LAUSR

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.