Popular culture tends to promote a specific body type,  including the genitalia; the clitoral hood, absence or presence of pubic hair, the size of the upper pubic area, and yes, the labia minora. Pornography and websites like OnlyFans tend to portray the labia minora in a specific manner, based on the most popular videos. While some may view this as a negative and stigmatizing concept, others view it more positively, inviting this virtual “labia library” to help inform people about their bodies.

 Recently, data have shown a steady increase in labiaplasties, surgeries to reshape the labia minora to fit a specific aesthetic. While these websites highlight a variety of looks, the result of a labiaplasty tends to reflect small, symmetrical labia minora that are not protruding from the labia majora (commonly referred to as an “innie”). Surgeons will work with patients to achieve their ideal labia, whether this reflects the current standard or something different. 

Women may seek labiaplasty for physical comfort purposes, aesthetic reasons, or cultural reasons. Ultimately, motivations for seeking labiaplasty reflect a biopsychosocial reasoning. 

Why Do People Get Labiaplasties?

The average labia minora can range from 2 to 10 cm in width (measuring inside to outside). While a very small number of women may be influenced by pornography (around 11%), their sexual partners may be, which could lead to a complicated situation that may involve feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness surrounding their genital appearance.

In that regard, women may seek labiaplasty for a variety of reasons, including aesthetic, physical, or functional purposes: 

• Itching,
• Chafing,
• Physical discomfort while participating in sports like bicycling or horseback riding,
• Physical discomfort while wearing tight clothing,
• Difficulty with hygiene,
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs),
• Recurring vaginal infections,
• Difficulty reaching orgasm,
• Pain during sex (dyspareunia)

While a labiaplasty is not necessary, some women may experience a higher quality of life afterward due to the relief of physical discomfort, improvement in sexual dysfunction and hygiene, and the potential for reduced vaginal infections or UTIs (no concrete evidence supports this). The result may also help improve overall well-being, with some studies pointing to boosted sexual self-esteem. Some studies have cited a satisfaction rate of 90-100% post-labiaplasty. 

Why Do People Avoid Labiaplasties?

Mainly, women may avoid labiaplasties because of the potential side effects. The labia include erectile tissue that is important to sexual satisfaction and pleasure. Removal of labial tissue may cause a loss of sensation in the area, which could decrease sexual satisfaction. Following a labiaplasty, there may be light swelling for a few days, as well as itching or burning around where the stitches are located. This is normal, and care should be taken not to scratch or further irritate the area to avoid infection.

Some patients have reported scarring, asymmetry, or stitches coming apart too soon. These situations may require revision surgery; however, the rate of this happening has been relatively low (2-6%).

Key Takeaways

• The average labia width measures between 2 and 10 cm (from inside to outside).
• Wide labia may cause physical discomfort, infection, hygiene issues, or sexual dysfunction.
• Women may seek labiaplasty to improve discomfort, pain, and hygiene, as well as for aesthetic reasons. Surgeons will work with patients to achieve the patient’s ideal labia look.
• Labiaplasties can help with physical discomfort and also the aesthetics. If a person has concerns about her labia, it may be beneficial to speak with a healthcare provider.

Resources:

• Dubinskaya, A., & Anger, J. T. (2023). Female genitalia in pornography: A source of labiaplasty trends? The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(2), 124–125. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdac037 
• Gowda, A. U., Chopra, N., & Khalifeh, M. (2015). Indications, Techniques, and Complications of Labiaplasty. Eplasty, 15, ic46.
• McGrattan, M., Majeed, A., & Hanna, S. A. (2025). Long-term functional and aesthetic outcomes of labiaplasty: A review of the literature. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 45(2), 180–185. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjae211 
• Ortega-Sánchez, I., Lucha-López, M. O., & Monti-Ballano, S. (2025). Motivational factors for labiaplasty: A systematic review of Medical Research. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(8), 2686. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14082686
• Sharp, G., Draganidis, A., Hamori, C., Oates, J., & Fernando, A. N. (2023). Beyond motivations: A qualitative pilot exploration of women’s experiences before labiaplasty. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 43(9), 994–1001. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjad105
• Sharp, G., Mattiske, J., & Vale, K. I. (2016). Motivations, expectations, and experiences of labiaplasty: A qualitative study: Table 1. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 36(8), 920. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjw014
• ŞAHİN AKER, S., & AĞAR, E. (2021). Effect of labiaplasty on women’s sexual and psychological life. Journal of Surgery and Medicine, 5(3), 260. https://doi.org/10.28982/josam.883781
• Willis RN, Szymanski KD, Patel BC. Labiaplasty, Labia Minora Reduction. [Updated 2025 Apr 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448086/