Frequently asked questions about clitoral hood reduction
What is clitoral hood reduction?
Clitoral hood reduction is the procedure I perform to remove excess skin covering the clitoris -- the so-called clitoral hood. In my experience, this redundant tissue can cause both aesthetic and functional discomfort, and the surgery corrects this safely with very natural results.
Does clitoral hood reduction alter sensitivity?
I consider it essential to clarify this point: the nerve supply to the clitoris comes from deep within, and no clitoral hood reduction technique interferes with this sensitivity. On the contrary, many of my patients report an improvement in sensory perception after removal of the excess skin. You can be entirely reassured about this.
Can clitoral hood reduction be performed alongside labiaplasty?
Yes, and in my practice, this is the most frequent situation. I typically combine clitoral hood reduction with labiaplasty to achieve a more harmonious result for the entire area. It is less common for a patient to seek treatment of the clitoral hood in isolation.
What is the recovery like after clitoral hood reduction?
Recovery is generally very smooth. I advise my patients to avoid exercise for one month and sexual intercourse for six weeks. Post-operative discomfort is mild and readily controlled with standard analgesics. As I use absorbable sutures, there is no need for suture removal.
What anaesthesia is used for clitoral hood reduction?
When I perform clitoral hood reduction alongside another procedure, such as labiaplasty, I prefer total intravenous general anaesthesia, which offers greater comfort and safety. When the procedure is performed in isolation, local anaesthesia alone is sufficient.
What techniques do you use for clitoral hood reduction?
I select the most appropriate technique according to the characteristics of each patient. When the excess skin is lateral, I typically reduce it during labiaplasty using the modified wedge technique of Dr Gary Alter. When the excess is more central, I remove a crescent of skin just above the clitoris. In both cases, I use fine absorbable sutures.
Will the scars from clitoral hood reduction be visible?
In the vast majority of cases, the scars become imperceptible over time. Owing to the characteristics of the tissues in this area, healing is usually of excellent quality. I recommend that my patients follow the post-operative guidelines carefully to optimise this result.
How long until I see the final result of clitoral hood reduction?
Within the first few days, the difference is already noticeable, but the definitive result appears once the swelling has fully resolved, typically between two and six months. This timeframe varies according to each patient and any associated procedures, such as labiaplasty or liposuction of the mons pubis.
What investigations are required before clitoral hood reduction?
I request a full blood count, coagulation profile (PT and APTT), urea, creatinine, fasting blood glucose, total proteins and fractions, vitamins D and C, urinalysis, an electrocardiogram, and a surgical risk assessment with a cardiologist. These investigations ensure that the surgery is performed with complete safety.
When is clitoral hood reduction indicated?
I recommend clitoral hood reduction when I identify excess skin over the clitoris that causes aesthetic discomfort or reduces clitoral exposure. During the consultation, I use a detailed questionnaire to assess whether the surgery is indicated for aesthetic reasons, functional reasons, or both. Each case is evaluated individually.
