Genital Self-Image and Body Dysmorphic Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Central Wedge or Linear Labiaplasty: A Clinical Trial.

Background: Labiaplasty, a surgical procedure designed to address labia minora hypertrophy, has been closely linked to the improvement of genital self-image and the alleviation of symptoms related to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Brazil stands as the global leader in the prevalence of labiaplasty procedures. This study aimed to assess alterations in genital self-image and symptoms of BDD in individuals with labia minora hypertrophy who underwent either wedge or trim labiaplasty.

Methods: A total of 48 adult women undergoing labiaplasty were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial with 2 parallel groups. The allocation ratio was 1:1. The study group underwent wedge labiaplasty, and the control group underwent trim labiaplasty. Genital self-image and symptoms of BDD were assessed both preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, using validated tools.

Results: After a 6-month intervention period, a statistically significant improvement in genital self-image was observed ( P < 0.001), alongside a marked decrease in the score of symptoms related to BDD ( P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in outcomes between the groups. Furthermore, no statistically significant associations were noted between complications and the specific technique used.

Conclusions: The study findings underscore the noteworthy improvement in genital self-image and a concurrent reduction in symptoms of BDD, evident in both the wedge and linear labiaplasty groups at the 6-month postoperative assessments. These results suggest that the choice of surgical technique does not significantly impact these outcomes.

Clinical question/level of evidence: Therapeutic, I.