Aesthetic Surgery Journal Accepts Dr. Placik’s Article

Do magazines like Playboy create a public preference for the look of the female genitals, or only reflect what the consumer really wants? To answer this question, Dr. Placik and a colleague performed a recently published study in Aesthetic Surgery Journal (ASJ) to analyze the centerfolds of Playboy magazine, scanning images from the very first issue printed in January 1954 to the most recent at the time of the study, December 2013.

Along with the increase in Chicago genital rejuvenation has come an increase in the discussion as to the motivations behind these procedures. Could the change in grooming trends toward little to no pubic hair play a role in these decisions? Are women, in general, more aware of potential hygiene concerns that lead them to seek a “tidier” look?

Some of the article’s findings:

• The full exposure of the vaginal area, or V-line, went from rare (0 instances throughout the 1950s) to frequent (78.6 percent of photos from 2010 to 2013).
• Any images featuring a fully nude model with a visible V-line in the 2010s also revealed a completely hair-free pubic area.
• Since 2010, visibility of the labia minora has decreased 48.5 percent, while exposure of the labia majora has increased by 41.7 percent.

Author: Dr. Otto Placik

Dr. Otto Placik is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Chicago, a leader in the field of body sculpting, and is recognized for his artistry in a wide range of modern cosmetic enhancements. View all posts by