The effect of labiaplasty on sexual function, body dysmorphic symptoms, body ımage, self-esteem, and life...

The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the effects of labiaplasty on female sexual function, genital self-image, body dysmorphic symptoms, self-esteem, and life satisfaction, and to examine the sociodemographic and motivational profiles of women undergoing the procedure.

A prospective single-center study was conducted between October 2024 and March 2025 on heterosexual, sexually active women undergoing labiaplasty. Women completed the Female Sexual Function Index, Female Genital Self-Image Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and Satisfaction With Life Scale before surgery and 3 months postoperatively.

The study included 42 women with a mean age of 39.7±9.2 years. Postoperative assessments revealed significant improvements in genital self-image (p<0.001, Cohen's d=0.66), sexual function (p<0.001, d=0.67), and body dysmorphic symptoms (p=0.016, adjusted p=0.048, d=0.39). No significant changes were observed in self-esteem (p=0.857) or life satisfaction (p=0.071). A majority (69.0%) reported that others, predominantly family members, were the primary decision-makers in their relationships. Motivations included boosting self-confidence (22.0%), feeling "normal" (18.3%), and increasing sexual pleasure (11.9%), with participants endorsing multiple reasons (mean: 3.2±1.4). Most women had considered surgery for more than 1 year (73.9%).

Labiaplasty significantly improves genital-specific outcomes but does not alter global psychological measures. The high prevalence of external influence on surgical decision-making highlights the need for comprehensive psychosocial assessment and patient-centered counseling prior to female genital cosmetic surgery.