The Last Taboo

The Rise Of Intimate Procedures

Once upon a time, it was common for LA cosmetic surgeons to offer plastic surgery named of all things the ‘designer vagina’… created largely for the male gaze so that women’s intimate anatomy adhered to the pornographic ideal. Nowadays, intimate female procedures are mostly performed by women practitioners for women; to empower them, rather than devalue them, with non-surgical interventions and without painful surgery.

A long held taboo, those who are post-childbirth or in the menopause transition can suffer from vaginal laxity, incontinence and dryness. Basic anatomical irregularities such as enlarged labial folds can also cause distressing irritation and pain during sex, as well as UTIs.

With intimate procedures on the rise, what’s important to accept, says Dr Sophie Shotter, is that ‘everyone’s vulva looks a bit different,’ adding: ‘The porn industry has done a terrible job of helping girls and women to accept this part of their bodies.’

Thankfully, it’s rare these days that women are seeking surgical intervention for looks alone. According to consultant gynaecologist Miss Tania Adib, who is performing considerably more procedures than eight years ago, 95 percent of women are having treatment for functional reasons ‘because it’s interfering with their life in some way.’

Certainly the goal for the doctors championing these procedures is to normalise intimate concerns – and to bring awareness to the solutions on offer, which are, for the most part, quick and pain free.

The effect these procedures can have on a woman’s quality of life, however, is unquestionably life-changing.

Brand Spotlight: RAAIE

RAAIE is setting a new standard for age prevention by harnessing New Zealand’s resilient land, sea and alpine botanicals. These plants have evolved under some of the most extreme UV conditions on Earth, and produce exceptionally high levels of antioxidants as a natural defence mechanism. When applied to the skin, these powerful botanical extracts work the same way they do in nature – protecting, repairing, and reviving skin cells. The result? Healthy, resilient, and luminous skin.

The C&TH Aesthetic Guide 2025

You can find the full Aesthetic Guide in our May/June 2025 issue, on newsstands now.

What Are The Wellness Benefits Of Manuka Honey?

We ask Jane Willersdorf, Chief Marketing Officer at The True Honey Co., what we need to know about mānuka honey – and how it can benefit our overall wellbeing.

What is mānuka honey?

Mānuka honey is a variety of honey made from the nectar of the mānuka flower, a plant native to New Zealand. Rich in taste and powerful by nature, mānuka has long been recognised by New Zealand’s indigenous Māori for its healing properties. Today, it’s revered worldwide as both a powerful superfood and a trusted natural medicine.

What makes it a standout ingredient in the world of wellness?

In a noisy world of wellness trends, New Zealand Mānuka honey is a quiet, golden constant — authentic, effective and deeply nourishing, inside and out.

What are some of the wellness benefits of mānuka honey?

Laboratory studies suggest the level of MGO in mānuka honey can help determine how it can benefit the body.

For example, 300, 400 and 500 MGO mānuka honey is great for enhancing daily health, as a natural sweetener, for pre-workout energy and for boosting immunity. An MGO of 850 and 1000, meanwhile, is often chosen for more targeted use – like cold and flu season, digestion support or wound care. And then 1250 and 1500 MGO honeys are selected by those seeking the highest grade available, for both internal use and topical care.

What about skincare?

You can absolutely use mānuka honey in your skincare routine. Mānuka honey is naturally antibacterial and rich in antioxidants, which makes it a gentle but effective way to calm irritation, draw moisture into the skin, and support a clearer, more balanced complexion.

And while studies are scarce, mānuka honey is also known to be effective for acne due to its antibacterial nature. No added nasties, just straight from nature.

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