Redefining Labiaplasty: New Anatomical Classification and Innovative Treatment Algorithm for Vulvar Aging

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic surgery
• Gynecology
• Plastic surgery

Background:

• Labiaplasty addresses aesthetic and functional concerns of the female genitalia.
• Vulvar aging patterns are heterogeneous, complicating standardized surgical planning.
• A novel six-type clinical classification of vulvar aging was developed to guide individualized surgical strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a new clinical classification system for vulvar aging.
• To guide individualized surgical planning in labiaplasty procedures.
• To improve patient outcomes and satisfaction in vulvar aesthetic surgery.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter observational study was conducted over eight years (2016-2024) in Italy.
• 128 patients with vulvar complaints were classified into six types based on labial morphology.
• Surgical techniques were tailored to each classification type, including established and customized procedures.

Main Results:

• Type 1 (labia minora hypertrophy) was most common (32.8%), followed by Type 2 (labia majora hypotrophy, 21.9%).
• Tailored surgical approaches resulted in high patient satisfaction (91.4%) and low complication rates (7.8%).
• Over 80% of sexually active patients reported functional improvements and enhanced body confidence.

Conclusions:

• A new six-type clinical classification for vulvar aging enables precise, anatomy-based surgical planning in labiaplasty.
• The classification system is practical, reproducible, and aligns with patient-reported outcomes.
• This system has the potential to standardize research and personalize vulvar aesthetic surgery.