What is a Clitoral Hood Reduction?
The clitoral hood or prepuce is the tissue that covers and surrounds the clitoris, the highly sensitive and arousing erectile tissue of the female. This tissue or hood can become enlarged, often in conjunction with enlarged labia minora. Enlargement of the clitoral hood can negatively impact sexual pleasure during lovemaking. In addition, women with an enlarged clitoral hood may also desire an improved cosmetic appearance.
What should I expect from the procedure?
The procedure to reduce the clitoral hood is a simple, outpatient procedure where the hood is surgically incised and an adequate amount of tissue removed to allow for the clitoris to be stimulated easily. This surgery is done with general anesthesia. Because safety is always our first concern, we always work with board-certified anesthesiologists to ensure that your surgery is as safe as possible. Following your surgery, you will be able to rest in the comfort of your own home.
Clitoral hood hypertrophy is often seen in women who also have labial hypertrophy (an enlarged labia), and reduction of the tissue covering the clitoris is usually performed at the time of labiaplasty if desired. The nerves that supply the clitoris are not involved in these procedures, and therefore there is no decrease in sensation or orgasm experienced.
Additional Procedures
Clitoral Hood Reduction may be performed in conjunction with a Labiaplasty, a surgical procedure that reduces or reshapes the labia minora (the skin surrounding the vaginal opening). Please discuss this option with the doctor.
Why clitoral hood reduction?
The solitary function of the clitoris is to induce sexual pleasure. As the female equivalent to a man’s penis, the clitoris is covered by a hood (which is similar to a man’s foreskin). Occasionally this hood or tissue covering can be large, redundant and cause inability to achieve stimulation to the clitoris. The redundant tissue can also be uncomfortable while wearing a bathing suit or tight fitting clothing.
Recovery & Aftercare:
After surgery, instructions will vary from patient to patient. For a sense of what you can expect after your surgery, see our post-operative instructions.
- Patients may experience minor discomfort and mild swelling
- Bed rest the day of surgery is recommended
- Return to work within a few days, depending upon your activity level
Insurance Guidelines
This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not usually covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.
**Note: The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for any given individual can only be determined through a consultation with a surgeon.
