We all have parts of our bodies that make us feel insecure or like we might want to take drastic measures to “fix.” There are some people who do go the distance when it comes to fixing minor maladies like too-chunky ankles, ears that stick out a bit and even genitals that don’t seem to look “just right.” There are doctors who are willing to perform liposuction on less traditional areas, like knees and ankles, to relieve the dreaded “cankles.” And many plastic surgeons perform medically unnecessary labiaplasties and vaginoplasties, both of which improve the appearance of the genitals. But it’s important to understand that these seemingly small procedures carry the same risks as more invasive and typical cosmetic surgeries like breast augmentation and tummy tucks. Those include adverse reactions to anesthesia, infection and pain.

One factor to consider before opting for microsuction – the name for the procedure that sucks fat out of very small, concentrated areas like ankles and knees – is whether or not you’ve done what you can to lose the fat in those areas. Diet and exercise can go a long way to reduce the appearance of fat in these areas. Likewise, surgery to make areas such as buttocks and calves appear bigger can sometimes be avoided with targeted strength training and diet modification. For some women, the appearance and physiology of their genitals can get in the way of sexual function and may even cause pain, so in many cases, labiaplasty or vaginoplasty may be necessary. A reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon can determine if these procedures are necessary.