Internationally renowned

Top Specialist

★★★★★

Prof. asoc. Dr. Stefan Gress
Plastic & Aesthetic Surgeon

What is meant
by the term ‘intimate surgery’?

The world of intimate surgery

What is meant by the term ‘intimate surgery’? Intimate surgery refers to various surgical procedures that improve or restore the shape and function of the female genital region. The term intimate surgery is not a scientific term. It is a populist term and was introduced by the media, which dealt with this topic. It refers in particular to corrective surgery on the outer genital region of the woman (vulva), i.e. the labia and mons pubis (pubic mound) and the clitoris. The range of procedures includes reduction of the labia minora, labia majora, shaping of the labia majora using the patient’s own fatty tissue and shaping of the mons pubis using liposuction and tightening. The correction of an enlarged clitoris, e.g. after hormone abuse, and the correction of a protruding clitoris (clitoral protrusion) are also included.

Other procedures relate to the vagina. The main focus here is on sexual sensation. Births in particular can cause the vagina to become so dilated that friction can no longer be generated during sexual intercourse, making sexual stimulation impossible. Involuntary loss of urine (stress incontinence) can also be the result. Narrowing the vagina (vaginal tightening) with tightening of the pelvic floor can eliminate these complaints and lead to satisfactory sexuality and firm continence again. However, this type of procedure only partly falls under the heading of intimate surgery.

Unfortunately, despite great demand, intimate surgery procedures are not taught. Neither in the training for plastic surgeons nor for gynecologists. Many doctors offer these procedures and simply operate as they see fit without any experience, concept or established technique. Sometimes with catastrophic consequences for the patients. In our practice, we now see more patients seeking help after a botched labiaplasty than primary requests. Patients come to us from all over the world. As a result, the range of intimate surgical procedures has expanded to include labia reconstruction.

It is therefore particularly important to inquire about the professional qualifications of your surgeon before the procedure, as the main risk of intimate surgery unfortunately still lies in the wrong choice of doctor.