There’s a new plastic surgery trend on the rise among the one percent: vagina tightening.
According to multiple high-end, New York City-based doctors, wealthy Manhattan women who are unhappy with their sex lives are forking over as much as $12,000 for the procedures.
Dr Amir Marashi, a board-certified gynecologist in New York City, explained that the ‘designer vagina’ surgery, called a labiaplasty, is highly sought after for tightening and reshaping.
It is performed as an outpatient procedure, and requires little downtime. You can go home the same day, and spend just a few nights out of commission while you heal, which makes it particularly favorable among busy socialites.
Not only can the procedure change the actual look of the vagina, but it can also make women feel more liberated and confident while having sex.
‘Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reduce or reshape the labia minora – the inner lips of the vulva,’ Marashi told the Daily Mail.
‘There are multiple techniques used depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals.’
The gynecologist explained that people often undergo a labiaplasty for a multitude of reasons, whether that be cosmetic or medical.
Labiaplasty is fast becoming a plastic surgery trend among the one percent
Dr Amir Marashi, a board-certified gynecologist in New York City, explained that labiaplasty tightens and reshapes the labia minora
‘For some, it is primarily cosmetic,’ he said. ‘They may want the labia to appear smaller, more tucked in or more symmetrical.
‘Others notice changes over time related to aging, childbirth, hormonal changes or tissue stretching.
‘Some patients are bothered by darkening of the tissue or simply feel self-conscious about the appearance.’
There is another group, though, who opts for the procedure because they’ve developed discomfort during physical activities.
‘Athletes, horseback riders, cyclists, runners or women who wear tight clothing often experience irritation, chafing or discomfort,’ Marashi explained.
Patients who naturally have – or at some point developed – elongated labia may also feel pain during sex or daily activities, or experience recurrent irritation or hygiene issues.
Celebrities like Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jessi Draper have discussed undergoing the procedure, while Khloé Kardashian once admitted that her sisters had gotten vaginal lasering to tighten the area.
Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jessi Draper attends Clarins’ Sugar & Shine Galentine’s Affair in January. She and other celebrities have discussed undergoing labiaplasty
‘It’s a fast-growing procedure in New York City due to greater awareness, comfort with cosmetic surgery, and desire for improved confidence and function,’ Dr David Shafer, a double board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of the Shafer Clinic, told the Daily Mail.
At his clinic, labiaplasty typically ranges between $6,000 and $12,000. ‘National ballpark is $4,000 to $12,000,’ Shafer said, ‘depending on the extent of surgery needed and any additional procedures provided at the same time, such as laser and [platelet-rich plasma] shots.’
Dr Marashi, who also practices in Houston, TX, and internationally in Dubai and Bahrain, quotes labiaplasty operations with anesthesia costing anywhere from ‘$25,000.00 to over $50,000.00.’
Dr Shafer said he has seen an increase in requests for labiaplasties in his practice over the past few years.
Dr David Shafer, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, is among those who perform labiaplasty
‘It’s popular among NYC moms seeking post-childbirth rejuvenation,’ Shafer explained.
‘We can colonize with dermal fillers, reduce skin laxity with surgical excision, and tighten inside and out with laser and radiofrequency devices.’
Marashi has also seen the labiaplasty boom firsthand, especially in major cities.
He said women who are ‘already pursuing other forms of wellness or cosmetic procedures’ – including ‘mommy makeovers’ and body contouring – are particularly interested in this one.
‘In cities like New York, Los Angeles and Miami, there is definitely increased awareness and demand,’ the doctor explained. ‘It is certainly one of the fastest-growing procedures in cosmetic gynecology.’
He credited this to women becoming more comfortable discussing their ‘intimate wellness,’ as well as technological advancements in the surgery itself.
For some of these women, the benefits can include better sex – but not necessarily because of a physical change.
‘Female sexuality and orgasm are deeply connected to psychology and confidence,’ Marashi told the Daily Mail.
For some of these women, the benefits can include better sex – but not necessarily because of a physical change
The doctors said this procedure is popular among those who have experienced natural childbirth or who have always had longer labia
‘When women feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies, intimacy often improves naturally.
‘I tell patients it’s similar to having a really good hair day. When you feel good about yourself, you carry yourself differently, including in intimate settings.’
For example, some of his patients reported previously avoiding leaving the lights on during moments of intimacy. But after their labiaplasties, he claimed, they felt ‘more confident’ and ‘liberated sexually.’
‘That psychological component is very real and very powerful,’ the doctor said.
However, like any plastic surgery procedure, there can be some dangerous risks.
‘It is extremely important to understand that if the surgery is done poorly, it can absolutely have the opposite effect,’ Marashi warned.
‘Labiaplasty, especially when combined with clitoral hood reduction, requires a very detailed understanding of anatomy.
‘Complications can include nerve injury, loss of sensation, painful scarring, asymmetry or over-resection of tissue. In severe cases, orgasm can become more difficult.’
He stressed that labiaplasty procedures require extensive experience and precision.
It’s important to see a qualified, board-certified doctor if you’re interested in undergoing a labiaplasty.
