The amount of tissue that surrounds the clitoris differs from woman to woman.  In some women there is a large amount of tissue in the clitoral hoods which cover the clitoris with separate ridges of tissue. This tissue can prevent adequate stimulation of the clitoris during sexual intercourse which in turn can create difficulties with the female achieving orgasm.  Sometimes the patient is dissatisfied with the appearance of this area due to the excessive amount of tissue surrounding the clitoris.  If the patient is considering a labia minora reduction (or trimming of the inner lips or labia), her attention is also turned to the excess tissue around the clitoris which could be emphasized after the labia minora are reduced.  There is a surgical procedure called clitoral unhooding which reduces this excess tissue in order to create a more attractive and youthful look to the area as well as allowing more stimulation to the clitoris.  This procedure usually reduces the outer hoods with care to preserve the hood tissue close to the clitoris so that scar contracture is avoided in tissue close to the clitoris.

This operation is performed using either local anesthetic with sedation or general anesthesia and takes approximately one to two hours.  The objective is to obtain a result this natural looking as possible with minimal scarring.  The excess outer hood tissue is excised and the tissue edges are then carefully sewn back into place.

Recovery time from clitoral unfitting is minimal.  Most patients can resume light activities the same day and may shower the day following surgery.  Pain is minimal and usually controlled with oral medication.  Swelling is mild to moderate and peaks in two to three days then gradually dissipates over the next three weeks.  Typically there is minimal bruising if any at all and there are no stitches that require removal.

S:\Transcription\Articles\Clitoral Unhooding 4-12-2008