The numbers speak for themselves: according to report 2024 of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), worldwide 210,633 labioplastias and 75,719 procedures for surgical vaginal rejuvenation were performed worldwide. Adding other external genital surgeries, the total amounts to 373,531 female intimate interventions worldwide during 2024.
In Argentina, the figures were 2,554 labioplasties, 912 surgical vaginal rejuvenations and 547 external genital surgeries, totaling 4,013 intimate procedures. To dimension these numbers, it should be considered that in the country 209,760 plastic surgeries were carried out in total, which means that about 1 in 52 interventions corresponded to female genital aesthetics.
These data reflect a growing phenomenon that, many times, is combined with breast increase surgery, the most popular procedure in the country with 28,819 annual interventions, followed by breast lifting (11,309) and breast reduction (9.029). In total, breast surgeries added 59,371 procedures, representing 28.3% of all aesthetic interventions carried out in Argentina.
The trend reveals something deeper than numbers: a cultural change in the way women address their integral well -being and sexuality. “This rise of female genital aesthetics generates more and more interest, although there is still little talk about it,” explains the plastic surgeon Juan Manuel Seren (Mn 107.174), who observes this evolution from his daily consultation.
At the global level, the age distribution of those who undergo external genital surgery shows significant patterns: 48.4% corresponds to women from 18 to 34 years (180,789 procedures), followed by the group of 35 to 50 years with 40.5% (151,280).
Combined procedures in a single surgery
One of the most striking characteristics of this trend is the frequent combination of procedures. “Breast surgery is usually considered the ‘large’ procedure, while vulvar rejuvenation can be associated as an additional ‘small’ surgery, both in the same day without inconveniences,” says Seren, recognized for his rapid recovery technique based on the Erabas protocol (Enhanced Recovery after Breast Augmentation Surgery). As confirmed, “the combos of ‘mama and vulva’ are common” in their practice.
This strategy is not only practical for patients, but also responds to the search for comprehensive body harmony. The typical profile in Argentina corresponds mostly to women between 25 and 55 years who seek to recover confidence and well -being.
The logic is simple: while the patient is under anesthesia for the main breast procedure, the opportunity to perform minor interventions in the intimate area is used. This reduces anesthetic risks, optimizes surgical times and facilitates comprehensive recovery.
The role of gynecologist in diagnosis and derivation
From the gynecological perspective, Jorge Pardo (MN 107.020), specialist in gynecology and obstetrics and medical coordinator of the Naitre Group, confirms this trend: “In the last 10 years there is a marked increase of this type of consultations. In general, it begins by consulting for associations with prolapse, lesions of the postpartum perineum or scars of episiotomy”.
The specialist also points out a generational change: “consultations have increased in younger women. In that context, always associated with something pathological, they begin to encourage them to also consult for aesthetic reasons.”
This evolution reflects a broader change in society. Younger generations, raised in an environment of greater sexual openness and access to information, are more willing to find solutions for problems that were previously considered “normal” or inevitable in the female body.
Beyond the aesthetic: medical and functional reasons
The motivations after these procedures go beyond the aesthetic. Dr. Pardo mentions cases such as “butterfly lips”, a condition where the growth of the major lip generates discomfort during sexual intercourse, causing penetration pain.
Post-Maternity changes are also relevant. “After being mothers, many women experience vulvar deformation for episiotomy, which can cause discomfort when performing sports activity, on the beach or during sexual relations,” explains Seren.
The passage of time, hormonal changes and natural births affect genital health and appearance. During vaginal delivery, the muscles stretch to allow the baby’s passage, which can lead to loss of tone and elasticity. Menopause, aging and certain medical conditions also contribute to sagging or weakening.
The reasons cover from physical discomfort to psychological impact. Many patients report shame even when using a bathing suit due to the appearance of their genitals, which affects their safety and self -esteem. In addition, with age, especially after menopause, there can be an atrophy of the major lips that compromises functionality and aesthetics.
The most demanded procedures
Each intervention responds to specific needs. The reduction of minor lips is requested when these are long or rolled, causing pain during relationships. The stuffing of major lips seeks to restore volume, and the injections at point G improve the sexual response.
Contrary to what many believe, they are “simple, fast and well tolerated procedures, says Seren. A lipoplasty can take just 10 minutes, while the injection at point G is performed with local anesthesia and a single application.
Pardo adds: “Some surgeries are minimally invasive, such as injectable treatments or the resection of a small tissue with suture. Others are more extensive, but recovery is usually good, fast and low level of discomfort. It compares with the recovery of an episiotomy or postpartum vaginal tear. They are tissues that heal very well.” The patient can resume her normal life in one or two weeks.
The satisfaction rate is high. According to Pardo, “unlike face or breast surgery, in vulvar surgery almost always the result exceeds the previous condition.” This is because “vulvar tissue, such as the vaginal, has great capacity for regeneration and remarkable elasticity.”
A cultural change in process
The growing demand reflects social evolution. However, it is still a sensitive issue that requires careful approach. Seren indicates that around 10 out of every 100 patients directly request this procedure.
Communication demands sensitivity. Many times the conversation arises from woman to woman, for example, through an instrumental. However, the recommendation between specialists is clear: first consult the Gynecologist of the header, who will refer a plastic surgeon with the specific formation in Vulva reconstructive surgery.
This collaboration is key because “two specialties are crossed: gynecologists carry out many vagina and vulva repair surgeries, but we do not advance completely in aesthetics; instead, plastic surgeons do,” explains Pardo.
Beyond the aesthetic or functional, the benefits cover comprehensive well -being. “This surgery can change the safety, sexuality and mood of the patient,” says Seren.
The psychological impact is deep: many women who lived with inconveniences discover that the “normal” has a solution. This transforms not only your sex life, but also your self -esteem and general well -being. In short, what is being transformed is the relationship of women with their body and their right to integral well -being. It is no longer about resigning, but actively looking for solutions that improve the quality of life.
By rn
