Effects of abdominoplasty on female sexuality: a pilot study.

[INTRODUCTION] Changes in the pubic region resulting from abdominoplasty may have a psychosexual impact. Thus, it is important to study the influence of physical changes on the sexuality of patients after abdominoplasty.

[AIM] To evaluate the effects of the elevation of the mons pubis and consequent exposure of the clitoris in the vulvar commissure on the sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction of women who underwent abdominoplasty.

[METHODS] Data were presented as mean±standard deviation. Nineteen women with a mean age of 35±7 years, mean body mass index of 23±2 kg/m(2) and who expressed a desire to undergo abdominoplasty were selected from consecutive patients attending the abdominal plastic surgery outpatient unit of a university hospital.

[MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES] Physical change (measured by the distance between the xiphoid process and vulvar commissure [xipho-vc]), sexual functioning, and sexual satisfaction (assessed with the Sexuality Assessment Scale), and body image (measured using the Body Shape Questionnaire [BSQ]) were evaluated preoperatively and 6 months after abdominoplasty.

[RESULTS] There was a significant reduction (P=0.0004; z=-3.53) in the xipho-vc distance 6 months after abdominoplasty compared with baseline (mean difference 3.63±2.79 cm), corresponding to an elevation of the mons pubis and consequent exposure of the clitoris. All patients reported a significant improvement in sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction 6 months after abdominoplasty when compared with baseline (P=0.0001; z=-3.83). BSQ scores indicated an improvement in the patients' concerns about body shape (P=0.0003; z=-3.58).

[CONCLUSION] Our results suggest that physical change and the new position of the clitoris may have a positive impact on sexuality.