What Is Aesthetic Genital Surgery?
Aesthetic genital surgeries are plastic surgeries performed to improve the appearance and reduce discomforts like itching and irritation. It can be done in both males and females. As one ages, women get conscious about the skin and soft tissue surrounding the genital area. Aesthetic genital surgery may also be performed to rectify the age-related changes in the genital area. On the other hand, a male considers his genitalia as part of his identity and as a way to improve his self-esteem. Therefore, they consider undergoing aesthetic genital surgery to improve their psychological and physical well-being. Aesthetic genital plastic surgery is also known as genital cosmetic surgery.
What Are the Different Types of Aesthetic Genital Surgery?
Cosmetic genital surgeries can be performed in both males and females. Some of the types of surgery performed are given below:
- Females: Labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, hymenoplasty, clitoroplasty, perineoplasty, and pubic enhancement.
- Males: Penile lengthening, penile girth enhancement, scrotal reduction, and penoscrotal web correction.
How Are Genital Cosmetic Surgeries Done in Females?
Aesthetic genital surgeries are performed in females to rectify different types of conditions. The type of surgery depends on the correction to be made in the genitalia.
- Labiaplasty: Labiaplasty is a type of aesthetic surgery that reduces the length of the inner folds of the vulva, known as labia minora. Some women may not like the foldings or the appearance of labia and may decide to go for a labiaplasty. The procedure may usually be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Through this surgery, the vaginal lips may either be shortened or reshaped. The excess tissue folding may be cut and removed using a scalpel. The same can also be done using lasers. Dissolvable sutures are used to suture the edge.
- Hymenoplasty: The thin piece of tissue at the vaginal opening is called the hymen. The exact function of the hymen is unknown, but it is believed to play a role in preventing the entry of pathogens through the female genitalia. The hymen may rupture during strenuous activities, tampon usage, or participating in sexual intercourse. By doing hymenoplasty, the remnants of the hymen are sutured with absorbable material.
- Clitoroplasty: Clitoris is the most sensitive area of the female genital area. It is done in case of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a genetic condition affecting the adrenal gland), ambiguous genitalia (a condition where the genital does not appear clear enough to distinguish it to be male or female), or pseudohermaphroditism (where the external genitalia of the female appears like that of a male). Clitoroplasty is done to improve the appearance of the genital area, reduce the external part, or retain sensation in the area.
- Perineoplasty: Perineum is the sensitive skin that lies between the anus and the vulva. Perineoplasty is a repair technique done on the vulva or the perineum. In some females, the perineum or the skin related to the genitalia gets loosened due to muscular damage or stretching, mainly occurring in case of vaginal delivery. Perineoplasty is done in case of loosened skin, muscular damage, loss of sensation while participating in sexual intercourse, vaginal irritation, or pain. The surgeon may cut the area and remove the excess tissue. In case of muscle damage, required muscle repair may also be done.
- Pubic Enhancement: Mons pubis is a fatty tissue mass found over the pubic bone. This fatty mass may be reduced by a technique called pubic lifting. Pubic liposuction is the removal of fat from the mons pubis area.
- Vaginoplasty: Vaginoplasty is a technique to repair or construct the vagina. It is done to improve the appearance and functioning of the vagina. The doctor will make an incision and remove excess tissues and repair the damages already caused. A successful vaginoplasty helps to improve appearance and sexual satisfaction.
How Are Genital Cosmetic Surgeries Done in Males?
Aesthetic genital surgeries in males may be done in the following ways:
- Penile Lengthening: By this technique, the length or the size of the penis may be increased. It may be done in those cases where the penis size is abnormally small (micropenis), or the size of the penis will be normal, but it may be hidden under the skin of the scrotum or the abdomen (buried penis). Both these conditions can either be congenital or happen later in the course of life. In the procedure, the suspensory ligament connecting the pubic bone to the penis may be surgically cut to lengthen the penis. In addition, liposuction or fat removal may also be done.
- Penile Girth Enhancement: By doing penile girth enhancement surgery, the girth or the width of the penis may be increased. This may be done by injecting cosmetic fillers subcutaneously (under the skin) or placing silicone materials.
- Scrotal Reduction: Scrotal reduction repairs saggy and elongated scrotum. It is done by removing excess tissues from the scrotum. Care should be taken to maintain the structure and functioning of the scrotum and the related structures.
- Penoscrotal Web Correction: It is the procedure that corrects the webbed penis. A webbed penis or penoscrotal web is the attachment of the scrotal skin too high onto the penis. It can be congenital or acquired. By this technique, excess attached skin of the scrotum will be removed. The procedure is similar to that of scrotal reduction.
What Are the Disadvantages of Aesthetic Genital Surgery?
- Labiaplasty: The technique can be expensive and does not guarantee cent percent results. After the procedure, the individual may experience swelling or bruising in the affected area, making it difficult to sit or urinate. There are chances of the development of allergic reactions, infections, or bleeding after the procedure.
- Clitoroplasty: The erogenous sensation can get lost or decreased after clitoroplasty.
- Perineoplasty: After perineoplasty, the female may experience side effects like painful sex, bleeding, infection, and constipation.
- Vaginoplasty: Vaginoplasty can cause painful intercourse or complete numbness. It may also reduce the depth of the vagina or lead to nerve injuries.
- Penile Lengthening: This procedure may sometimes lead to complications like erectile dysfunction, infection, or loss of sensation in the males.
- Penile Girth Enhancement: The introduction of fillers to the body can cause foreign body reactions.
- Scrotal Reduction: Rarely, a scrotal reduction can cause infections and the accumulation of fluid within the sac.
- Other Complications: In addition to the above side effects, the genitalia can become uneven or weird looking after the treatment. Vascular damage can lead to permanent color change and loss of sensation.
Conclusion
Aesthetic genital surgery has gained more name and fame in recent years. The idea and techniques performed may be interesting, but the post-surgical complications should never be ignored before deciding to undergo the procedure. It is essential to choose an experienced doctor who provides his services in a hygienic environment to get the maximum benefits from the procedure. Taking proper pre and post-operative care is also necessary.
