Seeking a ‘Normal’ Labia
Every year, an increasing number of women are making the choice to have a labiaplasty. With more women seeking out the noninvasive procedure, there are also a growing number of conversations speculating the reasons why. One thing they ask: Can the technique, designed to reduce the size of the labia minora, really improve a woman’s quality of life?
The newest statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASPS) show the number of women having a labiaplasty went up by 16% in 2015. Interestingly, nearly 37% of these women chose to have the procedure for purely aesthetic reasons. Current societal beauty standards and the fear of judgment from potential partners are some of the strongest motivators for the procedure.
A recent thread on the online social media community, Reddit, touched on the negative impact large labia could have on a woman’s day-to-day life. This particular discussion, which only briefly mentioned the physical discomfort of large labia, delved into deeper emotions. Women expressed the idea of a ‘normal’ looking labia seriously complicated the feelings about their genitals.
One Reddit user wrote, "I know I’m not just ‘being self conscious’ about (my labia) — they’re large enough to be uncomfortable on a consistent basis." However, she went on to explain how awkward her labia were with the opposite sex. "Every guy I’ve been with since my ex and I split hasn’t known ‘how’ to handle my lady bits, because I have a gigantic, hideous redundant labia."
Most women are very aware that there is no such thing as ‘perfect’ looking labia, but that does little to reduce the embarrassment when their genitals look different in some way. Body-positive sites, like the Labia Library and the Large Labia Project, are dedicated to showing women (and men) that labia come in a variety of shapes and sizes, just like any other body part, such as the nose or eyes. These sites are meant to empower women and reduce body shaming, although in reality, this message does little to change societal pressures. The bottom line is that embarrassment and insecurity go hand in hand with misshapen labia.
Experts can agree on one thing, insecurities aside, when a woman’s daily life is being affected by her labia, a labiaplasty can truly be beneficial. The procedure will help a woman feel more comfortable and confident in her body. Feeling good and looking good are intrinsically intertwined. No matter how strong a woman’s resolve, in a world that sets unachievable standards for beauty, aesthetic concerns remain an important factor in a lady’s quality of life.
Get more information on the labiaplasty in Houston by calling Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery at 281.617.1838. An in-person or online consultation scheduled with Dr. Vitenas can determine if the procedure is right for your needs. Take a moment to do something just for you – call our office today.