Clitoral Hood Reduction

The clitoris usually sits underneath a layer of skin known as the hood or prepuce. The clitoral hood protects the sensitive nerve endings found in the clitoris, however, sometimes the clitoral hood can be too large or too long. This can result in discomfort, decreased sexual enjoyment and an unbalanced appearance

Clitoral hood reduction surgery is a procedure that eliminates the excess tissue surrounding the clitoris, improving the appearance of the female genitalia and making the hood less prominent. The clitoral hood is not completely removed but reduced in size, so there is no risk of damage to the clitoral nerves.

How Does Clitoral Hood Reduction Work?

Clitoral hood reduction usually takes around one hour, and it is performed with a local anaesthetic. This eliminates the side effects that are typically associated with general anaesthetic such as nausea and vomiting.

Here's a step-by-step procedure detailing the surgery:

1. A horizontal incision is made in the clitoral hood.

2. Through this incision, the surgeon will reduce the length, the width or remove the excess skin on the clitoral hood.

3. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.

Are There Different Types of Clitoral Hood Reduction?

There are many types of clitoral hood reduction, each depending on the patient's anatomy and their desired outcome. On the whole, the procedure is the same, whether the surgeon is reducing the sides of the clitoral hood, shortening the skin horizontally, or thinning out the tissue under the skin. Clitoral hood reduction surgery is also commonly performed alongside labiaplasty. This is a procedure designed to remove excess labia tissue from the outer vaginal lips (the labia majora), the inner vaginal lips (the labia minora) or both

What Should I Expect?

Most women choose clitoral hood reduction surgery because they are experiencing discomfort, decreased sexual function or are unhappy with the appearance of their vaginal area. The majority of women that choose to undertake this surgery are seeking improvement to their sexual lives and their self-confidence.

It's a relatively straight-forward and risk-free procedure, but as with all surgeries, you should ensure you are well informed and understand all the implications before making your decision. If you are choosing clitoral hood reduction surgery to improve the appearance of your vaginal area, you may also want to talk to your surgeon about labiaplasty. Many women that have excess clitoral hood tissue often tend to have an enlarged labia also. Together, these surgeries can achieve a more harmonious look, and they can be performed at the same time.

After your clitoral hood reduction surgery, you might experience some mild discomfort, bruising and swelling to the area. To aid the healing process, try to take 2-3 days to rest and avoid any strenuous activity. If you find the swelling uncomfortable, you can use ice packs to soothe the area. About 24 hours after your procedure, you can wash the area with soap and water; keeping the area clean will aid the recovery process. You will notice a difference in the appearance of the area immediately after surgery, and once the swelling subsides, you'll regain sensation in the area.

You will need to avoid any rigorous contact with the vaginal area for about a month after treatment. This includes sexual activity and strenuous sports that provoke the area, such as horse riding and cycling. If you chose to undergo clitoral hood reduction surgery due to discomfort, you can expect this to subside after your procedure. You can also expect a more feminine and balanced appearance. Many women also experience increased sexual pleasure, due to the clitoris being more exposed and accessible to stimulation.