Gemma Sharp

Predictors of Consideration of Labiaplasty An Extension of the Tripartite Influence Model of Beauty Ideals

Our study investigated predictors of consideration of labiaplasty (the surgical reduction of the labia) using a sociocultural framework. A sample of 351 heterosexual adult Australian women aged 18–69 years completed measures of media exposure, peer influence, relationship quality, internalisation of the genital ideal, genital appearance comparison, genital appearance dissatisfaction, and consideration of labiaplasty. Almost all predictor variables were significantly correlated with consideration of labiaplasty. A structural equation model based on the Tripartite Influence Model focused on beauty ideals showed a good level of fit to the data: The effects of media exposure and peer influence on genital appearance dissatisfaction and consideration of labiaplasty were mediated by internalisation of the genital ideal and genital appearance comparison. We concluded that media exposure, peer influence, and relationship quality influenced consideration of labiaplasty both directly and indirectly. The results contribute to a greater understanding of the sociocultural motivations behind labiaplasty and also demonstrate an important extension of the Tripartite Influence Model beyond the explanation of disordered eating behaviours to the consideration of a specific form of cosmetic surgery. The development of media literacy programmes may be beneficial in addressing genital appearance concerns in young girls.

The role of media and peer influences in Australian women's attitudes towards cosmetic surgery

The study aimed to examine the influence of media and peers on attitudes towards cosmetic surgery using a sociocultural framework. A sample of 351 Australian women aged 18-69 years completed measures of media exposure, friend conversations, internalisation of appearance ideals, appearance comparison, body dissatisfaction, and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery. Correlational analysis showed that almost all media and friend variables were significantly correlated with positive attitudes towards cosmetic surgery. A structural equation model based on the sociocultural model showed a good level of fit to the data. The effects of media exposure and friend conversations on body dissatisfaction and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery were mediated by internalisation. We concluded that media exposure and friend conversations affected attitudes towards cosmetic surgery both directly and indirectly. Our results contribute to the understanding of the sociocultural mechanisms underlying womens motivations for cosmetic surgery.

Psychological Outcomes of Labiaplasty: A Prospective Study.

Background: Although the demand for labiaplasty has increased rapidly over the past decade, little is known about the psychological outcomes of this procedure. In particular, there is a lack of prospective controlled studies to assess the effects of labiaplasty on women’s psychological well-being and intimate relationship quality. Nor has research investigated whether preoperative patient characteristics predict satisfaction with surgery. Methods: The current study used a prospective controlled design. Participants were 29 adult Australian women who underwent labia minora reduction and 22 comparison women who did not. Both groups completed a baseline questionnaire (preoperatively for the labiaplasty group) and a follow-up questionnaire 6 months later. The questionnaires contained standardized measures of genital appearance satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, sexual confidence, psychological distress, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Results: Of the 29 women who underwent labiaplasty, the vast majority reported that they were “moderately” or “extremely” satisfied with the aesthetic (82.8 percent), functional (86.2 percent), and overall (82.8 percent) outcomes. For the standardized measures, the only significant change from baseline to follow-up for the labiaplasty group relative to the comparison group was a reduction in genital appearance dissatisfaction with large effect size (p < 0.001, d = 3.26). Higher levels of psychological distress (p = 0.001) and having a romantic partner (p = 0.016) preoperatively were significantly related to lower satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Conclusions: Labiaplasty appears to have a positive effect on women’s genital appearance satisfaction, but not their general psychological well-being or intimate relationship quality. Medical professionals should be mindful of patients with greater psychological distress, as this may compromise satisfaction with surgical outcomes. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

A Retrospective Study of the Psychological Outcomes of Labiaplasty

Background Labiaplasty has become an increasingly popular procedure. However, the psychological outcomes of this procedure, such as the effects on women’s sex lives and psychological well-being, have received little attention from researchers to date. In addition, the investigation of factors which predict satisfaction with surgical outcomes is also lacking. Objectives To examine the effect of labiaplasty on women’s sexual satisfaction and psychological well-being. To also identify patient characteristics which predict surgical satisfaction. Methods This retrospective study involved 48 adult women who had undergone a labiaplasty procedure between 3 and 204 months prior. These women completed an online questionnaire which contained measures of satisfaction with labiaplasty, genital appearance satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and psychological well-being. Results Most women were very satisfied with their labial appearance and function after surgery. The women also reported statistically significant increases in their genital appearance satisfaction (P < .001), sexual satisfaction (P = .009), and psychological well-being (P < .001) at the time of completing the questionnaire compared to their recalled levels prior to surgery. Undergoing labiaplasty to address physical/functional concerns (P = .025) as well as sexual concerns (P = .037) was associated with greater satisfaction with surgical outcomes. In contrast, experiencing post-surgery complications (P = .015) was related to lower satisfaction. Conclusions Women appear to be very satisfied with the results of their labiaplasty and they also seem to experience improvements in their sexual satisfaction and psychological well-being. Physical/functional motivations for undergoing labiaplasty are associated with greater satisfaction with outcomes. Level of Evidence 4

Nonsurgical Medical Penile Girth Augmentation: Experience-Based Recommendations

Penile augmentation is increasingly sought by men who are dissatisfied with the size and/or appearance of their penis. However, augmentation procedures are still considered to be highly controversial with no standardized recommendations reported in the medical literature and limited outcome data. Nevertheless, these procedures continue to be performed in increasing numbers in private settings. Therefore, there is a need for safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedures to be developed, evaluated, and reported in the research literature. In this article, we focus particularly on girth enhancement procedures rather than lengthening procedures as penile girth appears to be particularly important for sexual satisfaction. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the common techniques to date, with a focus on the minimally invasive injectable girth augmentation techniques. Based on considerable operative experience, we offer our own suggestions for patient screening, technique selection, and perioperative care.

Educating women about normal female genital appearance variation

The study investigated the effectiveness of two online resources aimed at improving womens knowledge of the variation in normal female genital appearance and their attitudes towards their own genitals. The first consisted of a photographic array of normal female genitals and the second consisted of a video addressing digital airbrushing of womens genitals in media images. A sample of 136 female undergraduate students were randomly assigned to view the photographs, video, both the photographs and video, or neither. The video significantly increased womens perceptions of genital appearance diversity as well as awareness of digital airbrushing of genital images. Owing to relatively low levels of genital appearance concern, there was no effect of either resource on womens attitudes towards their own genitals; however, women who viewed the video indicated they would pass on their knowledge to help other women. Our results suggest that an educational video could be a useful tool.

Response to “Commentary on: Factors That Influence the Decision to Undergo Labiaplasty: Media, Relationships, and Psychological Well-Being”

We thank Dr Hunter1 for his thoughtful comments on our work.2 We agree that our study was low in statistical power owing to the relatively small participant cohorts and so there may have been further statistically significant differences between the labiaplasty and comparison groups which could not be detected. Nevertheless, we think our research represents an important first step. More generally, we would argue that the issue of performing labiaplasties on women who are anatomically normal, parallel to many other cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation, is a political, philosophical, and ethical question, rather than a scientific one. As Dr Hunter …

Response to “Comments on ‘Nonsurgical Medical Penile Girth Augmentation: Experience-Based Recommendations’”

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