The Skinny
Average Recovery
3 weeks
Permanence
Permanent
Application
Surgical Procedure
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$5500 - $17000
The Specifics
What is a clitoral hood reduction?
A clitoral hood reduction (a.k.a. hoodectomy) is a plastic surgery procedure to reduce the length and projection of the skin around the clitoris. Candidates may seek a clitoral hood reduction for sexual function or aesthetic concerns.Excess skin around the clitoris can be due to genetics, aging, weight changes, pregnancy, and childbirth. Removal of tissue around and covering the clitoris can eliminate discomfort/chafing, improve sexual sensation, and enhance the appearance of the area. A clitoral hood reduction may be a component of other vaginal rejuvenation cosmetic surgeries like a labiaplasty (to alter the labia minora and labia majora) or vaginoplasty.
What cosmetic concerns does a clitoral hood reduction treat?
1. Female Sexual Wellness: In a clitoral hood reduction, excess skin is removed, and the clitoris is more exposed to enhance sexual stimulation and alter the aesthetic of the genital area. 2. Mommy Makeover: After pregnancy and childbirth, a clitoral hood reduction can be performed alone or as part of a larger vaginal rejuvenation treatment plan.Who is the ideal candidate for a clitoral hood reduction?
The ideal candidate for a clitoral hood reduction is in generally good health and is seeking to reduce the tissue around the clitoris for aesthetic or functional concerns. A clitoral hood reduction is not recommended for those with psychosexual dysfunction such as low sex drive or anorgasmia.What is the average recovery associated with a clitoral hood reduction?
Most candidates resume work and light activity within a few days after a clitoral hood reduction procedure. Exercise can be resumed after four weeks. Sexual activity should be limited for one month.What are the potential side effects of a clitoral hood reduction procedure?
Possible side effects following a clitoral hood reduction include abnormal discharge, bruising, edema, bleeding, infection, tenderness, and unsatisfactory results.What can someone expect from the results of a clitoral hood reduction?
The results of a clitoral hood reduction are immediately visible and permanent following the cosmetic procedure. Results may be affected by pregnancy and childbirth.What is the average cost of a clitoral hood reduction?
A clitoral hood reduction procedure can cost anywhere from $5,500 to $17,000. The actual cost of a clitoral hood reduction is dependent upon location, board certified plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery.Pros
- Increased Sensation
- Improved Look
- Less Discomfort
Cons
- Infection
- Wound Separation
- Asymmetry
Invasiveness Score
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
A clitoral hood reduction, also know as a hoodectomy, reduces the length and projection of the skin around the clitoris. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a clitoral hood reduction.
Before Treatment
- Do not take any blood thinning medications for 2 weeks
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after surgery
- No alcohol for at least 2 days prior
During Treatment
- Local anesthesia with sedation
- Incisions vary depending on the patient
- Some patients may only need an incision in the center of the clitoral hood to better expose the clitoris
- Some patients may have a clitoral hood reduction as an extension of a labiaplasty
- Some patients may only require skin excision to reveal a hidden clitoris
- Dissolvable sutures to close incisions
Immediately After Treatment
- Swelling
- Spot bleeding
1-4 Weeks After Treatment and Beyond
- Return to work in 2-3 days
- Refrain from sexual activity for 1 month
- Refrain from strenuous exercise for 1 month
Result Notes
- Immediate visible improvement
- Results are permanent
- Results may be affected by pregnancy and childbirth
The Takeaway
A clitoral hood reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the skin surrounding the clitoris for improved aesthetic and function.
