In a debated article in Aftenposten, Oslo Plastic Surgery expressed its opinion about intimate surgery, which has had a lot of focus recently. Here's our take on the topic, written by senior physician Dr. Amin Kalaaji.
" Intimate surgery treats hygienic, physical, psychological and/or intimate problems ." In addition, there are some types of needs that arise after a birth. In our opinion, intimate surgery should not be performed to redesign the abdomen.
To compare intimate surgery performed in Norway with genital mutilation is, I believe, highly objectionable. It shows a lack of understanding of both intimate surgery and genital mutilation. One equates a coercive act, an assault on young children and women, with voluntary medical treatment. Intimate surgery is a treatment offered to women to improve cohabitation and quality of life. In the case of genital mutilation, the opposite happens, the quality of life, self-esteem and cohabitation can be destroyed to varying degrees.
A ban would be a poor solution that could be counterproductive. It will give leeway for unscrupulous players abroad, where there is no guarantee of quality, ethics or follow-up.
The attitude we have towards our patients is that nothing is abnormal. There are large variations within the normal range. Treatment is only considered when it causes discomfort for one or more of the above reasons.
We provide thorough information about both complications and what they can expect as a result, something we are also obliged to inform about . If the operations are performed on the right basis and by a qualified plastic surgeon, the risk of complications is small. The women who are operated on with intimate surgery are usually well-grown women, they are well-educated, have a partner and children. They have lived with these ailments for many years. As a doctor, I have the responsibility and duty to facilitate these surgical interventions when it is justifiable to do so."
