As scrutiny of cosmetic gynaecological procedures grows, Aesthetics examines the debate and how practitioners can protect patients
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has issued a statement in response to recent media coverage and academic commentary drawing comparisons between female genital mutilation (FGM) and cosmetic gynaecological procedures.1
The discussion has included proposals from campaigners, such as survivor-led charity The Vavengers, to bring labiaplasty and other cosmetic vaginal treatments within the scope of existing FGM legislation, describing them as a medicalised form of genital cutting.3 The group told Aesthetics, “Women and girls are not making informed decision when they are searching or being pushed into these surgeries. It’s very easy for someone to feel self-conscious about female body standards when women are constantly facing societal harmful norms and criticism about their bodies.”
However, the RCOG maintains a clear distinction between FGM and consensual cosmetic surgery, emphasising that they differ fundamentally in intent, context and impact, particularly in relation to…
