Harley Street: Center for Controversial Cosmetic Surgeries and FGM
Global Health Security Reporter
September 24, 2024
In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in the world of cosmetic surgery, particularly in the realm of female genitalia. What was once considered a taboo subject is now becoming increasingly normalized, with procedures like labiaplasty, commonly known as “designer vagina surgery,” gaining popularity among women seeking to alter the appearance of their genitalia. However, experts, including Boris Johnson’s former adviser, are calling for an outright ban on these practices, citing ethical concerns and potential risks to women’s health.
The Rise of Designer Vagina Surgeries
Labiaplasties involve the trimming and reshaping of a woman’s labia to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. In some cases, the clitoris may also be altered. While exact figures on the prevalence of these procedures are hard to come by, experts suggest that demand is on the rise. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported a 24.1% increase in labiaplasties performed worldwide in 2019 compared to the previous year.
In the UK, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons noted a 50% increase in the number of women undergoing labiaplasties for cosmetic reasons in 2022 compared to 2015. Many of these operations take place in the prestigious Harley Street area of London, with prices starting at around £4,000. Additionally, hundreds of women travel to countries like Turkey each year for more affordable procedures.
The Influence of Social Media and Pornography
Dr. Naomi Crouch, a specialist in adolescent gynecology, has seen girls as young as nine years old seeking referrals for labiaplasty, often influenced by unrealistic images they encounter on social media and in pornography. The pressure to conform to a certain standard of beauty has led many women to consider altering their genitalia to fit societal norms.
The Dangers of Cosmetic Genital Surgeries
While labiaplasties performed in western clinics are generally considered safer than traditional FGM practices, they are not without risks. Complications such as ruptures, bleeding, and infections can occur, leading to long-term consequences like decreased sexual sensation and discomfort during childbirth. There have also been cases of botched surgeries resulting in emotional distress and dissatisfaction among patients.
The Debate on Legality and Ethics
Despite the similarities between labiaplasty and FGM, the legality of these procedures remains a contentious issue. While it is illegal to perform FGM in the UK, nonmedical female genital cosmetic surgeries are still permitted, even for individuals under 18. Critics argue that the purposeful alteration of genital tissue for cosmetic reasons should be considered a form of mutilation and banned accordingly.
Campaigners have called for a reevaluation of the current laws surrounding cosmetic genital surgeries, pointing out the double standards that exist based on racial and cultural backgrounds. Dr. Arianne Shahvisi, a senior lecturer in ethics, emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach to regulating these procedures to ensure the protection of women’s rights and well-being.
The Two-Tiered System of Cosmetic Surgery
In practice, the legislation surrounding cosmetic genital surgeries often leads to doctors racially profiling their patients to determine their eligibility for procedures. This has created a two-tiered system where individuals from certain backgrounds may be denied surgery based on cultural assumptions, while others have unrestricted access to these services.
Nimco Ali, a survivor of FGM and CEO of the Five Foundation, argues that labiaplasties and FGM are fundamentally the same, driven by external pressures to conform to certain standards of beauty. She highlights the coercive nature of both practices and calls for greater awareness and regulation to protect women from unnecessary and harmful procedures.
The Call for a Ban on Cosmetic Genital Surgeries
Ms. Ali’s successful campaign to ban hymenoplasty in the UK demonstrates the potential for change in the realm of cosmetic genital surgeries. She and other advocates are now pushing for a ban on labiaplasties, citing their harmful effects on women’s physical and emotional well-being. Dr. Michael Reed, a cosmetic gynecologist, believes that these surgeries will become more widely accepted in the future, but stresses the importance of informed consent and patient safety.
Dr. Hlupekile Chipeta, a consultant gynecologist, echoes the need for caution when considering cosmetic genital surgeries, emphasizing the lack of evidence regarding their effectiveness and safety. Education about the diversity of vulvas and vaginas is crucial in empowering women to embrace their bodies and resist societal pressures to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding cosmetic genital surgeries like labiaplasty raises important questions about ethics, consent, and cultural influences on women’s bodies. As calls for a ban on these procedures grow louder, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and autonomy of women in deciding how they choose to modify their bodies. The future of cosmetic surgery lies in a more inclusive and compassionate approach that respects the diversity and complexity of women’s bodies.
