Commentary on: The Role of Pornography, Physical Symptoms, and Appearance in Labiaplasty Interest

Female Genital Self-Image and Modification

There has been an increase in genital cosmentic surgeries over the past decade, with the most common procedure being labiaplasty. This trend has many origins, but a significant motivator is genital self image, which has been shown to be very culturally influenced. Furthermore genital self modification, by way of grooming also is felt to play a role in the desire to surgically alter one's genital appearance. Given the cultural aspect of these practices, sexual health proivders should be aware of the role of self image and self modification in the drive towards persuing surgical changes to the genitals. Schmidt CN, Rowen TS. Female Genital Self-Image and Modification. J Sex Med 2021;18:1945-1949.

The Safe Practice of Female Genital Plastic Surgery

The purpose of this article is to guide surgeons in the safe practice of female genital plastic surgery when the number of such cases is steadily increasing. A careful review of salient things to look for in the patient's motivation, medical history, and physical examination can help the surgeon wisely choose best candidates. The anatomy is described, with particular attention given to the variations not generally described in textbooks or articles. Descriptions are included for labiaplasty, including clitoral hood reduction, majoraplasty, monsplasty, and perineoplasty with vaginoplasty. Reduction of anesthetic risks, deep venous thromboses, and pulmonary emboli are discussed, with special consideration for avoidance of nerve injury and compartment syndrome. Postoperative care of a variety of vulvovaginal procedures is discussed. Videos showing anatomic variations and surgical techniques of common female genital procedures with recommendations to reduce the complication rate are included in the article.