"Why Shouldn't Women Want the Best?": Doctors' Perspectives on Female Genital Cosmetic Surgeries in Türkiye

This study examines the perspectives of doctors in Türkiye regarding female genital cosmetic surgeries (FGCS) and explores the relationship between these procedures and societal beauty standards. FGCS encompasses both surgical and non-surgical interventions, including labioplasty, vaginoplasty, G-spot augmentation, clitoral hood reduction, and hymenoplasty, which are primarily performed for aesthetic reasons. These surgeries, which alter the appearance of otherwise "healthy" female genitalia without medical necessity, aim to meet women’s personal, cultural, and societal expectations. However, some researchers argue that the rising popularity of these procedures is driven by social pressures and unrealistic beauty ideals. The study investigates doctors' attitudes toward FGCS and the factors influencing the growing demand for such operations in Türkiye. Using Pierre Bourdieu’s concepts of "field" and "habitus," the research views FGCS as a specialized field from the perspective of cosmetic surgeons. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 doctors who perform FGCS in Istanbul, exploring how their professional experiences and attitudes toward societal norms shape their decision-making processes regarding these surgeries. The findings suggest that doctors believe these aesthetic interventions have a positive impact on women’s psychological well-being, increasing their self-confidence and enhancing sexual satisfaction. In this context, the interaction between doctors' professional knowledge and social capital with the cultural norms driving aesthetic demands is critically examined. Therefore, the study aims to shed light on the professional attitudes of doctors toward FGCS and their engagement with societal norms, providing an analysis of the rising popularity of these procedures in Türkiye. It offers valuable insights into how health policies can be aligned with cultural determinants to better address the complexities surrounding FGCS.