Clitoral hood reduction surgery is performed by our Gynaecologist or Urologist. This procedure is designed to reduce the size of the clitoral hood. The Clitoral hood is designed to protect the clitoris, and is a fold of skin.

If your clitoral hood gives you discomfort this can be eased with a clitoral hood reduction surgery. Other Patients have this procedure to increase sensations in the clitoris. The clitoral hood pulls back to reveal the clitoris when you are sexually aroused. The clitoral hood protects the clitoris from over sensitivity.

Clitoral hood reduction surgery: The Procedure

This surgery will take approximately one hour. Because it is performed under general anaesthetic you will feel no pain during the procedure itself.

During the procedure the Surgeon will remove excess skin from the folds that cover your clitoris.

You can also choose to have a labiaplasty at the same time as clitoral hood reduction can be performed at the same time.

Dissolvable sutures are used to close the wound, and after a short recovery of two to three hours, you will able to go home. Make sure you have someone to collect you from the hospital.

Clitoral hood reduction surgery: After the procedure

You should arrange to take time off work depending on the type of work that you do. Most patients arrange around one week off work. If your job is particularly physical, then you may need to take slightly longer.

Expect the area to feel quite sore in the first week or two. This is perfectly normal. You will be given a course of antibiotics to take and some pain relief medication. Be sure to complete the course of antibiotics, these help to minimize the risk of infection.

You may notice some swelling in the first few weeks after surgery. This will gradually settle down over time. Most of the swelling should have settled within six weeks. You can help reduce swelling by applying a cold pack to the area for ten to twenty minutes, leaving twenty minutes between each application. This may also help reduce any pain or discomfort.

You must avoid baths at first. It is important to keep the area very clean, but shower rather than taking baths in the first few weeks. Wear comfortable underwear, nothing too tight fitting as this may increase discomfort.

It is important to avoid sexual intercourse for six weeks. Use sanitary towels rather than tampons for six weeks.

Our patient care team will arrange follow up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery

Clitoral hood reduction surgery: Risks and complications

Most patents who undergo clitoral hood reduction surgery do so without any complications, Of course, all surgical procedures carry some element of risk and you should be aware of them. These include,

Bleeding
Infection
Pain and discomfort
Bruising and swelling
Poor wound healing
Nerve damage
Need for revision surgery

Your Patient Journey

If this is your first experience of having a surgical procedure such as this , we understand it can be a bit daunting. In this short guide we outline the steps from start to finish of your procedure, so you can see the treatment pathway

Step One

Everything starts with a simple phone call or website form enquiry. Our patient co-ordinators are on hand to give you all the information you need and then arrange a free zoom video consultation for you with one of the Urologists or Gynaecologists. These are Doctors with specialist training in genital procedures. This initial inquiry stage enables you to find out the facts such as likely costs, what the surgery fees include, available dates for surgery, what aftercare is included etc.

Step Two

This is your consultation with the Specialist. This is where you find out exactly what can be achieved for you with this procedure. Here you will discuss the results you want to achieve and get all the facts directly from the Specialist who will perform the procedure for you. At this stage you may also book your surgery, or confirm a pre booked date. Any pre operative checks that need to be done, or any pre op tests needed, will be arranged for you.

Step Three

This will be the day of your procedure. You will go to the hospital at the admission time and meet your Specialist once again , together with his medical team. The Anaesthetist will come to see you before the procedure and discuss the anaesthetic with you. Then the nursing will take care of your right through the day to ensure a pleasant and smooth experience.

Step Four

This is the period of your aftercare. Your Specialist will see you for follow up in the hospital and on video to ensure a smooth recovery. You will also have access to our patient care support team whenever you have any general questions. We want you to be totally supported after your surgery and pride ourselves in the aftercare and support we provide our patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of anaesthetic is used for the surgery ?

Clitoral hood reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthetic to ensure that your procedure is painless. You will be asleep throughout the procedure

Can I go home on the same day as clitoral hood reduction surgery ?

Following a short recovery period of two to three hours, you will be able to go home on the same day. You will need to ensure that someone comes to the hospital to collect you

Can clitoral hood reduction improve sensitivity during sex ?

This surgery can heighten sensitivity because the clitoral hood itself covers the clitoris which is extremely sensitive.

Do I need to contact my Doctor about Clitoral hood reduction ?

You do not need a GP referral for clitoral hood reduction surgery. Contact us and we will arrange an appointment directly with our Gynaecologist or Urologist for this procedure

How long should I take off work ?

We recommend taking one week off work after the procedure. You should limit your activities in the first week as you will feel sore. If you have a job which is quite physical then you may need up to two weeks off work.

Who performs the clitoral hood reduction ?

This procedure is performed by our Gynaecologist or Urologist. Both are on the GMC ( General Medical Council) specialist register for Urology or Gynaecology.

Do I need a consultation for clitoral hood reduction ?

Yes. We will arrange an appointment for you to see our Gynaecologist or Urologist about the procedure. They will explain how the procedure works and carry out an assessment to make sure that clitoral hood reduction is the right procedure for you.