Labiaplasty and Vaginoplasty Blog

Labiaplasty - Is it Simply Cosmetic?

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Reasons for pursuing labiaplasty extend well beyond cosmetic concerns. As a reconstructive urologist, I've always appreciated public acceptance of male circumcision when patients desire the procedure. Frequently, men desiring circumcision report pre-operative pain with intercourse, difficulty urinating or other functional problems as the motivation for undergoing the procedure. Approximately 80% of males in the US are circumcised, creating an unintentional aesthetic norm in the minds of many men.

Here is a well put together paper by reputable pelvic reconstructive surgeons, discussing reasons why women pursue labiaplasty:

http://www.miklosandmoore.com/pdf/2008/Labiaplasty%20of%20the%20Labia%20Minora%20March%202008.pdf

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:28:00 +0000

Today, I spent the day at Paramount Studios taping another segment for CBS's The Doctors. I arrived at the Studio at 6:30 AM for a late morning taping. We had a lively discussion among the five physicians and, I think, reached out to the female population to erase the stigma of an easily correctable problem. I can't thank the production staff enough for making it (again!) a wonderful experience.

Review of Incontinence Book by Dr. Safir

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:04:00 +0000

I'm happy to share good news of a favorable review of what I think is a great book that we put together on managment of urinary incontinence. I am proud to be lead author of a book that I think can help young and old alike - people who share the common problem of a "leaky bladder"

Overcoming Urinary Incontinence: A Woman's Guide to Treatment
Michael H. Safir, MD, Clay N. Boyd, MD, and Tony E. Pinson, MDOmaha, NE:
Addicus Books; 2008
158 pages

This book is written for an audience of women who want to understand more about urinary incontinence (leaking urine) and current modes of treatment. It includes a glossary, index, and list of organizations and Web sites that are helpful resources. Lifestyle changes, exercises, medications, surgery, and medical devices and equipment are described, along with references to Web sites that include more details. The positive aspects of the book include the clear explanations of complex topics, especially the surgical procedures that can be options when nonsurgical approaches don't relieve the problem. The tables and drawings are very helpful... overall, this book provides an excellent overview of incontinence disorders and treatment options and will be a valuable resource for many women.

Review written by:Catherine L. Juve, PhD, MPH, WHNP, RN
Professor, School of Nursing
University of MinnesotaMinneapolis, MN
Member, NAMS Professional Education Committee

"The Doctors"

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:09:00 +0000

Today, an episode of "The Doctors" featuring me aired on CBS. Overall, it was a great experience and I'm hopeful that it encourages patients to seek out the services of a physician for genital and urinary problems that may have been a source of embarrassment or discomfort.

I'll post a clip when it becomes available.

American Academy of Cosmetic Gynecology

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:42:00 +0000

Attended the 3rd Annual Cosmetic Surgery Conference sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Met up with friends Red Alinsod and Oscar Aguirre, who also perform functional and aesthetic vaginal/labial surgery. The meeting was well attended and the presentations were terrific. Now, there are countless options for liposculpture and other aesthetic procedures.

American Academy of Cosmetic Gynecology

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:38:00 +0000

Earlier today, performed a terrific labiaplasty in the office - patients are amazed to feel nothing during the procedure and feel calm and relaxed. Discussed early 80's music and Seth Rogan movies with the patient during today's procedure.

Tomorrow, headed to Las Vegas to the American College of Cosmetic Gynecology meeting until Sunday. The purpose of the College is to bring together thought leaders in the evolving field to optimize the success and safety of procedures. Earlier tomorrow, I'm performing two anti-incontinence procedures with "adjustable slings" - what a concept!

Choosing a Reconstructive Surgeon

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:54:00 +0000

Commonly, a patient with concerns about vaginal function and aesthetics make first contact with their gynecologist. Patients are then often asked: (1) Why would you want to change how your labia look? (2) Why would you want to change the the way your vagina functions (after multiple childbirths) or, sometimes, (3) Would you like me to take care of this problem?

Patients should know how to respond to these questions:

(1) I am uncomfortable either physically or psychologically with the appearance of my labia (or, "If it were the size of my nose, would we even be having this conversation?")

(2) I have had multiple vaginal childbirths and my vagina has clearly changed. Should I just live with this or can we improve the situation?

(3) Well, what kind of training do you have performing these operations? Is it simply something you've been doing for years or have you completed fellowship training in pelvic reconstructive surgery and have you undergone formal, separate training in vaginoplasty and labiaplasty?

Hopefully, some useful information.

Labial Surgery and Medical Ethics

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:46:00 +0000

While we agree that people should be able to change their bodies if wish to, it is right to dig deeper into the practice of vaginal/labial functional and aesthetic surgery. Is genital reconstruction tantamount ethically to rhinoplasty (nose jobs)? Are the genitalia off limits" to change and repair? Look at the conclusions of a round-table disussion regarding the issue one year ago:

Vulvar plastic surgery may be warranted only after counseling if it is still the patient's preference, provided that it is conducted in a safe manner and not solely for the purpose of performing surgery. Goodman MP, Bachmann G, Johnson C, Fourcroy JL, Goldstein A, Goldstein G, and Sklar S. Is elective vulvar plastic surgery ever warranted, and what screening should be done preoperatively? J Sex Med 2007;4:269–276.

Women have smaller bladders than men!

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 02:27:00 +0000

Today, I was asked by Cosmopolitan magazine to comment on why women urinate more often. Urologists have always known this to be true. Prospective studies have shown that: (1) men consume more fluids than women (2) men urinate larger quantities at a time and (3) women urinate more frequently than men. While the cause of gender disparity is not completely clear, women may have increased receptor sensitivity to bladder stretch and the lining of the female bladder may be more sensitive to acidic food metabolites that are excreted into the urine.

The more you know.

Gender Equality

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:39:00 +0000

As urologists, we have participated in perhaps the most common but controversial procedure on the planet - circumcision of the penis. While many of these procedures are performed according to religious tradition, many other patients are electing to have the procedure performed for reasons of cosmesis and improved hygiene. Men are allowed in Western society to alter the appearance of their genitalia, while women are asked to deal with body image difficulty related to their genitalia, without societal approval of aesthetic repair. Women who have experienced multiple deliveries are asked to live with changes in their vaginas related to birth injury, no matter how severe. Despite the success of vaginal reconstruction, patients are not typically offered this procedure by their gynecologists. This is 2008 and there are effective and satisfactory treatments operations offered by ultra-specialized surgeons.

Update on "The Doctors"

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:40:00 +0000

Yesterday, I went to CBS studios in Burbank to tape a segment on "The Doctors", the network's daytime medical talk show. The producers couldn't have been more gracious and I thoroughly enjoyed my time on set. Then, back to the operating room later in the day to perform a urethrolysis procedure, to "unblock" a patient with urinary difficulties following surgery elsewhere for stress urinary incontinence.

Taping a Segment of "The Doctors" on CBS

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:14:00 +0000

I was invited by the producers of "The Doctors" to discuss recent innovations in use of the laser for urological procedures. Not sure when the show will run, but am very pleased to participate. Perhaps will discuss my recent book: "Urinary Incontinence: A Woman's Guide to Treatment" published by Addicus books and available on Amazon.com." or will field questions from the other doctors and audience.

A Day in the Life of a Reconstructive Urologist

msafirmd@yahoo.com (Michael Safir, MD) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:41:00 +0000

Nice day today in the office. I saw a patient in the office today who underwent vaginoplasty, labiaplasty (minora and majora) along with anti-incontinence sling approximately two weeks ago. She and I are very happy with her appearance so soon after surgery. I was reminded that she chose me as her surgeon because I was able to perform all elements of her surgery, including the sling procedure for incontinence. (Secretly, I know that she also chose us because I have the best office staff and assistants in the world).