Appearance Of Female Genitalia Research Articles

Cosmetic gynecology-An emerging field for the dermatologist.

Cosmetic gynecology is an expanding field with a steep rise in awareness and demand for procedures to enhance the aesthetic appearance of female genitalia. This article aims to provide an overview of aesthetic gynecology for a practicing dermatologist. A study conducted in India showed a rising trend in the demand of aesthetic vaginal procedures from 3.9% in 2012 to 28.97% in 2015. Several aesthetic modalities such as peels, platelet rich plasma, and energy-based devices and surgical modalities have been in use, though serious evidence for efficacy of many of these procedures is lacking.

Female Genitalia in Pornography: The Source of Labiaplasty Trends?

ABSTRACT Introduction Trends in appearance of female genitalia has been influenced by social media, entertainment industry, and even politics. Cosmetic labiaplasty has increased by 56% over the last decade. Wide availability and accessibility of pornography is another source where women and men learn about the anticipated normal appearance of the genitals. Objective The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current trends in appearance of female genitalia based on the most viewed pornography videos. We hypothesized that pornography may influence such trends in labiaplasty. Methods After panel of experts agreed on definitions and classifications of the different genital parts and beautification trends, we reviewed videos from the category “most viewed videos” on the most popular free pornography websites. We analyzed common representations of female genital appearance, including hair grooming (completely shaved, trimmed, natural), hyperpigmentation (natural with hyperpigmented perianal and labial skin vs. bleached with equal hyperpigmentation throughout), appearance of labia majora (thickness, length), appearance of labia minora (presence and length compared to the labia majora), clitoral hood appearance (status post clitoral hood reduction), and width of the genital hiatus. Results We reviewed the 25 most viewed videos from the five most popular free pornography websites. Among females and males, complete shaving of the pubic hair was the most common pattern, 56% (14) and 52% (13) respectively, followed by the trimmed pubic hair equally among both genders 40% (10). Only 8% of videos demonstrated labia majora resembling pre-pubertal (surgically enhanced) appearance. 44% of women had labia minora larger than labia majora, 36% had them at equal length, and 16% showed no labia minora. We did not see any dangling labia. 92% of videos demonstrated a normal appearing clitoral hood with no signs of surgical reduction. Bleaching or removal of natural hyperpigmentation was noted in 20% of videos. Wide genital hiatus consistent with vaginal delivery was identified in 16% of videos. No signs of pelvic organ prolapse, piercings, or other abnormalities were noted. Conclusions We found that the most popular pornography videos had a range of genital appearances. Pornogaphy definitely influenced hair grooming pattern. The most viewed videos on the most popular pornography sites may create expectations for both genders on the genital appearance of a partner. Disclosure No

Female Genitalia in Pornography: The Source of Labiaplasty Trends?

ABSTRACT Introduction Trends in appearance of female genitalia has been influenced by social media, entertainment industry, and even politics. Cosmetic labiaplasty has increased by 39% over the last decade. Wide availability and accessibility of pornography is another source where women and men learn about the anticipated normal appearance of the genitals. Objective The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current trends in appearance of female genitalia based on the most viewed pornography videos. We hypothesized that pornography may influence such trends in labiaplasty. Methods After panel of experts agreed on definitions and classifications of the different genital parts and beautification trends, we reviewed videos from the category “most viewed videos” on the most popular free pornography websites. We analyzed common representations of female genital appearance, including hair grooming (completely shaved, trimmed, natural), hyperpigmentation (natural with hyperpigmented perianal and labial skin vs. bleached with equal hyperpigmentation throughout), appearance of labia majora (thickness, length), appearance of labia minora (presence and length compared to the labia majora), clitoral hood appearance (status post clitoral hood reduction), and width of the genital hiatus. Results We reviewed the 25 most viewed videos from the five most popular free pornography websites. Among females and males, complete shaving of the pubic hair was the most common pattern, 56% (14) and 52% (13) respectively, followed by the trimmed pubic hair equally among both genders 40% (10). Only 8% of videos demonstrated labia majora resembling pre-pubertal (surgically enhanced) appearance. 44% of women had labia minora larger than labia majora, 36% had them at equal length, and 16% showed no labia minora and were consistent with labiaplasty. 92% of videos demonstrated a normal appearing clitoral hood with no signs of surgical reduction. Bleaching or removal of natural hyperpigmentation was noted in 20% of videos. Wide genital hiatus consistent with vaginal delivery was identified in 16% of videos. No signs of pelvic organ prolapse, piercings, or other abnormalities were noted. Conclusions We found that the most popular pornography videos had a range of genital appearances, disproving our hypothesis that labiaplasty and bleaching are commonly seen in pornography. However, pornography likely has influenced trends in hair removal. The most viewed videos on the most popular pornography sites may nonetheless create expectations for both genders on the genital appearance of a partner. Disclosure No

Controversies in Female Genital Cosmetic Surgeries.

Female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) aims to alter the structure and appearance of female genitalia to attain the desired shape, size or look, or to decrease labial interference during intercourse, relieve pain and discomfort with clothing and exercise or decrease vaginal caliber and laxity. In the last 5 years, the number of labiaplasty surgeries performed in the United States rose by 53%. Despite the increasing popularity of FGCS, several divergent opinions regarding the ethics, safety, and efficacy of these procedures exist. Here we provide a brief overview of the terminology and techniques for FGCS and summarize current controversies.

Does Depth Matter? Factors Affecting Choice of Vulvoplasty Over Vaginoplasty as Gender-Affirming Genital Surgery for Transgender Women

BackgroundGender-affirming vaginoplasty aims to create the external female genitalia (vulva) as well as the internal vaginal canal; however, not all patients desire nor can safely undergo vaginal canal creation. AimOur objective is to describe the factors influencing patient choice or surgeon recommendation of vulvoplasty and to assess the patient’s satisfaction with this choice. MethodsGender-affirming genital surgery consults were reviewed from March 2015 until December 2017, and patients scheduled for or who had completed vulvoplasty were interviewed by telephone. OutcomesWe report demographic data and the reasons for choosing vulvoplasty as gender-affirming surgery for patients who either completed or were scheduled for surgery, in addition to patient reports of satisfaction with choice of surgery, satisfaction with the surgery itself, and sexual activity after surgery. ResultsIn total, 486 patients were seen in consultation for trans-feminine gender-affirming genital surgery: 396 requested vaginoplasty and 39 patients requested vulvoplasty. 30 Patients either completed or are scheduled for vulvoplasty. Vulvoplasty patients were older and had higher body mass index than those seeking vaginoplasty. The majority (63%) of the patients seeking vulvoplasty chose this surgery despite no contra-indications to vaginoplasty. The remaining patients had risk factors leading the surgeon to recommend vulvoplasty. Of those who completed surgery, 93% were satisfied with the surgery and their decision for vulvoplasty. Clinical TranslationVulvoplasty creates the external appearance of female genitalia without creation of a neovaginal canal; it is associated with high satisfaction and low decision regret. ConclusionsThis is the first study of factors impacting a patient’s choice of or a surgeon’s recommendation for vulvoplasty over vaginoplasty as gender-affirming genital surgery; it also is the first reported series of patients undergoing vulvoplasty only. Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, non-validated questions, short-term follow-up, and selection bias in how we offer vulvoplasty. Vulvoplasty is a form of gender-affirming feminizing surgery that does not involve creation of a neovagina, and it is associated with high satisfaction and low decision regret.Jiang D, Witten J, Berli J, et al. Does Depth Matter? Factors Affecting Choice of Vulvoplasty Over Vaginoplasty as Gender-Affirming Genital Surgery for Transgender Women. J Sex Med 2018;15:902–906.

Utilization of Needles in the Surgical Reduction of Labia Minora: A Simple and Cost-Effective Way to Reduce Operating Time

Aesthetic surgery of the external genitalia is growing in popularity among women, with reduction of the labia minora (labiaplasty) being the procedure most commonly requested and performed. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, labiaplasty procedures in the United States increased by 44% from 2012 to 2013, and by 16.1% from 2014 to 2015.1 Increasing interest in the aesthetic appearance of female genitalia also has been observed in the field of cosmetic medicine. Hyaluronic acid can be injected during a simple outpatient procedure to augment labia majora, providing youthful and natural results.2 In a recent comprehensive literature review by Oranges et al,3 8 labiaplasty techniques were identified, all of which had similar clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and morbidity. Wound dehiscence was the most common postoperative complication of all 8 techniques.3 Patients typically desire labiaplasty to improve aesthetics and functional impairment. Labiaplasty procedures can improve pain and discomfort. The primary goals of this surgery are reduction of labia minora hypertrophy with maintenance of …