The opportunity and the development direction of female genital plastic surgery
10.3760/cma.j.cn114453-20201104-00559
- VernacularTitle:女性外阴整形美容所面临的机遇与挑战
- Author:
Qiang LI
1
;
Fengyong LI
;
Senkai LI
;
Yu ZHOU
Author Information
1. 中国医学科学院北京协和医学院整形外科医院妇科整形中心 100144
- Keywords:
Vulva;
Femininity;
Cosmetic techniques;
Surgery, plastic;
Problem;
Development direction
- From:
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery
2021;37(3):239-243
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Female genital plastic surgery is no longer a topic of shame, but rather a fast-growing area of plastic surgery with increasing demand for a variety of procedures that enhance the female body. Female genital plastic surgery includes not only vaginal reconstruction but also external genital reconstruction and rejuvenation. This field applies the core principles of plastic surgery to enhance, reduce, or refashion the various anatomical components of female genitalia, which ultimately improves aesthetics and restores function. The techniques behind vaginal reconstructive surgery have been solidified; the advantages and disadvantages for various surgical approaches are well known. Although major breakthroughs have been limited in recent years, some examples of innovation in vaginal reconstructive surgery include the application of tissue-engineering to support vaginal reconstruction, and development of perforator flap technology, which has increased the range of available donor sites for repair of external genital defects. By contrast, numerous technical gaps still exist in the practice of female genital rejuvenation. Other aspects of female genital rejuvenation outside of surgery are also in need of further development. Non-surgical techniques, such as injection therapy and laser therapy, are flooding into the field. As female genital plastic surgery expands, new challenges have surfaced, including: balancing patient demands against natural aesthetic diversity, lack of high-quality evidence to support practice, inadequate formal training of employees, and variation in operative practice, industry guidelines, and efficacy evaluation standards. Establishment of industry standards is an urgent concern. This process can help standardize operative techniques, provide formal training requirements for practitioners, disseminate successful surgical approaches, and promote evidence-based practice.