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 excess skin can cause both aesthetic and functional discomfort, and the surgery corrects this safely and with very natural results.
Does clitoral hood reduction alter clitoral sensitivity?
I consider it essential to clarify this point: the nerve supply to the clitoris comes from deep tissue, and no clitoral hood reduction technique interferes with this sensitivity. On the contrary, many of my patients report improved sensory perception after the excess skin has been removed. You can rest assured about this.
Can clitoral hood reduction be done along with labiaplasty?
Yes, and in my practice, this is the most common situation. I usually 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 alone.
What is the recovery like after clitoral hood reduction?
Recovery is quite smooth. I advise my patients to avoid sports for one month and sexual activity for six weeks. Post-operative discomfort is mild and easily controlled with common pain relievers. Since I use absorbable sutures, there is no need for suture removal.
What anesthesia is used for clitoral hood reduction?
When I perform clitoral hood reduction along with another procedure, such as labiaplasty, I prefer total intravenous general anesthesia, which offers more comfort and safety. When the procedure is performed in isolation, local anesthesia is sufficient.
What techniques do you use for clitoral hood reduction?
I choose the most appropriate technique based on the characteristics of each patient. When the excess skin is lateral, I usually reduce it during labiaplasty using the modified wedge technique by 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 scar from clitoral hood reduction be visible?
In the vast majority of cases, the scars become imperceptible over time. Due to the characteristics of the tissues in the area, healing is usually of excellent quality. I recommend that my patients follow the post-operative guidelines correctly to optimize this result.
How long until I see the final result of clitoral hood reduction?
The difference is noticeable within the first few days, but the definitive result appears after the swelling has fully resolved, typically between two and six months. This timeline varies depending on each patient and any associated procedures, such as labiaplasty or liposuction of the mons pubis.
What tests are necessary before clitoral hood reduction?
I request a complete blood count, coagulation profile (PT and aPTT), BUN, creatinine, fasting blood glucose, total protein and fractions, vitamins D and C, urinalysis, electrocardiogram, and a surgical risk assessment with a cardiologist. These tests 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 on the clitoral hood that causes aesthetic discomfort or reduces the exposure of the clitoris. During the consultation, I use a detailed questionnaire to assess whether the surgery is indicated for aesthetic, functional, or both reasons. Each case is evaluated individually.
