New cosmetic surgery trend: labial reduction

Women have looked to enhance their looks since thousand of year ago. As the technology developed and man's knowledge grew deeper so did the women's desire to enhance their appearance. The latest cosmetic trend in women is labial reduction. A recent study released in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology states that women seek for labial reduction even though they have normal sized labia. The reason for this depends on the patient, some feel unsecure about their looks while others seek this operation to enhance their sexual lives. The National Health Service has registered a five time increase of this specific type of surgery in the last 10 years.

This kind of study was never done before and this one is the first of its kind. Researchers studied 33 women who wanted to go under labial reduction surgery. The patient's labia were measure and then compared with the normal values. The average age of the patients was 23. After all measurements were done, the results indicated that all members of the group had normal sized labia with an average width of 26.9 mm (right), and 24.8 mm (left).
After all 33 members of the group were interviewed, three where offered surgery due to significant asymmetry, and 12 women were not allowed to carry on with the surgery.11 were sent to psychological consultations and 1 was sent to mental health services.
All members 33 members where asked what they want to achieve with this surgery. The answers varied from improving appearance or reducing discomfort to improvement of their sexual lives.

Another important aspect of the study is to determine when the women realized they were unhappy with their labia. Out of all members 27 women were able to give clear answers. The results indicate that the majority realized they were unhappy with their labia at early ages until 15 years old.
The main concern with this current trend is that people who are willing to have labia reduction surgery are very young; the youngest solicitant for this surgery was 11 years old. The problem with young patients is that their external genitalia develop during adolescence and if the patient decides to go under surgery at 11 years old she might be doing it in vain.

Add comment January 27th, 2006