As the popularity of vaginal rejuvenation continues to rise, many women are choosing to have cosmetic gynaecology procedures, including hoodectomy surgery to regain their self-confidence and optimise sexual health. A hoodectomy is also known as a clitoral hood reduction and can correct several areas of concern for women with the removal of excess redundant tissue surrounding the clitoris. This helps to improve the functioning of the clitoris with an associated increase in sexual stimulation and arousal.
What is the clitoral hood?
The clitoral hood is the specialised area of skin and soft tissue, which is found at the uppermost part of the vulval area. It is located above the labia minora and provides a protective covering for the clitoris. The folds of tissue surround the clitoris, including both the shaft and tip.
There are over 15,000 nerve endings found in the clitoris. The clitoral hood prevents excessive stimulation during everyday activities and prevents the continual rubbing of the area, which may result in skin irritation. As part of sexual arousal, the clitoris becomes swollen and engorged, and the hood retracts to expose a more significant portion of the clitoris during sexual activity. As with the labia, there are a wide variety of different sizes and shapes of the clitoral hood. Therefore, there is a wide spectrum of normality; what can be considered normal in one woman may be regarded as excessively prominent in another.
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Am I suitable for Hoodectomy?
A hoodectomy or clitoral hood reduction is designed to surgically alter the appearance of the clitoral hood. Although the clitoral hood is intended to cover the clitoris in the non-aroused state, an excessively large clitoral hood may only partially retract, leading to reduced sexual stimulation and reduced ability to achieve an orgasm.
The appearance of the clitoral hood can be improved in women who are unhappy with its appearance or functioning. Clitoral hood surgery is commonly combined with labiaplasty. Labiaplasty, also known as labia reduction surgery, is designed to surgically alter the size and shape of the labia minora or labia majora. Excessively large labia, also known as labial hypertrophy, can be a source of aesthetic concern for many women and may even interfere with sexual intercourse leading to significant pain and discomfort. The clitoral hood is an extension of the upper part of the labia minora, and the overall appearance of both structures can be improved with a combined labiaplasty and hoodectomy procedure. Clitoral hood reduction surgery can be beneficial for women of all ages, from those in their early twenties to those approaching menopause and beyond.
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What happens before clitoral hood surgery?
Clitoral hood reduction surgery must be performed by an expert surgeon familiar with the anatomy and function of the female genitalia. Knowing what to expect from the procedure can be facilitated by having a comprehensive understanding of what happens before, during and after the procedure.
The first step is to have a detailed consultation with an expert cosmetic gynaecologist at Centre for Surgery in London. Hoodectomy is a delicate surgical procedure requiring the utmost surgical skills and precision. Planning for clitoral hood reduction is based on understanding your exact needs and preferences, and this is established during the consultation. A consultation is an ideal opportunity to discuss the critical issues you want to learn more about. The surgeon will then perform a physical examination of your labia and clitoral hood region, followed by creating a treatment plan. Alternative treatments may be discussed, which may be beneficial to help you achieve optimal cosmetic results. Once you have decided to proceed with hoodectomy surgery, you will be sent a comprehensive information pack which details preoperative and postoperative care instructions for you to read and understand before your procedure.
What does hoodectomy surgery involve?
Clitoral hood reduction surgery is a straightforward surgical procedure carried out as an outpatient, which means you can go home later the same day and recover in the comfort of your own home. Most hoodectomy procedures involve a local anaesthetic only, although you will have the choice of a general anaesthetic if you prefer. The procedure takes up to 60 minutes to carry out, although the duration may take longer if combined with a labiaplasty.
A local anaesthetic is suitable for the majority of women and does not involve any potential risks associated with a general anaesthetic. Once the surgeon has injected local anaesthetic into and around the clitoral hood, horizontal incisions will be made to reduce the size and protrusion of the clitoral hood surgically. The precise surgical technique used will depend on your goals for treatment. Once the desired amount of excess tissue has been removed, the wounds will be closed with dissolvable stitches, followed by applying a sterile dressing.
What does hoodectomy recovery involve?
Immediately after the clitoral hood reduction surgery, recovery usually takes 48 to 72 hours. You should avoid any movements or activities that apply pressure or potentially irritate the area of surgery. Try to take it easy during the first week after surgery and avoid strenuous activities, including going to the gym. This will help ensure good healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Our postoperative nursing team will be available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have, including how to clean the windows and look after your incisions. You will be prescribed painkiller medication for you to take by your surgeon. Any discomfort is easily controlled with regular medicines taken for the first 3 to 5 days. Your surgeon is always available for any concerns you may have in the postoperative phase.
Full recovery after clitoral hood reduction requires six weeks. Any significant physical contact should be avoided for at least four weeks. You should begin seeing your hoodectomy procedure’s final results in approximately four weeks.
If you want to learn more about hoodectomy or clitoral hood reduction surgery, please contact us at 020 7993 4849 to book a consultation with Dr Dimitriadi at our award-winning Baker Street clinic in Marylebone. Dr Dimitriadi is an expert in all aspects of cosmetic gynaecology, including labiaplasty, hoodectomy, vaginal tightening surgery, pelvic floor reconstruction, and non-invasive laser vaginal tightening treatments. Our expert patient coordinators are available to answer any questions you may have. They will act as your personal point of contact throughout your patient journey with us at Centre for Surgery.
