Forget about retail therapy.
Women are turning from designer bags to designer vaginas to improve their appearance and boost their mental health — which it is scientifically proven to help.
Labiaplasty surgery — also known as “designer vagina” surgery — has been on the rise in recent years, increasing in the US 217% between 2012 and 2017 and 20% between 2017 to 2021.
Dr. Usha Rajagopal, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and founder of The V Suite, confirmed to The Post that she has recently observed a “noticeable increase” in these procedures, which she began performing in 1999.
The cosmetic procedure reshapes the vaginal “lips,” removing excess tissue with a scalpel or laser to shorten the labia minora, to become less prominent and more in line with the labia major.
Conducting the largest review of women who underwent the procedure, published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, researchers have discovered that the surgery is not only physically safe but can positively boost women’s mental health.
Women generally undergo labiaplasties to resolve functional issues, including discomfort during sex caused by the size or shape of the labia minora, or aesthetic concerns. The medical justification is not clear-cut.
Pepermpron – stock.adobe.com
On the other hand, improved mental health is a definite, researchers said.
“Considering the extent to which the procedure enhances self-image and sexual life, physicians may decide on psychological grounds as well,” co-author Levente Sára, associate professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University, concluded.
However, he did note that “many women, especially the young, choose to undergo the procedure at their partner’s suggestion” and recommends that psychologists become involved “to ensure patients decide for the right reasons.”
Regardless of why women are going under the knife — or laser — experts from Semmelweis University in Budapest analyzed data from 3,600 women who underwent labiaplasty and found that 95% of patients were satisfied with the results.
The researchers also found that labiaplasty has a complication rate of just 0.5%.
In comparison, research shows that eye color change surgery — which is on the rise — comes with a staggering 92% likelihood of complications, while gluteal fat transfers — also known as Brazilian butt lifts — have a 38% risk.
Labiaplasty surgeries performed with a scalpel were found to have a higher risk of complications like bleeding, swelling or hematoma. Meanwhile, procedures conducted with radiofrequency had lower recovery time, minimal risk of complications, and high patient satisfaction.
However, the difference in complications wasn’t statistically significant. The experts also noted that less data has been collected on radiofrequency labiaplasty because it was approved more recently.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
“It’s not uncommon for women to develop self-consciousness about the appearance of their labia from a young age,” she said.
“If a woman prefers a labial appearance that is less prominent and feels that this change will enhance her comfort during sex and intimacy, labiaplasty can be a great option.”
However, she’s sure to reassure patients that labia come in all shapes and sizes.
“There is a broad spectrum of what is considered normal,” Dr. Rajagopal said.