Commentary on: Labiaplasty: The Stigma Persists

Genital Self-Image and Esthetic Genital Surgery

Genital self-image describes the perception of one's genital appearance as being "normal" or "abnormal," and a disharmonious image leads to an increasing number of women seeking esthetic genital surgery each year. The concept of what constitutes "normal" is strongly influenced by the media, cultural norms, and sexual relations. In reality, the extent of normalcy is highly variable and overall patient education regarding extremes of size and shape should be provided to all patients considering surgery. When performed with appropriate training, expertise, and attention to detail in a properly selected patient, esthetic genital surgery is associated with minimal complications or sequelae.