed by another surgeon. Shannon said she avoided sex and wearing swimsuits before the procedure.
While Shannon said she couldn’t be more happy with the results, some in the medical community say that cosmetic surgery for the vaginal area is misguided and risky.
However, patients, like Shannon, are becoming more open to these procedures.
A 2009 report on less common cosmetic surgery procedures by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery included vaginal rejuvenation on its list of “fringe” procedures that participants were surveyed about. Over a quarter of respondents were open to trying a less common procedure, such as vaginal rejuvenation.
How is Vaginal Reduction Surgery Performed?
For women with large or irregular labia, which may be the result of genetics, hormones or inflammation, the procedure reduces irregularities of the labia.
The surgery removes excess tissue and then re-contours the skin with absorbable stitches. Patients can expect the incisions to be healed in about two to three weeks. Sexual activity can usually be resumed about six weeks after surgery.
