Clitoral hood reduction is a minor surgery that removes excess or redundant skin folds of the clitoral hood (prepuce), usually to improve appearance, comfort or balance with the labia after labiaplasty. The clitoris itself is not removed. It takes about 30–60 minutes under local anesthesia, with or without sedation, at Yoonho Women’s Hospital in Apgujeong, Seoul.
- Duration
- About 30–60 minutes
- Anesthesia
- Local ± sedation
- Hospital stay
- Same-day discharge
- Back to desk work
- Often 3–7 days
- No intercourse
- About 4–6 weeks
- Insurance
- Cosmetic — usually not covered
What is clitoral hood reduction?
The clitoral hood is a fold of skin that covers and protects the clitoris. Its size and shape vary widely between women, and most variation is normal. Some women have extra folds alongside the hood that look bulky, rub in tight clothing, or appear out of proportion after the inner lips are reduced.
Clitoral hood reduction removes only the excess skin. It is different from clitoroplasty, which addresses the clitoral area more broadly, and it is often performed together with labiaplasty so that the hood and inner lips look balanced.
Who may consider it?
- Women with redundant hood folds that cause irritation, hygiene difficulty or discomfort during exercise or sex
- Women planning labiaplasty whose hood would look prominent afterwards
- Adults in good general health with realistic expectations
It is not usually recommended for anyone under 18, during pregnancy, or while there is an active infection. Following ACOG guidance, the doctor will also discuss that genital appearance varies widely and that surgery is a personal choice, not a medical necessity.
Techniques compared
| Technique | How it works | Often used when |
|---|---|---|
| Lateral fold excision | Removes extra side folds next to the hood | Bulky folds on one or both sides |
| Vertical (longitudinal) reduction | Narrows the hood with incisions along its length | Hood is wide or heavy |
| Combined with labiaplasty | Hood and inner lips reshaped in one session | Inner lips are also enlarged |
The choice depends on your anatomy. In every approach, the nerve-rich area above the clitoris is protected and the clitoris is never cut.
Your procedure at Yoonho, step by step
- Private consultation in English Dr. Joonho Cho examines the area, listens to your concerns and explains what can and cannot change.
- Planning The amount of skin to remove is marked conservatively; removing too much can expose the clitoris and cause sensitivity.
- Anesthesia Local anesthesia, with sedation if you prefer.
- Procedure Excess skin is removed and closed with fine absorbable stitches, usually in 30–60 minutes.
- Recovery and aftercare You rest briefly and go home the same day with written aftercare in English and pain relief.
- Follow-up A check is usually arranged within 1–2 weeks to review healing.
- Bulky or redundant hood folds
- Rubbing in tight clothing or during exercise
- Hood looks prominent after labiaplasty
- Hygiene difficulty
- Aims for a smoother, balanced contour
- Many patients notice less rubbing
- Clitoris and nerves protected
- Conservative removal to preserve function
Recovery and risks
- Days 1–3 Swelling and tenderness are expected; cold packs, loose clothing and gentle rinsing help.
- Week 1 Many women return to desk work. Avoid baths, swimming and tight clothing.
- Weeks 4–6 Intercourse, cycling and strenuous exercise are usually resumed once healing is confirmed.
- Months 2–3 Swelling settles and the final shape becomes clear.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, wound separation, asymmetry, scarring, and a temporary or rarely permanent change in sensitivity. Removing too much tissue can make the clitoris over-exposed, which is why a conservative plan is used.
Cost and documents for international patients
The fee depends on the technique and whether it is combined with labiaplasty, and you receive a written estimate after consultation. As a cosmetic procedure it is generally not covered by Korean National Health Insurance. English receipts and medical certificates are available; see medical documents for insurance claims. Visitors can also read our labiaplasty guide for foreigners for travel planning.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Will clitoral hood reduction affect sensation?
The goal is to keep sensation unchanged by removing only excess skin and protecting the nerves. Temporary sensitivity or numbness can occur while healing, and a lasting change is uncommon but possible.
Can it be done at the same time as labiaplasty?
Yes. The two are frequently combined in one session so that the hood and inner lips look balanced, with a single recovery period.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
Plan for about 7–10 days if possible so a wound check can be done before you fly. Stitches are usually absorbable, so they do not need to be removed.
Is this the same as female genital cutting?
No. It is an elective procedure for consenting adults that removes only redundant hood skin; the clitoris is not removed or altered.
Is my consultation confidential?
Yes. Consultations are private, and records and documents are shared only with you or with people you authorize.
OB-GYN Specialist · Ph.D. · Medical Director
M.D., M.Med. & Ph.D., Chung-Ang University · OB-GYN specialist training, Eulji University Medical Center · Member, Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Talk to an English-speaking gynecologist
Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.