Clitoral Hood Reduction
What Is Clitoral Hood Reduction?
The clitoral hood is the skin overlying the clitoris. It is referred to as a “hood” because normally there is a fold that covers the actual tip or glans of the clitoris – basically ‘Hooding” it. This fold can be pushed back to reveal the clitoris, and often is, during sexual intercourse – either purposely or inadvertently during the act of intercourse. When the end of the clitoris is exposed and stimulated it can result in heightened sexual pleasure. The clitoral hood helps to protect the tip of the clitoris.
Many women feel that the skin overlying their clitoris is disproportionate to the symmetry and proportions of their external genital features. Some may feel pain in that area especially when aroused. When looking at their labia minora and labia majora, clitoris, and the surrounding anatomy, they feel that the skin covering their clitoris is too large, too long, too thick, and too wide – looking as if the skin of the clitoral hood is excessive. They may feel that it looks more like the male foreskin. Or they may feel it is so large it inhibits sexual pleasure and arousal, prevents orgasm, gets in the way, or just looks like it does not fit. Sometimes the clitoral hood enlarges as patients become older.
What Is Clitoral Hood Reduction?
A clitoral hood reduction is a minor surgical procedure that removes or moves the excess skin over and around your clitoris and puts things back into proportion and helps to expose the tip of the clitoris. This procedure has also been called a hoodectomy, clitoral unhooding or clitorodotomy.
Why Is It Important To Reduce The Size Of The Clitoral Hood?
As mentioned above, reducing the size of an enlarged or elongated clitoral hood allows for increased sensation during sex. It may also make the vaginal area anatomy look more proportionate.
What Are The Benefits Of Clitoral Hood Reduction?
Benefits of clitoral hood reduction include increased sensation during sex, possible increase in the size and number of orgasms you achieve, and more comfort in your clothing. Some women feel pain in this area and this procedure may help with that problem. Most women feel greater self-esteem, increased sexual pleasure, and improved cosmetic appearance of the genital area.
How Do You Know If You Are A Candidate For Clitoral Hood Reduction?
There is no rule or size by which to measure the clitoral hood. Many women have a large clitoral hood but do not feel that it is a hindrance to their appearance or to their feelings during sex. But some women just feel the hood is interfering with their sexual pleasure, or instinctively feel that their hood is too large and seek correction of this problem. Orgasm is an important part of the sexual act, and a reduced ability to achieve orgasm becomes a large concern for women. An evaluation by a trained gynecological cosmetic surgeon will help you to determine if your problem involves your clitoral hood.
How Is Clitoral Hood Reduction Done?
Usually, I can perform this procedure under local anesthesia as an outpatient. A Local anesthetic is carefully injected in the surrounding tissue to numb the skin surrounding the clitoris and the clitoral hood. Then, depending on the shape and size of the clitoral hood, excess skin is removed surgically in a way that conforms to the shape and size of the labia or is shaped to the desired outcome and appearance that the patient seeks. The skin can be raised, shortened, thinned, or otherwise altered to reduce or reshape the excess skin.
Is The Clitoris Reduced Or Treated During This Procedure?
No, this procedure does not remove or involve the clitoris itself at all.
Does Clitoral Hood Reduction Hurt?
There may be some pain during the healing phase but it is not excessive. Pain medication and swell reduction techniques help the area to heal faster and without much pain.
How Long Does It Take For The Surgery To Heal?
It usually takes a full six weeks for the area to completely heal. In some individuals, it takes less time, but we usually ask patients not to engage in intimate activity until six weeks have passed to be sure it is completely healed to reduce the possibility of infection or poor healing.
Can You Do Other Procedures At The Same Time As The Clitoral Hood Reduction?
Yes, many women desire a labiaplasty (reducing the size or changing the shape of the labia minora or labia majora) at the same time as the clitoral hood reduction.
Are There Risks Involved With This Procedure:
Yes, as with any surgical procedure there are risks involved but they are rare. You can discuss these specifically when you come in for your consultation.
How Long Is The Procedure?
The procedure normally lasts about an hour.
Will This Alter The Sensation I Feel During Sex?
No. This procedure does not alter the sensation of the clitoris. the clitoris and the tip of the clitoris or glans is not touched during this procedure. Only the skin surrounding the clitoris or overlying the clitoris is treated.
Are There Sutures Involved?
Yes, the technique I use most often does involve sutures that dissolve by themselves. There are some techniques where radio-frequency or laser can be used to shrink the skin as well. These other techniques may or may not give the desired results.
How To Prepare For Clitoral Hood Reduction.
Do not take any anti-inflammatory rugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen ( Advil or Motrin) for at least two weeks before the procedure. Also do not drink alcohol, take street drugs, or excessive vitamin C because these can increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure. Refrain from smoking for two weeks prior to the surgery. Shower the morning of surgery but do not apply any gels or creams and it is best to use antibacterial soap when you shower in the genital area. It is probably better not to have sex a few days before the procedure to reduce any possibility of the area not being its normal size at the time of surgery, or any inflammation. Pre-operative medication is given to all our patients prior to the procedure to help reduce the possibility of pain.
Can I Drive Myself To The Procedure?
Usually, we ask that someone accompany you to the procedure and pick you up since you will likely be drowsy and uncomfortable afterward.
What Happens After The Procedure?
You will be asked to rest and remain on bed rest and pelvic rest for the next few days to reduce the possibility of swelling or disrupting the repair. After the first week you can engage in a limited activities like short walks, but no exercise, but baths, swimming, or sex. You can lightly sponge over the area with warm water the first few days but no scrubbing. You will be re-checked after two weeks to see how your activity can be increased. The more active you are, the more the area will tend to swell, it is such a delicate area. The more swelling there is the longer it will take to heal and may become more painful.
How Soon Afterward Can I Have Sex?
You should wait the full six weeks after the procedure before you engage in sexual activity.
How Much Does This Procedure Cost?
The cost varies depending on the amount of work involved in achieving the results you desire. Usually, the cost is anywhere between $2500 – $4500.
Is This Procedure Covered By Health Insurance?
No, health insurance does not generally cover cosmetic procedures and this is considered cosmetic.