Female genital mutilation reconstruction for plastic surgeons—a call to arms
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Authors
Akinbiyi, Takintope
Langston, Emily
Percec, Ivona
Issue Date
2018-11-07
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Female Genital Mutilation Reconstruction , Plastic Surgeons
Alternative Title
Abstract
The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is performed for historically engrained cultural beliefs with no recognized health benefits. FGM continues to be practiced secondary to motivating factors based on cultural beliefs, the majority of which aim to maintain the “purity” of the female victim. The World Health Organization has classified FGM into 4 types ranging from partial clitoral resection to complete clitoral excision along with the majority of the vulva. The list of short and long-term complications is extensive and morbid, including injury to the patient’s sexuality and feminine identity. Reconstructive surgery can be an important addition to psychotherapy for these women with the goal of correcting the appearance of the vulva to achieve a more normal appearance, and to restore clitoral function. We suggest that this represents an opportunity for plastic surgeons to use our wealth of reconstructive knowledge to provide restoration of form and function to FGM victims.
Description
Citation
Akinbiyi, T., Langston, E., & Percec, I. (2018). Female Genital Mutilation Reconstruction for Plastic Surgeons-A Call to Arms. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 6(11), e1945. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001945
Publisher
Global Open