The clitoral hood is a fold of skin that surrounds and protects the highly sensitive glans clitoris. There is a wide variation in appearance of the clitoral hood.
When the clitoral hood is larger than normal this can reduce sensation and sexual satisfaction. Cosmetic concerns can also impact greatly on a woman’s self-confidence, especially with intimacy and wearing tight clothing. Clitoral hood reduction is an operation to remove excess skin overlying the clitoris.
Local anaesthetic is injected into the area, the excess skin is delicately removed and the clitoral hood reconstructed with fine sutures. Surgery takes around 1 hour and is usually carried out as a day case procedure. Surgery may be combined with a labiaplasty if required.
Downtime after clitoral hood reduction surgery is around 2 weeks. During this time it is best to wear loose clothing and avoid anything too strenuous. During this time you will usually need to take regular pain relief. Tampon insertion and intercourse should be avoided for at least 6 weeks. After this time you can usually resume normal activities.
The vast majority of women recover well from surgery without complications. However as with all surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, wound breakdown, scarring, pain, and painful intercourse. A specific risk with clitoral hood reduction surgery is nerve damage due to the high concentration of nerve fibres in this area.
To book a consultation with Dr Campbell call 02890667878
