smh.com.au
Risks of Cosmetic Vaginal Procedures
A woman's experience of severe trauma after a cosmetic vaginal procedure highlights the risks and ethical concerns surrounding these increasingly popular surgeries. Experts call for tighter regulations and better education.
English
Australia
Human Rights ViolationsHealthGender IssuesRegulationWomen's HealthPatient SafetyMedical EthicsCosmetic Surgery
AhpraRoyal Australian And New Zealand College Of Obstetricians And GynaecologistsUniversity Of MelbourneAustralian Society Of Plastic SurgeonsRoyal Australian College Of General Practitioners
Dr. GranotHarlowKathryn FootnerProfessor Mark AshtonAssociate Professor Magdalena Simonis
- What were the consequences of the cosmetic vaginal procedure for Harlow?
- A cosmetic surgeon's focus on aesthetic flaws, rather than patient well-being, led to a woman experiencing severe trauma after a vaginal procedure. The procedure, while partly driven by cosmetic desires, resulted in significant physical and psychological damage.
- What societal factors are driving the increased popularity of labiaplasty among young women?
- The popularity of labiaplasty is fueled by trends like pubic hair removal, pornography, and online imagery, contributing to anxiety and shame about vulvar appearance among young women. This is coupled with a lack of education on normal vulvar anatomy.
- What regulatory changes are suggested to address the concerns surrounding cosmetic vaginal procedures?
- There's a call for tighter regulations on cosmetic vaginal procedures, including avoiding surgery for those under 18, mirroring the UK's approach. The lack of reporting requirements in Australia makes monitoring the procedure's growth challenging.
- What factors contribute to complications arising from labiaplasty procedures according to Professor Mark Ashton?
- Professor Mark Ashton points to inadequately trained practitioners and the redefinition of normal anatomy as factors contributing to botched labiaplasty procedures and unpredictable outcomes. Corrective surgeries are often complex and time-consuming.
- What are the concerns raised by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists regarding cosmetic vaginal procedures?
- The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists warns of limited evidence supporting cosmetic vaginal procedures and highlights the risks of complications like scarring, infection, and altered sexual sensations.