{"title":"The Effect of Labiaplasty on Self-perception and Quality of Sexual Life in Women: Functional and Psychological Reflections.","authors":"Elif Ucar, Melih Bestel","doi":"10.1093/asj/sjaf145","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Female genital cosmetic procedures, particularly labiaplasty, have become increasingly popular due to rising concerns about both aesthetic dissatisfaction and functional limitations. Enlarged or asymmetric labia may result in physical discomfort, hygiene-related problems, or reduced sexual satisfaction. Although labiaplasty is believed to improve genital self-image, emotional well-being, and sexual functioning, studies employing validated psychometric tools to assess these outcomes remain limited.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>In this study we aimed to evaluate the psychological, functional, and sexual outcomes of labiaplasty in women, focusing on changes in genital self-perception, depression levels, sexual function, and overall quality of sexual life.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 48 women, ages between 21 and 52 years, who underwent labiaplasty were included in the study. Standardized instruments including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Quality of Sexual Experience scale (QSE), and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female (SQoL-F) were administered before and after surgery to assess multidimensional outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The leading reasons for seeking labiaplasty were labial asymmetry (47.9%), low self-esteem (41.7%), and negative partner experiences (10.4%). Postoperative scores revealed significant improvements in all assessed domains. BDI scores decreased significantly (P = .037), and FGSIS, FSFI, QSE, and SQoL-F scores increased markedly (P < .001 for each), reflecting enhanced genital self-image, sexual function, and quality of life.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Labiaplasty appears to offer meaningful benefits beyond aesthetics, contributing to improved psychological well-being and sexual health. These findings support its value as a functional and psychosocially beneficial intervention in appropriately selected patients.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 4 (therapeutic): </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":7728,"journal":{"name":"Aesthetic Surgery Journal","volume":" ","pages":"NP194-NP199"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0000,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Aesthetic Surgery Journal","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaf145","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"SURGERY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Female genital cosmetic procedures, particularly labiaplasty, have become increasingly popular due to rising concerns about both aesthetic dissatisfaction and functional limitations. Enlarged or asymmetric labia may result in physical discomfort, hygiene-related problems, or reduced sexual satisfaction. Although labiaplasty is believed to improve genital self-image, emotional well-being, and sexual functioning, studies employing validated psychometric tools to assess these outcomes remain limited.
Objectives: In this study we aimed to evaluate the psychological, functional, and sexual outcomes of labiaplasty in women, focusing on changes in genital self-perception, depression levels, sexual function, and overall quality of sexual life.
Methods: A total of 48 women, ages between 21 and 52 years, who underwent labiaplasty were included in the study. Standardized instruments including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Quality of Sexual Experience scale (QSE), and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female (SQoL-F) were administered before and after surgery to assess multidimensional outcomes.
Results: The leading reasons for seeking labiaplasty were labial asymmetry (47.9%), low self-esteem (41.7%), and negative partner experiences (10.4%). Postoperative scores revealed significant improvements in all assessed domains. BDI scores decreased significantly (P = .037), and FGSIS, FSFI, QSE, and SQoL-F scores increased markedly (P < .001 for each), reflecting enhanced genital self-image, sexual function, and quality of life.
Conclusions: Labiaplasty appears to offer meaningful benefits beyond aesthetics, contributing to improved psychological well-being and sexual health. These findings support its value as a functional and psychosocially beneficial intervention in appropriately selected patients.
期刊介绍:
Aesthetic Surgery Journal is a peer-reviewed international journal focusing on scientific developments and clinical techniques in aesthetic surgery. The official publication of The Aesthetic Society, ASJ is also the official English-language journal of many major international societies of plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery representing South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is also the official journal of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and The Rhinoplasty Society.