Patrick Hudson MD, FACS

Women often wonder if they are alone in having concerns about the appearance of the labia minora. They are not. Recent studies show that 95% of women examine their own labia frequently and nearly half think that the appearance of their labia is important.

Almost 70% think that their appearance is normal. Still 1 in 7 feels that their appearance is abnormal. There are significant differences in the appearance of the labia in different ethnic groups and at different ages. Between 20 and 40 significant aging changes occurs, especially in women who have children.

There is a wide variety in the appearance of the labia. The media tends to promote a specific uniform appearance that is not representative of the average woman.Young women may worry about the appearance of their genitalia, especially if the labia minora protrudes beyond labia majora. Measurements of the labia in  younger women show that the average labial size has a range of about 2.0-5.5 cm.

Around one woman in 15 has considered labiaplasty but most do not have surgery, either because they feel their problem is not severe enough or because they do not have access to the procedure.

A Dutch study published in 2009 revealed that almost one women in 200 has undergone this procedure and the numbers are anticipated to increase as the operation becomes more widely known and socially acceptable. Most woman are pleased with the outcome and are satisfied with the results of labiaplasty.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has issued a committee opinion on female genital surgeries, such as  “vaginal rejuvenation,” “designer vaginoplasty,” “revirgination,” and “G-spot amplification” that states their safety has not been documented.  Most women like the results of labiaplasty and the satisfaction rate seems to be greater than 90%, although sexual satisfaction is less at around 80-85% of women. There are no reports of labiaplasty leading to excess tearing during delivery.