Clitoral Hood Reduction

Clitoral Hood Reduction in Turkey

Where is the clitoris?

The clitoris is located at the junction of the two labia minora (inner lips) above the urethral orifice.

It is the embryological equivalent of the male penis. It is composed of the glans, body and two crura. The body is composed of two erectile structures known as the corpora cavernosa.

It embryologically develops from the genital tubercle, if it is not exposed to androgens (male hormon),however if it is exposed to androgens in utero, it becomes the penis in male infants.

Can you actually see the clitoris?

The glans of the clitoris is covered by skinfolds externally called the clitoral hood.

The glans of clitoris is a structure that is packed with plenty of nerves. What is visible from outside is the clitoral hood covering the clitoris. Most of the clitoris is internal and is not visible to the eye.

What is an internal clitoris?

The body (two sided corpora covernosa) and two sided crura of the clitoris, which are erectile tissues that are not visible, are the internal portions of clitoris. They play an important function in female sexual arousal.

Once the glans (head) of clitoris is stimulated, almost 8000 nerve fibers carry the impulse to the brain and the response is erection of the internal structures of the clitoris just like a penis. This erection causes the clitoral legs to open the vaginal orifice and lubricate the vagina.

How do you find the clitoris?

It is easy to find the clitoris since the glans of clitoris is easily palpable at the junction of the two labia minora.

The consistency and size can be compared to a pea. It is highly sensitive to touch and clitoral massage is a commonly used technique during sexual therapies.

Once the glans of clitoris is stimulated, erectile tissues of the clitoris will be filled with blood, lubrication starts and female erection causes the vaginal orifice to open.

What is the female sexual response cycle?

It is a term used to describe the physical and emotional changes that happen during intercourse or masturbation.

Female sexual cycle consists of four phases:

• Excitement -Arousal ( by physical and psychological stimulation),
• Plateau,
• Orgasm,
• Resolution,

Orgasm may not always be a part of the cycle but arousal has to be, for female genitelia to be ready for sex. Clitoris plays a part in both arousal and orgasm in females.

What is the function of the clitoris?

Clitoris the main organ of female sexual pleasure. It is an erectile organ just like the penis. When the glans of the clitoris is stimulated, a cascade of events in the female sexual cycle happen:

• Vaginal lubrication,
• Engorgement and erection of corpora cavernosa, so that they open the vaginal orifice for intercourse.

So the two main functions of the clitoris is to play a role in female arousal and orgasm.

What is hoodectomy?

Hoodectomy or clitoral hood reduction is the surgical procedure, where excess amount of skin tissue covering the clitoral glans is reduced.

How can I reduce my clitoris?

Actually it is the tissue covering the clitoral glans that is reduced, not the clitoris itself, because clitoral neural tissue has very important function in female sexual pleasure.

In certain cultures eg.in Africa, female circumcision is a common practice where the clitoris is removed mostly in primitive unhealthy conditions, which is totally a different, unethical procedure.

The aim of female circumcision is to decrease female sexual pleasure in underdeveloped societies.

What happens if you remove the clitoral hood?

The clitoral hood is not totally removed, because the aim is not to leave the clitoris naked, rather to decrease excessive tissues covering the clitoris.

After this operation:

• The clitoris becomes even more sensitive to tactile stimuli, thus increasing female sexual pleasure,
• The appearance of the clitoral region is enhanced and restored.

Why is there excessive tissue covering the clitoris in some women?

In some women, there may be excess or asymmetrical volume of tissue covering the clitoris from birth and these women may be unsatisfied from the look of their genitelia or may have functional disturbance due to friction of the area in tight clothes. They may also find it difficult to stimulate their clitoris.

There is a rare congenital condition called ‘cliteromegaly’ seen in some female patients caused by exposure to excessive amount of androgens in utero, due to a condition called Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. This condition must be differenciated from the normal female genitelia with excess skin tissue covering the clitoris, because their surgical treatments are different.

Why is hoodectomy done?

Hoodectomy is done for two purposes mainly:

• Functionally to increase clitoral sexual pleasure (both arousal and orgasm),
• Esthetically to enhance appearance as a part of vaginal rejuvanation.

Who is a candidate for hoodectomy?

Following patients can be a candidate for hoodectomy surgery:

• Female patients over 18 years of age,
• Without significant health problems,
• Having excessive skin covering the clitoris symmetrically or asymmetrically,
• Female patients undergoing a labiaplasty necessitating a more balanced appearance of the vulva,
• Patients having difficulty in sexual arousal when clitoris is stimulated,
• Patients with realistic expectations from surgery.

Who is not a good candidate for hoodectomy?

Following patients are not good candidates for hoodectomy operation:

• Patients less than 18 years of age(unless there is a medical indication),
• Patients having significant health problems,
• Patients having unrealistic expectations from surgery,
• Patients who are allergic to anesthesia,
• Smokers,
• Patients with increased BMI.

How is hoodectomy done? How do you remove a clitoral hood?

Hoodectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove excessive skinfolds covering the clitoris. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure even when combined with a labiaplasty.

The surgical technique involves unilateral or bilateral excision of the skin folds covering the clitoris, leaving a small amount of skin tissue over the clitoral glans.

The incisions are closed by self dissolving esthetic sutures. Sometimes hoodectomy may be combined with a labiaplasty or other genital esthetic procedures.

How long does a hoodectomy procedure last?

The hoodectomy procedure lasts around 30-60 minutes depending on whether it is combined with a labiaplasty. After the procedure, patients can have some rest for a few hours at the clinic with ice-packs on and off until they feel well enough to go home.

Can hoodectomy be performed concommitantly with other genital esthetic procedures?

Clitoral hood reduction (hoodectomy) can be performed with most other genital esthetic procedures. Most commonly it is performed in conjunction with a labiaplasty, because when the labia minora are reduced in size, the oversized clitoral hood may become more apparent and the final look may be unsatisfactory for the patient without a hoodectomy.

Is anesthesia necessary for a hoodectomy?

Most commonly a hoodectomy procedure is performed under local anesthesia after iv sedation. It is also possible to perform the procedure without sedation, but patients feel more comfortable with sedation since they do not feel anything while they are asleep. Sedation can be used during outpatient procedures in the office setting. You do not need to be entubated during sedation.

What are the benefits of getting a clitoral hood reduction?

The benefits of getting a clitoral hood reduction can be summarised as follows:

• Decreased physical disturbance due to friction of skin during sex or other activities,
• Increased female sexual pleasure,
• Stronger, more frequent orgasms,
• Enhanced vulvar appearance and increased self esteem,
• More youthfull looking vulva.

What are the possible complications of a hoodectomy procedure?

Just like all surgical interventions, some complications can happen after a hoodectomy such as:

• Infection,
• Bleeding,
• Hematoma formation

Such complications may be encountered in less than 1% of the patients.

How long is clitoral hoodectomy healing time?

Most patients can return to work and daily activities within a few days after surgery. However it is recommended to stay away from heavy sports, swimming or sex for 4-6 weeks after surgery until healing is complete.

Clitoral hoodectomy healing time is around 6 weeks after surgery.

Does hoodectomy affect sensitivity?

Hoodectomy does not decrease sensation of the clitoral area. It is normal to have temporary numbness after every surgical procedure. However after healing, patients notice that the clitoral stimulation is enhanced and clitoral sensitivity is increased. So it can be said that hoodectomy affects sensitivity in a positive way.

Hoodectomy -Preparation before surgery:

You should prepare for hoodectomy surgery as follows:

• Stop smoking 6 weeks before and after surgery,
• Do not drink alcohol a few weeks before surgery,
• Stop taking blood thinners and supplements other than medications subscribed by your doctor,
• Prepare loose, comfortable cotton underwear and sweatpants to wear after surgery,
• Have someone to drive you home after surgery,
• Do not eat or drink anything 12 hours before surgery,
• Shower and shave the vulva the night before surgery,
• Take a few days off of work after surgery to rest.

Post-Operative Care Instructions For Clitoral Hood Reduction

You should be careful about the following postoperative care instructions after clitoral hood reduction.

• Use ice packs in an on and off manner over a sterile gauze,
• Use painkillers and medications prescribed by your doctor,
• Spray the surgical area with water after each bathroom visit and keep it dry,
• Wear comfortable loose cotton underwear and sweatpants,
• You can shower 48 hours after surgery but do not rub the surgical area,
• Avoid pools, tubs and baths around 4-6 weeks until incisions are fully healed,
• The more you rest, the better you will heal. A few days to one week off from work may be necessary,
• Do not exercise or have sex for 4-6 weeks after surgery,
• Do not shave or wax for 4-6 weeks after surgery,
• Have a balanced diet,
• Do not miss your postoperative control visits,
• Call your doctor if you have fever, foul-smelling discharge, swelling and redness around the incision,
• Do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least two weeks after surgery,
• Drink lots of water.

How is hoodectomy performed for international patients?

Hoodectomy or clitoral hood reduction for international patients can be performed in one of our affiliated hospitals in Antalya, Ankara or Istanbul. Patients who are interested in having a genital esthetic procedure by our team can contact us through e-mail or whatsapp for detailed information.

• Patients have a free online consultation by filling in a form,
• After evaluation by the physician, they may be asked to send laboratory test results and images of the surgical area,
• Surgery and travel is planned by an affiliated travel agency.

How much does clitoral hood reduction cost in Turkey?

The cost of surgery may change depending on various factors such as:

• Concommitant surgical procedures,
• Hospital stay or out-patient procedure,
• Type of anesthesia used

Therefore the exact price can be given after individual consultation. For more information you can reach our clinic.

Does insurance cover clitoral hood reduction surgery?

Most private insurance companies do not cover cosmetic surgical procedures,but there may be exceptions to this, so you can only get reliable information by contacting your private insurance company to learn if they cover clitoral hood reduction surgery.

Hoodectomy in Turkey Patient Reviews:

You can visit the 'Patient Testimonials' page on our website to read the reviews of patients who have been operated by Dr. Burcu Saygan Karamürsel.

She is one of the best vaginal rejuvenation surgeons in Turkey, having operated hundreds of patients from all over the world. You can get in youch with us regarding clitoral hood reduction services and let Dr. Saygan Karamürsel assist you with professionalism and experience. After your consultation, your operation will be tailored according to your specific anatomy, because there is no one procedure that fits all patients.