Hoodectomy

The female genitalia follows a consistent basic anatomy, but the appearance between women can vary greatly. Further, the external genitalia appearance can be affected by genetics, aging, hormones, childbirth and weight changes. The clitoral hood, or prepuce, is the tissue that naturally drapes and conceals the clitoris. It is the most forward extension of the labia minora, and is lifted out of the way for clitoral exposure.

For some women, the tissue that covers the clitoris can be in excess and result in an overhanging clitoral hood. The excess skin can contribute to decreased sexual sensitivity and even discomfort during intimate situations. A simple procedure, known as a hoodectomy, shortens the clitoral hood, improving the aesthetic appearance.

Upon removal of the excess skin of the clitoral hood, the clitoral node is more prominent and has a greater ability to be stimulated. This can result in increased sexual stimulation, improved sexual response and ability to achieve orgasm during intimate situations. There is also some evidence to suggest that this procedure contributes to a lower incidence of yeast and bacterial infections related to the female vulva.

Candidates

Typical candidates for a clitoral hoodectomy include:

1. Women who are unhappy with the appearance of their vulva, or who feel that the appearance has changed due to aging and childbirth

2. Women who find it very difficult to achieve orgasm or have little stimulation of the clitoral node

3. Women with enlarged labia (the labia majora meet at the clitoral hood, so excess labial tissue can also be associated with a large clitoral hood)

4. Teens with noticeable asymmetry of the labia that make them self conscious.

Procedure

The hoodectomy procedure reduces the visibility and projection of the prepuce of the clitoris, which can protrude beyond the adjacent labia majora. The size can be modified by removing a strip along each side of the hood, near the point of attachment. This technique allows the scar to be well hidden, while still achieving the desired outcomes.

Oftentimes, the hoodectomy procedure is combined with a labiaplasty, as the labia minora are so closely associated with the clitoral hood. During the consultation with the surgeon, the patient and doctor will determine if a concurrent labiaplasty is appropriate at the time of surgery.

Through female genital rejuvenation surgery, the goal is for women to able to achieve enhanced appearance, improved self-esteem, and increased comfort during intimate settings.

What to Expect

The surgical journey begins with a one-on-one consultation with the surgeon. During the consultation, women are encouraged to ask any questions and express their concerns and ultimate goals for surgery. The doctor approaches this procedure from both a cosmetic and functional approach. The overall appearance is improved, while attempting to enhance the ability for clitoral stimulation. After undergoing this procedure, women report increased self-confidence during intimate situations, as well as a heightened sexual response.

The hoodectomy is performed under anesthesia to ensure patient safety and comfort. The hoodectomy generally takes less than one hour to perform even when combined with a labiaplasty, as it is a relatively straightforward procedure. Patients go home the same day and are typically very comfortable as there is long acting numbing medicine placed in the surgical site during the procedure. Patients experience minimal recovery time and are able to return to work in 3-5 days and exercise and sexual activity within approximately 3-5 weeks. Patients should expect some swelling and minor discomfort during the healing phase. The visual enhancement will be noticeable immediately after surgery and improvements will continue for the first three weeks, as swelling resolves.

Of course, if other procedures are performed concurrently, the healing time may be longer. When a hoodectomy is performed with a labiaplasty or vaginoplasty, vigorous exercise and sexual intercourse should be avoided for six weeks.