What is a clitoral hood reduction?

Excess folds of the clitoral hood, or prepuce, can be reduced with a clitoral hood reduction. The procedure is most commonly done along with a labiaplasty.

What does a clitoral hood reduction do?

The extra folds can create a bulge that is exaggerated when the labia minora are reduced, and a clitoral hood reduction can improve the balance in appearance of the female genitalia.

Anesthesia for a clitoral hood reduction

A clitoral hood reduction is usually done at the time of a labiaplasty under either local anesthesia with oral sedation or under general anesthesia.

Clitoral hood reduction procedure

The excess tissue is marked according to the individual's anatomy. There is a wide variation in the shape and extent of folds. In some patients the excision is performed as a "Y" extension off the labiaplasty. Closure is usually done with absorbable sutures.

What are the risks of a clitoral hood reduction?

There is a risk of bleeding, hematoma, infection, nerve damage, under-resection or over-resection.

Recovering from a clitoral hood reduction

The recovery is primarily determined by the accompanying labiaplasty.

What are the results of a clitoral hood reduction?

In some patients with a heavy clitoral hood, a labiaplasty without a clitoral hood reduction can result in a top-heavy look. A clitoral hood reduction can lend balance to a labiaplasty in such patients. Clitoral hood reduction is generally performed with labiaplasty, which has a high satisfaction rate of over 90 percent.