What Is a Hoodplasty?

A hoodplasty, also known as clitoral hood reduction, is a surgical procedure that consists of the partial removal of the hypertrophic portion of the clitoris hood, which is essentially reducing excess tissue covering the clitoris. This procedure can be done alone or as a complement of labia minora reduction surgery, or labiaplasty.  

This is commonly performed to improve comfort, aesthetics, and proportion to overall improve one’s wellbeing.

The clitoris hood is part of the genital anatomy and helps cover the clitoris and clitoris head. When there is too much tissue in the area, it may be non-aesthetically pleasing but can also decreases sensation in the area and promote bad odour. On the other hand, too much exposure of the clitoris hood could give too much sensitivity in the area and be uncomfortable for day-to-day activities. This makes it clear that treating the area must always be done by a specialist surgeon that has the knowledge, training and experience in this sector of procedures.

No specific age range is recommended for this procedure since having an excessive clitoris hood can be influenced by a wide or big clitoris body, hormone level exposure and excess skin which are not necessarily age related. Various surgical techniques may be used depending on anatomy and surgeon preference, to achieve notable and consistent results. 

When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, hoodplasty is considered safe and effective. However, as with all surgery, risks should be discussed during consultation.

What are the different techniques? 

There are different techniques, and they differ by the type of incision:

• Longitudinal Resection: Clitoris hood resection is usually done by simple mucosa excisions laterally performed on each side of the clitoris body. Mild to moderate excess of clitoris hood can be treated by a longitudinal resection. 
• Horseshoe Resection: Clitoris hood resections are generally performed through simple mucosa excisions. Large longitudinal excess of clitoris hood or horizontal excess should be done with an extension resection on the upper aspects of a lateral resection on each side of clitoris body in a horseshoe manner resection. 
• Clitoral hood reduction using extended central wedge resection: A central wedge or V is removed from the most protuberant portion of each labia minora and the outer portion of the V excision is usually curved lateral and anterior to excise redundant lateral labia and excess lateral clitoral hood.  

Who Is It for? 

Hoodplasty may be suitable for patients who: 

• Have excess clitoral hood tissue and want to change the size of it
• Want to change the shape or look of the clitoris hood
• Experience discomfort or irritation from redundant tissue
• Are undergoing labiaplasty and require additional contour refinement
• Are in good general health
• Have realistic expectations on the procedure 

Preparation

Before surgery, patients typically undergo:

• Medical consultation and examination including discussion of expectations and what can/ cannot be achieved
• Review of medications that can interfere with bleeding or influence the healing process
• Smoking cessation
• No alcohol 8 days before
• Preoperative instructions regarding fasting (if sedation/general anesthesia is used )
• Blood tests  
• Urine analysis
• Vaginal discharge testing to assure no active vaginal infections