Our vaginas have been under intense scrutiny lately, from Gwyneth Paltrow's "vaginal sauna" to glitter applications and yogurt insertions. Now, a new trend targets appearance: so-called "vaginal lifting." Influencer Maeva Ghennam, with over 3 million followers, recently promoted radiofrequency and mesotherapy treatments in a video, claiming they made her feel "like I was 12." This raises serious concerns about promoting unrealistic standards.
Unfortunately, Ghennam's endorsement taps into a growing vulva-shaming market. Procedures like facelifts or "stretching" for the vulva are on the rise. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reported a 23% increase in vaginal rejuvenation surgeries from 2016 to 2017, highlighting societal pressures on women. Public figures amplifying this can lead young women to question their normal anatomy. As Instagram account @i.am.a.witch aptly states: "A 12-year-old's vulva should never be a beauty repository. A vulva with protruding lips is neither ugly nor beautiful—it's a vulva." They add, "Our complexes enrich those who create them. It's time to stop."
Common procedures include vaginoplasty to tighten the vaginal canal and perineal muscles—often post-pregnancy—and labiaplasty to reduce labia size. Injections of fat or hyaluronic acid alter lip appearance. However, even non-surgical options like those praised by Ghennam carry risks. The FDA has issued strong warnings: "These procedures use lasers and other energy-based devices to destroy or reshape vaginal tissues. They pose serious risks without sufficient evidence of safety or effectiveness."
Recovery involves about 10 days of painful convalescence, with risks of infection, bleeding, numbness, pain during intercourse, loss of sensation, and scarring, per ISAPS guidelines. These complications underscore the need for caution.
In conclusion, skip vaginal or vulva lifts. Embrace your anatomy as a functional organ, not a beauty accessory—prioritizing health and self-acceptance over fleeting trends.
