Cosmetic Labiaplasty in an Adolescent Population

Abstract

Labiaplasty (defined as the surgical reduction of the labia minora) is the most common procedure under the umbrella of female genital cosmetic surgery with the prevalence increasing over the past 10-15 years. However, the concept of labial hypertrophy holds an arbitrary definition, with no research into labial size undertaken within the pediatric and adolescent populations. Under the tenets of medical ethics there is acceptance of the need to avoid harm and so, for reasons to be outlined, performance of labiaplasty in children and adolescents should be avoided. This Mini-Review does not extend to pathological conditions that affect the labia minora.

Keywords: Female adolescent; Labia minora; Labial hypertrophy; Labiaplasty; Surgery: Cosmetic; Vulva.