Dr. Ayano OKUDA
Cosmetic Surgeon
Other authors: Hidetoshi Muramatsu
Diversifying intimate area treatments: Changes and current status of pubic hair removal and female genital plastic surgery in our clinic
Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyze trends in the number of procedures and patient demographics related to pubic hair removal and Female genital plastic surgery, in order to clarify changes in demand for these treatments. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate the impact of the widespread adoption of pubic hair removal on Female genital plastic surgery and to identify trends in labia minora reduction choices.
Introduction: Intimate area treatments are gaining global attention, and in Japan, procedures such as pubic hair removal are becoming increasingly diverse and widespread. In this report, we present the history and current status of pubic hair removal and female genital plastic surgery at our clinic.
Materials / method: We investigated the number of patients who underwent pubic hair removal and female genital plastic surgery at our clinic between 2007 and 2024. In addition, we conducted a questionnaire survey (from May to November 2024) targeting 187 first-time patients seeking labia minora reduction, the most common type of female genital plastic surgery. The survey included questions about age, chief complaints, presence or absence of pubic hair removal, and home care practices such as the use of special soaps or creams.
Results: Pubic hair removal patients increased from 751 in 2007 to 5,179 in 2024, 7 times increase. Female genital plastic surgery patients grew from 35 to 302, 8.6 times increase. In 2007, 5.7% of patients were in their teens to 30s, with 94.2% in their 40s to 70s. By 2024, 66.7% were in their teens to 30s, and 33.3% in their 40s to 70s. For labia minora reduction, ages ranged from 18 to 64, avg 32.2. Reasons for surgery: discomfort (51.3%), pigmentation (37.9%), and asymmetry (28.3%). 58.2% had pubic hair removal, and 22.2% said it led to interest in labiaplasty. 35.2% used home care.
Conclusion: We are seeing a clear increase in demand for pubic hair removal and female genital plastic surgery, especially among younger patients. With the influence of social media and the increasing availability of commercial products and services, public interest in intimate area treatments appears to be expanding. Understanding patients’ backgrounds and motivations is crucial as these procedures continue to gain popularity and evolve as medical practices.
