The New Intimacy

How do you feel about labiaplasty?

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Contributor: Backseat Boohoo Backseat Boohoo
Labiaplasty is the reduction or removal of a woman's labia, usually her inner labia. Some people argue that this procedure is harmless, while others claim that "designer pussies" just give women something else to feel insecure about.

So where do you stand? Is it always okay or only in certain cases, or is it abhorrent in more ways than one? Why?

Please note that this poll is referring to the voluntary cosmetic procedure of labiaplasty. FGM is a whole other can of worms that I'm sure any decent individual would argue against.
Answers (private voting - your screen name will NOT appear in the results):
Labiaplasty is always okay.
16
I agree with labiaplasty if the woman's long labia are causing health problems.
176
I agree with labiaplasty if the woman's long labia are really ruining her self-confidence.
77
Labiaplasty is always wrong.
13
Other.
20
Total votes: 302 (216 voters)
Poll is closed
08/05/2009
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Contributor: Backseat Boohoo Backseat Boohoo
Just a quick sidebar: obviously, I am not suggesting that women should not have any control over their own bodies. Far from it! I'm simply asking when you, personally/morally/etc etera, feel it is acceptable to get a labiaplasty.
08/05/2009
Contributor: Not Here Anymore f/k/a Happy Lady Not Here Anymore f/k/a Happy Lady
I voted "other" because I see this procedure as I do other cosmetic procedures. It's my opinion that cosmetic procedures are the choice of the individual. I don't subscribe to the belief that we should all look like; however, I understand why some people want to "look normal" so much that they have cosmetic procedures.

Personally, I am not always thrilled with the way my inner and outer labia look. I've had 2 kids and the way I look there REALLY changed. Still, I don't think I'll ever have surgery to change that look. To me it's kind of like the stretch marks I got from pregnancy: a reminder of a wonderful thing my body did.

I hope this makes some sense. I've not had coffee yet.
08/05/2009
Contributor: Rayne Millaray Rayne Millaray
I don't have a problem with cosmetic surgery. Matter of fact, there are a few procedures I'd totally have done if I had the dough.

In my mind, the problem isn't so much the designer pussies as the women who allow designer pussies to set the standard of how they should look.
08/05/2009
Contributor: Victoria Victoria
My general stance about any surgery is: It's ok, as long as the benefits outweigh the risks.

Surgery is serious - some outpatient procedures are no big deal, but other elective surgeries can go terribly wrong or be difficult to heal. I think it's a big decision for the woman considering it and she should be fully informed and prepared.
08/05/2009
Contributor: Oggins Oggins
Are you kidding me?! Holy ouch! Can you imagine?!!

Everyone is made different and I think that's a beautiful thing! No one should feel like they need a surgery to "fit in" so I went with option 2. I can see where someone might wish to have a reduction for themselves and that's okay to as long as YOU'RE the one who wants it! It shouldn't be to please anyone else at all!
08/05/2009
Contributor: Backseat Boohoo Backseat Boohoo
An important update! A transgender friend of mine recently told me that labiaplasty can also refer to the surgery transwomen undergo to obtain (for lack of a better term) labia. This poll is not referring to sex reassignment surgeries, nor is it referring to vaginal tightening. It is referring to the cosmetic procedure many women undergo to have the size of their labia reduced.
08/05/2009
Contributor: deceased deceased
We have only done about2 per year at our women's hospital.
08/05/2009
Contributor: Gary Gary
I don't see anything wrong with this kind of thing. But unless there is a health risk, or an abnormality that does affect your life in a negative way, I just don't think cosmetic surgery is necessary. That is just my opinion, I also think that everyone should do what's right for them.
08/05/2009
Contributor: spicywife spicywife
I don't think anyone should be turned away if it's because of a health risk or some type of abnormality. However, I am really troubled by the amount of vanity that is seen in this world and the lengths that people go to (I'm not speaking about labiaplasty) to look beautiful. I think it really has a negative effect on young women. I just wish there could be more self-appreciation shown in the media, with women accepting themselves as they are instead of going to great lengths to change. I don't think that young women realize the lengths that some celebrities go to, some celebrities are put under a lot of pressure and do unnatural things to keep their body image "undercontrol."

I mean, we are all different after all.. we have different bone structures and different genes that all make us who we are.

My point is that I've seen some women that are very beautiful but they don't think they are because they don't look quite like the women on the magazine covers, blah blah blah.. so they go to lengths to change themselves. I don't think that it really makes them feel better.

I think I've sort of rambled on past the point of the poll though, sorry!
08/05/2009
Contributor: spicywife spicywife
I just really like to see women who accept themselves for who they are and really just revel in it. It's more beautiful than any cosmetic surgery.
08/05/2009
Contributor: Gary Gary
This sort of thing reminds me of why I love classic 70's porn so much!
08/05/2009
Contributor: Liz2 Liz2
There is a risk with all surgery, if you have a problem afterwards the odds are then 100% for you.
If a girl is looking for a designer pussy, surgery will probably not satisfy her anyway and then there will be something else and additional risks. Also I would not be willing to have an enforced sex "down time" w/o a serious medical issue..
08/08/2009
Contributor: Tuesday Tuesday
I read an article in the LA Times a few years ago. A Dr was quoted as saying that many women came to him seeking this surgery and when he would tell them that the size of their labia is within the normal range, they didn't believe him.

I would never consider this surgery even though I'm pretty sure mine are outside the normal range. Fortunately my man says that although most men would think they're too big, he isn't bothered and says that there's more to wrap around his cock.
08/08/2009
Contributor: Backseat Boohoo Backseat Boohoo
Before and after images of labiaplasty: link

Also, Rotten.com may have a bad reputation, but their library (while full of snark,) is actually very well-written and informative: link
08/10/2009
Contributor: Raven Raven
Quote:
Originally posted by spicywife
I just really like to see women who accept themselves for who they are and really just revel in it. It's more beautiful than any cosmetic surgery.
I so agree with this. I would never take away anyone's right to do such a thing, and obviously if there is a valid medical reason why it should be done, then there's no question. Having said that, though, I just hate that there is one more thing that women hate about their bodies and feel the need to change. I guess it's not enough to hate your breasts, your legs, your ass, your face, your body in general--now we have women who hate the looks of their labia? I love my labia because they're mine. I love how there is a diversity in the shape and size of women's genitals, just like there is a diversity in the shape and size of a penis.

To each his own, but I see this as a sad commentary on our society and our struggle for "perfection."
08/11/2009
Contributor: gone77 gone77
I would have to take this on a case-by-case basis. I doubt I would have it done for cosmetic purposes. And since I can't fathom why a woman's lengthy labia would cause health problems, I doubt I'd do it for that reason, either. As for another woman having it done--more power to her. It's not any of my business anyway, unless I'm dating her. But even then it's her body and she can do with it as she pleases.
08/11/2009
Contributor: spicywife spicywife
Quote:
Originally posted by Raven
I so agree with this. I would never take away anyone's right to do such a thing, and obviously if there is a valid medical reason why it should be done, then there's no question. Having said that, though, I just hate that there is one more ... more
Yes, I'm not sure when people stopped appreciating the diversity and uniqueness of our bodies.
08/11/2009
Contributor: Backseat Boohoo Backseat Boohoo
Quote:
Originally posted by gone77
I would have to take this on a case-by-case basis. I doubt I would have it done for cosmetic purposes. And since I can't fathom why a woman's lengthy labia would cause health problems, I doubt I'd do it for that reason, either. As for ... more
Long labia can be uncomfortably for some women. They can chafe in athletic wear or be pinched by tight clothing, etcetera.

Some women with long labia also experience trauma to their labia, resulting in permanent scarring. (Not that women with smaller labia can't face the same issues, but if your inner labia stick out, they're less protected by the outer labia.) You can see such a case here: link
08/12/2009
Contributor: Raven Raven
Quote:
Originally posted by Backseat Boohoo
Long labia can be uncomfortably for some women. They can chafe in athletic wear or be pinched by tight clothing, etcetera.

Some women with long labia also experience trauma to their labia, resulting in permanent scarring. (Not that women with ... more
Labia long enough that one experiences trauma to their labia would certainly qualify as a valid medical reason for having the surgery! Ouch!
08/12/2009
Contributor: Owl Identified Owl Identified
I voted for the second option, only if there is a health problem. I think people must do with their bodies what they see fit to do, but I have a strong dislike for labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons. I think there's something terribly wrong with our culture if women feel compelled to undergo an unnecessary and dangerous surgery on their genitals in order to be more attractive.

I understand *why* women feel this way, and I don't much fault these women because it's a product of a mainstream porn culture where most women are waifish, clean-shaven and have tiny labia: basically they look like 12 year olds. I hate the idea of a woman not feeling that her vulva is "pretty enough". There is so much wrong with this notion. A woman's vulva does not exist solely to please others, and there is nothing inherently displeasing about large labia.
08/12/2009
Contributor: gone77 gone77
Quote:
Originally posted by Backseat Boohoo
Long labia can be uncomfortably for some women. They can chafe in athletic wear or be pinched by tight clothing, etcetera.

Some women with long labia also experience trauma to their labia, resulting in permanent scarring. (Not that women with ... more
Ahh, I see now, BB. Thanks for posting this.
08/12/2009
Contributor: Dark Muse Dark Muse
I definitely agree that it's Ok if it's causing health problems and physical discomfort. However, I'm a bit on the fence as to whether or not it's ok in the event of low self esteem. If your self esteem is that low about such an intimate part of your body, then I'm not sure you'll be that much happier if you get surgery to alter it. What about scars and marks left after the surgery? She might still be self-conscious about that as a consequence. What if she corrects that but finds something else to worry about? I'm not sure that that alone will help boost the self-esteem. I don't think a specific part of your body can ruin your self-confidence. I think it's best to get help for your self-esteem through various means first or in conjunction with surgery.
08/16/2009
Contributor: Pumpkin Lady Pumpkin Lady
I'm with Melen's Rayne- if I had the means I might be one of those 2 per year at the women's hospital. I'm not even overly self-conscious about my labia but I know if I could get a different pair I'd probably do it, as long as it was guaranteed to be safe.
Funny thing is though I'm very comfortable in my own skin so I'm not sure why I'd so willingly go under the needle. Personal preference rules any day, in my opinion.
08/19/2009
Contributor: Luscious Lily Luscious Lily
Personally, I wouldn't go for labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons, but far be it from me to prevent another woman from doing so. I may not agree with it, and wish that she could see that it's beautiful the way it is, but it's her body.

Health problems and physical discomfort are another story entirely. (TMI alert) I've actually considered labiaplasty: one is so long it gets pinched in clothing and sometimes gets pushed inside during sex, leaving it abraded and sore at best, or occasionally slightly torn at worst.
08/19/2009
Contributor: Sanjay Sanjay
Quote:
Originally posted by Backseat Boohoo
Labiaplasty is the reduction or removal of a woman's labia, usually her inner labia. Some people argue that this procedure is harmless, while others claim that "designer pussies" just give women something else to feel insecure ... more
Wow, I had NEVER heard of this before! That's crazy! Unless it is for medical reasons, I think this is just plain silly and perpetuates an unrealistic standard of beauty.
08/24/2009
Contributor: Darling Dove Darling Dove
As a bigger girl who has no distinct inner and outer labia (it just looks like outer labia really) I have pondered labiaplasty. It would make me a lot less nervous about people seeing me, and would probably make things easier if I had a 'normal' pussy so my labia didn't get in the way. All the same I probably will not do it. It's been a consideration but that's it.
09/02/2009
Contributor: Champagne and Benzedrine (Roland Hulme) Champagne and Benzedrine (Roland Hulme)
My wife comments about the length of her labia, which is crazy to me. I think she looks beautiful exactly as she is and I imagine most men feel the same way. It's sad that women even think this is necessary, but that's our society for you - always hoisting unrealistic standards of beauty.

Well, your body's your own, so I have no problem with an adult choosing to have labiaplasty. I drew parallels to the circumcision debate, though. I think men who want to have their genitals similarly altered should be allowed to when they're old enough, but shouldn't have 'corrections' made routinely as an infant.
09/02/2009
Contributor: Naughty Student Naughty Student
Personally, I think it is up to the person in question. If someone is unhappy about their labia (hopefully not because they are beig pressured by others may they be social expectations or partner/s) they should feel free about having this type of sugery taking into account the risks and benefits as mentionned above by Victoria.

I do not feel pressured by my partner or have the need to conform to a generic view of what labia should look like, however, if I had the money I would consider this surgery. Long inner labia can getting annoying if attempting to have intercourse with minimal lubrication. Spontaneous sex is really awesome for my man but not so much for me as I am practically dry and it gets annoying to always readjust my labia to "let him in" so to speak. So I could consider it in the future.
09/08/2009
Contributor: SexySkye SexySkye
I think a woman should do it only if the benefits (whether emotional or physical) outweigh the risks. I also think it's each individual woman's decision and whatever is appropriate for one woman may not be for another.
09/15/2009