Clitoral Hood Reduction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Los Gatos, Danville and San Jose

clitoral hood reduction, Dr. Peter Castillo at swan medical in Los Gatos

Clitoral hood reduction is a cosmetic procedure that reduces the size of the clitoral hood, stopping it from covering the clitoris and improving the appearance of the vulva. This procedure specifically addresses excess or enlarged clitoral hoods, which can cause decreased stimulation during sexual activity or appearance concerns that can lead to self-consciousness.

At Swan Medical, Dr. Peter Castillo offers expertly performed clitoral hood reduction procedures at his practice in Los Gatos. We prioritize sensitivity and respect when it comes to dealing with matters of intimate wellness and sexual health, and we dedicate ourselves to improving the lives of our patients. For more information, call (925) 905-9922 or contact us online.

About Clitoral Hood Reduction

Clitoral hood reduction is a surgical procedure that can reduce excess skin covering the clitoris. The purpose of the clitoral hood is to cover the clitoris during day-to-day activity and retract during intercourse. Oftentimes, the clitoral hood becomes elongated and redundant. This can occur as a result of aging and the drooping of skin, though it can also be seen in younger patients. 

An enlarged clitoral hood can be considered aesthetically unappealing for some women. Others may not be bothered by the appearance, but report having difficulty achieving orgasm because the excess skin fails to retract and uncover the clitoris during intercourse. A clitoral hood reduction can correct the appearance and function of the clitoral hood. The procedure involves a surgeon making incisions directly on the clitoral hood in order to remove excess tissue. It is often performed alongside a labiaplasty to provide a balanced look.

Benefits of Clitoral Hood Reduction

This procedure can be remarkably beneficial for women who are unhappy with their clitoral hood. Some notable benefits include:

  • Providing the functional and beautiful vulva that patients have always desired
  • Increasing the aesthetic appeal of the vulva
  • Increasing sexual sensitivity with greater exposure to the clitoris
  • Reducing prominent bulge in underwear or bathing suits due to the enlarged clitoral hood
  • Boosting the confidence that patients have with their genitalia

Who is a Candidate for Clitoral Hood Reduction?

An ideal candidate for clitoral hood reduction will be ready to improve the appearance of their vulva. They may also want to reduce the discomfort that their clitoral hood causes them or uncover the sexual sensitivity that it prevents. If you can relate, this procedure might be the right choice for you. 

A clitoral hood reduction is a safe option for people who are in relatively good health. Surgery of any kind is an important decision for anyone, and the ability to follow post operative restrictions is vital to heal properly and naturally if you want to enjoy the benefits of this procedure. You should also have reasonable expectations about what reducing your clitoral hood can do for you. 

Personal Consultation

At your consultation, Dr. Castillo will provide you with all the information you need about your treatment. Here at Swan Medical, we specialize in intimate wellness and sexual health, and we care about your comfort when dealing with these issues. We will ask you some questions about your medical history, including any past prescriptions, conditions, and surgeries. We may run some tests to determine your current bill of health, as well. With your permission, we will perform a pelvic examination to determine the best plan of action for solving your issues. Together with a discussion about your goals, we will use the information we gather to create a personalized treatment plan for you. To schedule your personal consultation at Swan Medical, call (925) 905-9922 or fill out this form.

Preparation

Before your clitoral hood reduction procedure, we will give you some instructions on how you can best prepare. Following these instructions closely will make your surgery safer and increase the chances that you will be satisfied. In general, you should avoid blood-thinning substances like anti-inflammatory medications and herbal supplements. These substances can increase bleeding during your surgery. If you smoke, you should quit for as long as you can before and after your treatment. The health effects of smoking can cause complications during surgery and disrupt the healing process.

Clitoral Hood Reduction Procedure

We perform clitoral hood reduction as an outpatient procedure, meaning you may go home the same day as your treatment. It typically takes only one hour to complete. When you arrive on the day of your procedure, we will give you a numbing agent, sedation, or anesthesia to minimize your distress and discomfort during your surgery. We can discuss which of these options is best for you at your personal consultation. To begin, Dr. Castillo will make incisions in order to remove skin on your clitoral hood. He will then close the incisions, improving upon the appearance of the vulva and ensuring that it is symmetrical. When the surgery is complete, we will monitor your condition until it is safe for you to go home. 

Recovery

Most patients require three to five days of downtime in order to recover from clitoral hood reduction. Because of the heightened sensitivity of the treatment area, you can expect significant swelling for several days afterward. If you experience discomfort, we can prescribe medication to help alleviate these symptoms. Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the vulva as it heals. Although you will be able to stand and walk a few days after your procedure, you should avoid strenuous activities and exercise, including sexual intercourse, for six weeks. (1) We may prescribe you certain medications to aid in your healing, as well as instructions for how to take care of your treatment area. If you feel that something is wrong or you are not healing properly, feel free to reach out to us for an evaluation.

Results

clitoral hood reduction, Dr. Peter Castillo at swan medical in Los Gatos

The swelling that will occur as a result of your clitoral hood reduction surgery will obstruct the results of your treatment for some time, though you will be able to see the difference after about two weeks. Despite the swelling, your treatment area will heal relatively quickly because of the high blood supply that the vulva receives. After the swelling has gone down completely after four to six weeks, you will be able to see and feel the transformative effects of your procedure. 

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Swan Medical offers procedures that can work alongside and in addition to your clitoral hood reduction procedure. 

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a cosmetic procedure that can address enlarged and asymmetrical labia. It involves a surgeon making incisions in order to remove excess labia tissue and make the vulva more aesthetically pleasing. Labiaplasties are often performed alongside clitoral hood reductions, and in combination can improve the overall appearance and functionality of the vulva. They are highly compatible because the incisions made during a labiaplasty can simply be extended vertically to include the removal of excess clitoral hood tissue. (2)

Vaginoplasty

Vaginoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that can address a loss of sexual longevity in the vagina. This is often caused by aging and childbirth, which weaken the vaginal walls and affect a woman’s sex life. It involves a surgeon making incisions and using sutures to strengthen and tighten the vaginal canal. This can improve sexual function and increase sensation during intercourse. Along with a clitoral hood reduction, a vaginoplasty can improve your sex life and revitalize your sexual function. 

To find out more about intimate wellness procedures at Swan Medical, check out our blog!

How Much Does Clitoral Hood Reduction Cost in Los Gatos?

To find out how much clitoral hood reduction costs at Swan Medical, call (925) 905-9922 or visit our contact page. 

FAQ

Does clitoral hood reduction affect sexual sensation?

While clitoral hood reduction does not directly affect the sensitivity of the clitoris, it can remove excess tissue that once blocked the clitoris from stimulation during intercourse. Without an enlarged clitoral hood failing to contract from sexual arousal, the natural level of sensitivity of your clitoris will be more easily achieved. 

Are the results of a clitoral hood reduction permanent?

Yes, the effects of clitoral hood reduction are technically permanent, as the tissue will not grow back once it has been removed.

What does recovery from clitoral hood reduction look like?

Recovery from clitoral hood reduction typically requires several days of downtime. You will need to take this time off from work so that you can fully relax and heal. Some discomfort is common, though your provider can prescribe medication to help. Because of how sensitive the vulva is, you may experience swelling for up to six months. 

How long after clitoral hood reduction can you have sex?

Most patients are able to safely resume sexual activity roughly three weeks after their clitoral hood reduction procedure. It will depend on when you are fully healed. 

References

  1. Furnas HJ, Canales FL, Pedreira RA, Comer C, Lin SJ, Banwell PE. The Safe Practice of Female Genital Plastic Surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2021;9(7):e3660. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003660 
  2. Dobbeleir JMLCL, Van Landuyt K, Monstrey S. Aesthetic Surgery of the Female Genitalia. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2011;25(02):130-141. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1281482