Clitoral Hood Reduction (Hoodectomy) Procedure Information

Many patients choose to undergo clitoral hood reduction surgery for various reasons, including aesthetic and functional. It’s important for patients considering clitoral hood reduction to remember that there is no standard shape, size or colour for any genitalia, including clitoral hoods. The most common reasons for undergoing the surgery are:

• Increase of sensitivity of the clitoris
• Change the size of the clitoral hood to be in proportion to the labia
• Improve appearance and comfort

What can a hoodectomy achieve?

The surgery aims to remove or reduce excess folds of the clitoral hood or prepuce. The procedure is most commonly done along with a labiaplasty, where extra folds of the clitoral hood may also be reduced at the same time. A clitoral hood reduction is usually done under either local anaesthesia with sedation or under general anaesthesia.

In certain cases, patients who have a labiaplasty without undergoing a clitoral hood reduction may find there is an imbalance in proportion, especially if they have a heavy hood. A clitoral hood reduction can lend balance to a labiaplasty in such patients.

A consultation for clitoral hood reduction surgery with a surgeon can take anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour. This meeting is the time for patients to learn more information about clitoral hood reduction surgery from an expert surgeon.

It is important that patients are as open and honest with the surgeon as possible. This allows them to formulate the best procedure option to achieve the best results.

The surgeon will also use this meeting to learn about a patient's current health, examine the clitoral hood and labia, learn about the expectations for surgery and ultimately decide if the patient is a good candidate for clitoral hood reduction or not. The surgeon will examine the clitoral hood as well as the labia. They will discuss proportions following surgery to ensure that the hood reduction doesn’t then make the labia look too large for the vulva.

What to expect from a clitoral hood reduction consultation?

Generally, consultations are focused on questions about the patient's health and expectations for surgery and a physical examination. It’s the perfect time for the patient to have their questions answered and for the surgeon and patient to come to an understanding of likely results and expectations.

Patients can expect to be asked questions regarding:

• Current health status
• Any previous medical issues
• Any previous surgery to the groin
• Any current medications, including over the counter, vitamins and herbal remedies
• Any allergies, especially to medications
• Any nicotine, alcohol or other drug use

The surgeon will examine the patient’s clitoral hood to decide what technique is best and if they are a candidate for the procedure. They may also take photos of the groin. These photos will be completely confidential. Once they have examined the patient, they will give them their recommendation and plan for surgery should they wish to proceed.

A hoodectomy is most commonly a day case and is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic. If the patient has a combination surgery, the procedure may be done under a general anaesthetic, but local anaesthetic with sedation is more likely.

The surgeon will make a small incision to the hood to make the hood shorter, neater, and less prominent. Once the surgeon is happy, they will use dissolvable stitches that do not need to be removed to close any incisions. The patient will be observed for a short while before being discharged with painkillers, their follow-up appointments booked and guidelines for recovery at home.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with clitoral hood reduction.

All surgeons are dedicated to fully informing each patient of the risks and complications before they agree to proceed with surgery. However, it is always a good idea for patients to personally research the risks associated with their procedure.

The risks and complications associated with clitoral hood reduction include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Blood clots
• Reaction to anaesthesia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Groin and clitoral hood pain
• Tissue necrosis
• Scarring or keloid scarring
• A reduced or altered sensation of the clitoral hood or genitals
• Abnormal vaginal discharge for a brief period
• Discolouration near the incision

All of the information found on our website is sourced from highly reputable experts, government-approved authorities and is widely used by healthcare professionals:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/clitoral-hood-reduction Plastid Surgery.org

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/labiaplasty/ NHS

Our content is written by our Medical Quality Managers and Patient Care Advisers, all of who have medical backgrounds and training. Before publishing, all the information is reviewed by a surgeon specialised within the relevant field.