Aesthet Surg J. 2018 Dec 8. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjy321.
Abstract
Background:
Influencing factors to decide for labiaplasty are evolving and show diversity among different settings and countries. Updated underlying motivators may assist in the clinical decision-making and assessing outcomes from the patients’ perspective.
Objective:
Herein, the main motivators of women undergoing labiaplasty and sociodemographic features are discussed.
Methods:
Seventy-one patients who were scheduled for labiaplasty were assessed with an open-ended, well-detailed questionnaire to determine the main motivational factors from the patients’ perspective. Validated questionnaires to measure genital self-image, self-esteem, body appreciation, attitude toward having cosmetic surgery, sexual dysfunction, and body-dysmorphic disorder were performed.
Results:
Half of the patients reported that they had an idea about the female genitalia (50.7%) and they were influenced through the media (47.9%). The majority of those (71.8%) stated that they did not have normal genitalia and considered labiaplasty more than 6 months ago (88.7%). The pornography consumption rate in the last month was 19.7% and was significantly related with lower genital self-image and self-esteem. The main motivation was found as having improvement in appearance (43.7%) and a better sexual life (26.8%). Patients reported aesthetic (52.1%), sexual (46.5%), and psychological (39.4%) reasons leading to their decision. Patient-reported 8-items out of 11-item motivators for having labiaplasty were statistically consistent with validated questionnaires. The self-esteem and body-appreciation of the patients were comparable with the literature. Genital self-image and sexual function were found to be impaired.
Conclusions:
The main motivator for labiaplasty was found as improvement in genital appearance integrated with their aesthetic and sexual demands. Eleven-item motivators derived from the statements of women seeking labiaplasty were determined in this study. Sociodemographic features and main motivators can conveniently be used as normative data for this population.
PMID: 30535095
DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjy321
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