Evaluation of body image and sexual satisfaction in women undergoing female genital plastic/cosmetic surgery

Abstract

Background: Little prospective data exists regarding the procedures constituting female genital plastic/cosmetic surgery (FGPS). Objectives: To evaluate whether the procedures of labiaplastyand vaginoperineoplasty improve genital self image, and evaluate effects on sexual satisfaction. Methods: Prospective cohort case-controlled study of 120 subjects evaluated at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperative, paired with a demographically similar control group. Interventions include labiaplasty, clitoral hood reduction, and/or aesthetic vaginal tightening, defined as perineoplasty+ "vaginoplasty" (aka "vaginal rejuvenation."). Outcome measures include body image, genital self-image, sexual satisfaction, and bodyesteem. Results: As a group, study patients tested at baseline showing body dissatisfaction, negative genital self-image, and poorer indices of sexual satisfaction. Preoperative body image of study patients were in a range considered to be mild to moderately dysmorphic, but matched controls at one and two years; genital self-image scores at entry were considerably lower than controls, but by 2-year follow-up had surpassed control value at entry. Similarly, sexual satisfaction values, significantly lower at entry, equaled at one, and surpassed control values, at 2 years. Postoperatively, at all points in time, these differences in body image and genital self-image disappeared, and sexual satisfaction markedly improved. Overall body esteem did not differ between study and control groups, with the exception of the genital esteem quotient, which improved after surgery. Conclusions: Women requesting and completing FGPS, when tested by validated instruments, at entry report sexual dissatisfaction and negative genital selfimage. When tested at several points in time after surgery up to two years, these findings were no longer present. When performed by an experienced surgeon, FGPS appearsto provide sexual and genital self-image improvement.