Last week actress Brooke Shields revealed she underwent labiaplasty (labia reduction) surgery in her younger years but following the operation was told by her surgeon he had "thrown in" a vaginal rejuvenation procedure, against her wishes.
In an interview for US Weekly, in advance of her forthcoming book, "Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman," she shared how she initially met with a surgeon after learning via her gynaecologist that a labiaplasty (wherein a large or draping labia is shortened) could help her with the uncomfortable chafing and bleeding she'd experienced throughout her life.
The labiaplasty surgery was for health reasons for a condition which can cause great discomfort and embarrassment. often with the large, asymmetrical or protuding labia lips growing longer post-birth and in menopause.
"In the UK, performing surgery on someone without their valid consent is considered a criminal offense, essentially constituting assault, and can lead to legal action against the medical professional involved; this means that a patient must always give informed consent before any surgical procedure can be carried out."However, it is more common than the industry cares to admit. As a surgeon, I am often called upon to do corrective surgery following botched procedures but I've also had an increase in requests for redressing "unwanted" procedures."These range from breast augmentation where surgeons have used larger than requested implants, or where a woman's breast op has included the incision of milk ducts to create a more pert nipple - when such a procedure was never requested. I've also had female patients come to me with scars and tissue distribution problems on their abdomens from cowboy surgeons 'adding' non-consensual liposuction in areas never specified or agreed on pre-surgery. It is an appalling abuse of trust and power."
"I always strongly advise against cosmetic surgery tourism - going to cut price clinics overseas - as it is often at these clinics where problems happen, such as non-consensual procedures or adaptations to surgery without patient approval."It often comes down to poor communication and language issues, but alarmingly it is also down to exploitative surgeons who yield power of the scalpel and perform the surgery they wish and not that of the patient."
What to expect?
The surgery involves trimming the edges or removing a section of the labia. The procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthetic and takes about one to two hours. Following a labiaplasty, a woman can expect a more neat and symmetrical appearance to the vulva, less embarrassment with underwear and sportswear.
Who should not have labiaplasty?
It should not be done on girls younger than 18 because the labia continues to develop beyond puberty into early adulthood.
Where to get it done?
The NHS does offer the procedure and a GP referral is required before visiting a gynaecologist or surgeon to check for suitability. Many clinics around the UK offer it privately too with short waiting lists.
A labiaplasty in the UK typically costs between £2,000 and £4,500, but the price can vary depending on the circumstances. The cost may not include consultations or follow-up care for example, so do get a clear quote detailing what the cost involves.
This kind of surgery can be a sensitive subject so do plenty of research, says Gerard Lambe of Reflect Clinic, which is a leading centre for the procedure in the UK.
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About Mr Gerard Lambe and Reflect Clinic:
Mr Gerard Lambe MB ChB MRCS MD FRCS (Plast) heads up the Reflect Clinic in Manchester (with satellite clinics across the UK).
He is a spokesperson for the industry body British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), which focuses on safety and regulations in the cosmetic surgery industry.
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