WHAT IS CLITORAL HOOD REDUCTION OR HOODECTOMY?

Thanks to the growing popularity of vaginal rejuvenation services, more and more women are turning to procedures like clitoral hood reduction surgery to reclaim their sexual health and confidence. Also known as a Hoodectomy, this procedure can address several concerns. Its main goal is to reduce excess tissue, ultimately improving the form and function of the clitoris as a whole.

 

What is the Clitoral Hood?

The clitoral hood is a section of skin located at the top of the vulva. It forms the peak of the labia minora, resulting in a protective hood-like shape. As the name would imply, these tissue folds cover the clitoris to shield its tip and shaft.

The clitoris is home to over 15,000 nerve endings. The hood prevents irritation and excessive stimulation during daily life. When the clitoris engorges during sexual arousal, it moves the tissue aside for direct stimulation.

Like other parts of the vagina, the exact size and shape of the clitoral hood are different from woman to woman. There is no “normal” but rather a wide range of aesthetic appearances.

 

Who is a Candidate for Clitoral Hood Reduction?

Clitoral hood reduction surgery aims to alter the physical appearance of the tissue covering the clitoris. Despite its importance in protecting the clitoris, the hood can present issues during sexual intercourse.

Ideal candidates for this procedure are women who experience decreased sensation due to excess tissue around the clitoral hood. Extra skin can prevent full retraction during intercourse, resulting in a lack of proper stimulation and inability to climax.

Women who are unhappy with the aesthetics of the clitoral hood can benefit from this procedure as well. Many women choose to pair clitoral hood reduction with a labiaplasty, which focuses on the size and shape of the vaginal lips. Because the clitoral hood is an extension of the labia minora, surgeons can improve the overall look of the vulva through these two procedures.

Women of all ages can benefit from a clitoral hood reduction surgery.

RELATED: Answers To Your Questions About Labiaplasty

 

The Clitoral Hood Reduction Procedure

Clitoral hood reduction surgery is delicate but relatively straightforward. That said, knowing what to expect can help you better understand what this operation entails.

1. Before the Procedure

The Hoodectomy process starts with a detailed consultation. Clitoral hood reduction is a gynecological cosmetic procedure. How your surgeon will proceed depends entirely on your unique needs and desires.

During the consultation, you can speak with your surgeon about the issues you want to address. From there, you will have an examination of your clitoral hood as a component of the whole vulvar/clitoral balance, and develop a course of action. Alternative procedures will be considered and discussed in order to achieve the desired cosmetic goal. 

Before your scheduled operation date, Dr. Tahery will provide specific instructions for pre and post-operative care. Generally, they include medications, restrictions in activity, and follow-up. 

2. During the Procedure

Clitoral hood reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure that occurs under local anesthesia. Every case is different, and the length of surgery will depend on the level of correction needed.

In most cases, the surgery takes less than an hour to complete. Surgical time may increase if pairing the Hoodectomy with a Labiaplasty.

Local anesthesia is usually sufficient for most women. As a result, the risks of unwanted side effects that come with general anesthesia are non-existent.

Once numb and comfortable, your surgeon will use horizontal incisions to alter the size and projection of the tissue. Exact techniques vary based on aesthetic goals. After removing sufficient tissue, surgeons close the wound with dissolvable sutures and apply bandages for healing.

3. Recovery

Immediate recovery from clitoral hood reduction surgery on average requires a few days. Plan to avoid activities that require pressure on and irritation of the operative area. During this time, reduce daily activities to promote healing and reduce the chances of complications. Take things easy and avoid physical strain.

Dr. Tahery will provide detailed post-op instructions, which go into wound cleaning and general care. Instructions include cleaning, medication, what is normal and not usually expected. Moderate levels of discomfort are standard as well. Dr. Tahery is available for any concerns you may have post-operatively. 

Full recovery will require 6 weeks. Avoid rigorous physical contact for at least a month. By the four to six-week mark, you should start to see the final results of the procedure. 

If you’re interested in learning more about clitoral hood reduction surgery, give the offices of Dr. Tahery a call. A urogynecologist for more than 20 years, Dr. Michael Tahery has the experience to perform this procedure and many other cosmetic and functional vaginal repairs such as labiaplasty, hymenoplasty, and perineoplasty. We’re more than happy to answer your questions and discuss treatment options to meet your needs