By Dr. Karen Horton, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Women seek labiaplasty for many reasons — physical discomfort, changes after childbirth, or dissatisfaction with appearance. A recent peer-reviewed study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal sheds light on how this procedure can positively influence both body confidence and sexual health.

Study Overview

Researchers followed 48 women, ages 21 to 52, who underwent labiaplasty for aesthetic or functional concerns. Using validated tools—the Beck Depression Inventory, Female Genital Self-Image Scale, Female Sexual Function Index, and other quality-of-life questionnaires—they measured psychological well-being and sexual function before surgery and again two years later.

Key Findings

• Enhanced Self-Perception: Scores assessing genital self-image rose dramatically after surgery, reflecting greater confidence and comfort with appearance.
• Improved Sexual Function: All domains—desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain—showed significant gains.
• Better Quality of Life: Women reported higher satisfaction with their sexual experiences and a measurable decrease in depressive symptoms.
• Low Complication Rate: No surgical complications were observed during the two-year follow-up.

Beyond Aesthetics

The study highlights that labiaplasty is more than a cosmetic enhancement. By addressing physical discomfort and boosting self-esteem, it can foster healthier intimate relationships and overall well-being. These outcomes underscore the importance of a holistic approach that considers both physical and emotional health when evaluating candidacy for the procedure.

“And as a woman surgeon who has performed over 500 labiaplasties over the last nearly twenty years, I can attest that patients are not only more comfortable physically after surgery, but they express an improved quality of life in ways they didn’t even consider – such as when hiking, changing after a workout or even just wearing tight pants.”

View Labiaplasty Before and After Gallery

Learn More About Labiaplasty

Considering Labiaplasty?

As a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, I emphasize personalized consultations and taking the time needed to become fully informed about labiaplasty surgery – its risks and benefits, expected outcome, alternatives to surgery, downtime and potential complications. This is called “informed consent”. Every woman’s anatomy, goals, and expectations are unique, and thorough counseling and education ensures informed decisions and realistic outcomes.

If you are exploring options to relieve discomfort or improve confidence, schedule a private consultation to help determine whether labiaplasty is appropriate for you.