SAEDNEWS: According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the number of cosmetic genital surgery procedures increased by 39% in 2016 compared to the previous year. ASPS states that approximately 8% of these patients are men. More than 8,000 male genital enlargement surgeries are performed worldwide each year.
According to SaedNews and quoting Nabz-e Ma, cosmetic plastic surgery now includes genital aesthetic procedures for both women and men. This article reviews available options that may contribute to personal or sexual satisfaction and highlights important considerations before undergoing such surgeries.
Women have several options for rejuvenating and improving the appearance of the genital area. Some procedures focus on aesthetics, while others aim to improve personal comfort or self-satisfaction.
Labiaplasty is one of the most well-known female genital cosmetic procedures. It involves reducing the size of one or both inner labia.
This surgery is typically performed when one labia is larger than the other, or when enlarged labia cause discomfort, pain, or stretching due to physical activities, affecting appearance and comfort.
A plastic surgery consultant noted that many women seeking this procedure report functional discomfort during activities such as exercise, horseback riding, cycling, and yoga. Some also experience discomfort wearing certain clothes, underwear, or swimwear, in addition to aesthetic concerns.
Monsplasty is another procedure that reduces the size of the mons pubis, the fatty area above the vagina just below the abdomen. While this area naturally has some fullness, some women may feel discomfort due to its size.
In such cases, liposuction may be used to remove excess fat, and sometimes excess skin is also removed.
After natural childbirth, vaginal laxity may occur. Vaginal tightening procedures are performed to address this issue. These can include surgical methods or laser treatments. Some of these procedures are also reported to help with urinary incontinence.
Some genital reconstruction or enhancement methods are more controversial. One example is hymen reconstruction surgery, which is performed after the hymen has been torn due to sexual activity or intense physical exercise.
In recent years, injections claiming to enhance female sexual satisfaction have become more common. However, specialists state that their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven.
While such methods may potentially improve sexual experience for some individuals, they do not work for everyone, as sensitive areas vary significantly between women, making effectiveness difficult to confirm.
Men undergo genital cosmetic procedures less frequently than women. The most common procedures are related to penile enhancement, typically of two main types:
This procedure aims to increase the visible length of the penis by releasing internal structures so that more of the existing organ becomes externally visible.
This surgery increases penile thickness, often by transferring fat from other parts of the body under the skin of the penis. In some cases, excess scrotal skin is also removed if it is abnormally large.
Testicular implants are another type of procedure, performed for men who have lost a testicle due to cancer surgery or who have congenital underdevelopment of this area.
Outcomes depend on each individual’s reasons for undergoing surgery and the success of the procedure. There appears to be a noticeable difference between male and female satisfaction levels.
Research indicates that women who undergo common genital cosmetic procedures are generally satisfied with the results. Studies show overall satisfaction rates of 90–95%, with sexual satisfaction after surgery reported at 80–85%.
However, satisfaction depends heavily on expectations and personal perception of outcomes.
Men tend to have lower satisfaction rates compared to women. Expectations play a key role in post-surgical satisfaction, which may explain why penile enhancement procedures often result in lower satisfaction among men. Some reports indicate male satisfaction rates as low as 35%.
Because genital cosmetic surgery affects both physical and emotional well-being, consulting a trusted professional is crucial before making any decision.
All surgical procedures, whether elective or urgent, carry risks such as bleeding, infection, and postoperative complications.
Many individuals may falsely present themselves as plastic surgeons or specialists. Therefore, it is essential to verify credentials, seek proper consultation, and ensure treatment is performed by a certified and experienced plastic surgeon.
Patients are advised to consult a physician first to determine the appropriate type of procedure and then confirm that the chosen medical center and surgeon are properly accredited.