What is clitoral hood reduction?
Clitoral hood reduction is a minor surgical procedure that involves removing small amounts of excess skin that cover the clitoris. In some women, this skin can be more prominent, which may lead to discomfort during exercise or intimacy, affect hygiene, or cause concerns about appearance.
By reducing the amount of skin covering the clitoris, the procedure may also help improve sensitivity in some cases, particularly if the area was previously more covered. The clitoris itself is not operated on, and care is taken to preserve normal function and sensation.
Who may consider clitoral hood reduction?
This procedure may be considered for individuals who:
-
Have excess or redundant skin folds covering the clitoris
-
Experience discomfort or irritation from friction during exercise, intercourse, or when wearing tight clothing
-
Find it difficult to maintain hygiene in the area due to excess skin
-
Have concerns about the appearance of the clitoral hood
-
Feel that the clitoral area is overly covered, which may affect sensitivity or sexual response
-
Are seeking a more balanced or symmetrical appearance of the external genital area
A personalised consultation is required to assess your concerns and determine whether this procedure is appropriate for you.
Benefits of Lateral Clitoral Hood Reduction
-
Improved Comfort: Reducing excess tissue on either side of the clitoris can help minimise friction or irritation during physical activity or when wearing tight clothing.
-
Easier Hygiene: With fewer skin folds, it may be easier to keep the area clean and dry, which can reduce the risk of irritation or infection.
-
Potential for Increased Sensitivity: By reducing the tissue that covers the clitoris, the area may become more responsive for some individuals.
-
Aesthetic Symmetry: The procedure can help create a more balanced appearance of the genital area, which may improve personal confidence.
Your Initial Consultation
Clitoral hood reduction is a very personal procedure, and every woman’s concerns and goals are unique. During your first consultation, Dr Li will take the time to listen carefully, answer your questions, and ensure you feel fully supported and informed. She will also explain the procedure in detail and perform a gentle examination to assess your suitability for surgery.
Patients must be aged 18 years or older to proceed with clitoral hood reduction. If you are under 18 and seeking advice, you are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian if you feel more comfortable.
To help you feel prepared for your appointment:
-
Bring a list of questions you may wish to ask during the consultation
-
Have a shower before coming in
-
If possible, please schedule your consultation outside of your menstrual period
We also recommend obtaining a referral from your GP. This allows Dr Li to review your general health, medical and psychiatric history, and determine whether the procedure is appropriate for you. This comprehensive approach ensures your care is thoughtful, safe, and tailored to your individual needs.
How the Procedure Is Performed
Lateral clitoral hood reduction is most commonly performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area while you remain awake. This option is chosen by the majority of patients, as it is associated with lower cost and a quicker recovery time.
The procedure involves removing excess skin on either side of the clitoral hood, using radiofrequency technology for precise and controlled tissue removal. This method allows for gentle cutting with minimal bleeding and helps reduce the risk of damage to surrounding tissue—an important consideration in this sensitive area.
Can clitoral hood reduction be done under local or general anaesthetic?
-
Local Anaesthetic: This is often sufficient for minor procedures like clitoral hood reduction. It numbs the area and usually provides minimal discomfort during surgery. Most patients choose this option.
-
General Anaesthetic: Some patients may prefer general anaesthetic, especially if the procedure is being combined with other surgeries such as vaginal repair or labiaplasty, or if they suffer from severe anxiety. This option involves being asleep during the procedure.
Complications of Lateral Clitoral Hood Reduction:
-
Swelling and Bruising: Temporary swelling and bruising around the treated area are common and usually improve within a few days to weeks.
-
Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. This can typically be managed with proper wound care and hygiene.
-
Scarring: Some scarring may occur, though it is often minimal and tends to fade over time.
-
Changes in Sensitivity: Some patients may notice temporary changes in sensitivity, and in rare cases, these changes can be permanent.
-
Asymmetry: Slight differences in appearance between sides may occur and could require further treatment if necessary.
-
Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common after the procedure. Excessive bleeding is rare but may require prompt medical attention.
Preparing for Your Clitoral Hood Reduction Surgery: Important Pre-Surgery Information
To help ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery, please follow the guidelines below in the days leading up to your surgery.
1. Shaving
Please shave the genital area two days prior to your procedure. This helps reduce the risk of infection and allows for better visibility during surgery. Shaving two days in advance also gives time for any minor skin irritation to settle.
Please take care while shaving and avoid any cuts or abrasions to the area.
2. Medications to Stop Before Surgery
If you are taking any of the following medications or supplements, please discuss with Dr Li prior to surgery. She will advise you when to stop them prior to the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding:
- Blood-thinning medications (e.g. aspirin, warfarin, anticlotting medications)
- Vitamin C
- Fish oil
- Other supplements that may increase bleeding risk
After discussing with Dr Li, these should generally be stopped a few days prior to the procedure to minimise bleeding risk.
3. Travel and Support on the Day
As this is a day procedure under local anaesthetic, you must arrange for a responsible adult (friend or family member) to pick you up after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
4. If You Are Travelling From Interstate
If you are travelling from outside Brisbane, we kindly ask that you stay locally for at least 2 nights or longer after surgery in case of any post-operative complications such as bleeding or haematoma. Please let our team know in advance so we can assist with any special arrangements or follow-up planning.
5. Pain Relief and Antibiotics
Dr Li will prescribe appropriate analgesia (pain relief) and antibiotics to support your recovery. We kindly recommend that you purchase these medications in advance so they are ready for you to use immediately following your procedure. Having them on hand helps ensure your comfort after surgery.
Recovery Process
Taking time to rest and recover after a clitoral hood reduction surgery is an important part of your healing journey. While every woman’s experience is different, most find that any initial discomfort gradually eases within the first few days, with steady improvement over the following weeks.
During the initial recovery period:
- Swelling, bruising, and mild tenderness are common and usually gradually improve
- Most patients find pain relief by taking analgesia and antibiotics regularly as prescribed by Dr Li
- Applying an ice pack regularly can help reduce swelling and optimise comfort
- Shower with warm water (avoid hot water as it increases the risk of bleeding) morning and evening; try to keep the wound clean and dry, gently pat the area dry with a towel (do not use tissue), and avoid pulling on the stitches
- Wear a skirt or dress to avoid pressure from pants or jeans
- Stay home and limit activities for two weeks to minimise the risk of pulling on the stitches
- Dr Li will provide remote support and answer any concerns via video calls using WeChat
- Follow-up reviews will be scheduled at the clinic at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year to monitor your progress
You will receive personalised post-operative care instructions to support your recovery at home. Follow-up appointments will be arranged to check on your progress and answer any questions along the way.
If you have concerns during your recovery, please contact the clinic — we are here to help.
Clitoral Hood Reduction Options & Cost
Clitoral Hood Reduction under Local Anaesthetic (in clinic)
This option is well-suited for patients who prefer to remain awake during the procedure and avoid general anaesthesia. It is the preferred choice for most patients. As the procedure is primarily cosmetic, it is generally not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. It may not be suitable for individuals with significant anxiety, as the experience could be distressing. We are happy to discuss your individual needs and help you choose the most appropriate approach.
The cost for clitoral hood reduction under local anaesthetic usually includes:
-
Surgical fee (Dr Sharon Li)
-
Assistant surgical fee
-
Local anaesthetic fee
A personalised quote will be provided after your consultation. Many patients choose this option due to its lower cost and faster recovery period.
Clitoral Hood Reduction under General Anaesthetic (hospital-based)
For patients who prefer to have the procedure performed under general anaesthetic, clitoral hood reduction is also available in theatre. This procedure is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. General anaesthetic may be recommended for patients who are undergoing additional procedures, or who have severe anxiety.
The cost for clitoral hood reduction under general anaesthetic usually includes:
-
Hospital theatre fees
-
Surgical fee (Dr Sharon Li)
-
Assistant surgical fee
-
Anaesthetist’s fee
You will receive a detailed, personalised quote following your consultation, based on your specific treatment plan.
All gynaecological treatments come with potential risks and complications. We recommend seeking a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner before proceeding. The photos and videos on our website and social media are shared with patient consent. Individual outcomes, including risks and recovery times, vary based on factors such as genetics, health, and lifestyle. As a result, these images do not guarantee similar results for everyone. The information on our page is general and should not be taken as medical advice. For more specific guidance, please contact us directly.