Clitoroplasty is surgery that reshapes the tissues around the clitoris — most often excess, asymmetric or bulky clitoral hood skin, sometimes together with labiaplasty. The nerve-rich clitoral glans itself is protected. It takes about 30–60 minutes under local anesthesia with sedation, most women go home the same day, and intercourse is usually avoided for about 4–6 weeks.
- Duration
- 30–60 minutes
- Anesthesia
- Local with sedation
- Hospital stay
- Same-day discharge
- Desk work
- Usually after 3–7 days
- Cost guide
- ₩1,500,000–₩3,000,000
- Insurance
- Not covered if cosmetic
What is clitoroplasty?
Clitoroplasty is a broad term for surgery on the clitoral area. In cosmetic gynecology it usually means reshaping the clitoral hood (prepuce) and the small folds that join it to the inner labia, so that the area looks more balanced or feels less bulky.
This page explains the wider group of procedures. If your concern is only excess hood skin, the dedicated page on clitoral hood reduction goes into that operation in more detail.
Who considers clitoroplasty — and when is a medical check needed first?
Women most often ask about clitoroplasty because of:
- A prominent or heavy hood that feels bulky in tight clothing
- Asymmetry, often noticed after a labiaplasty that left the hood unchanged
- Extra skin folds that trap moisture and cause irritation
- Adhesions of the hood to the clitoris, which can sometimes cause discomfort
A genuinely enlarged clitoris (clitoromegaly) is different: it can be a sign of a hormonal condition, so blood tests and a medical evaluation come first, and reconstructive surgery may involve a specialist team. Changes in sensation or arousal are covered on the sexual health page on orgasm disorder; surgery is not a treatment for these on its own.
Types of clitoral-area procedures
| Procedure | What is changed | Typical reason |
|---|---|---|
| Clitoral hood reduction | Excess hood skin is removed at the sides | Bulk, asymmetry, irritation |
| Hood reduction with labiaplasty | Hood and inner labia reshaped together | A balanced overall result |
| Release of hood adhesions | Hood skin gently separated from the glans | Discomfort or trapped secretions |
| Reconstructive clitoral reduction | Enlarged tissue reduced, preserving nerves and blood supply | Clitoromegaly after medical evaluation |
The dorsal nerves of the clitoris run along the top of the shaft; incisions are planned at the sides of the hood to stay away from them.
- Bulky or heavy clitoral hood
- Asymmetry with the inner labia
- Skin folds that trap moisture
- Aims for a more balanced contour
- Hood reshaped in harmony with the labia
- Incisions planned away from the main nerves
- Many patients notice less irritation
Your clitoroplasty at Yoonho, step by step
- Private consultation in English Your concerns, sexual health and expectations are discussed, and a gentle examination is performed.
- Plan and estimate The doctor marks the planned changes, explains alternatives and risks, and gives a written estimate.
- Preparation If sedation is used, you fast for about 6–8 hours. Avoid shaving the area yourself just before surgery.
- Surgery Under local anesthesia with sedation, excess tissue is removed and closed with fine dissolvable stitches, usually in 30–60 minutes.
- Recovery room You rest for about 1–2 hours and go home with pain relief and written aftercare.
- Wound check A check after about a week; plan your flight after this if you are traveling.
Recovery and risks
- Day 0–3 Swelling and soreness are expected. Cold packs, rest and loose underwear help.
- Day 3–7 Most women return to desk work. Keep the area clean and dry; rinse after using the toilet.
- Week 2–3 Stitches dissolve; swelling continues to settle.
- Week 4–6 Intercourse, tampons, swimming and cycling are usually resumed once healed, as advised.
Risks include bleeding, infection, wound separation, asymmetry, scarring, temporary or lasting changes in sensation, and pain with intercourse. Removing too much tissue is difficult to correct, which is why a conservative approach is used.
Cost and insurance for international patients
As a general guide, clitoroplasty costs about ₩1,500,000–₩3,000,000, depending on the procedure and whether it is combined with labiaplasty. A written estimate is given after consultation. Cosmetic surgery is not covered by National Health Insurance; if the procedure is for a medical reason, ask for English documents for insurance claims.
At Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong, Seoul, clitoral-area surgery is performed by Dr. Joonho Cho as part of the cosmetic gynecology service.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Will clitoroplasty affect sensation?
The aim is to preserve sensation by protecting the glans and placing incisions away from the main nerves. Temporary numbness or sensitivity is common while healing, and lasting changes, though uncommon, are a known risk.
Is clitoroplasty the same as clitoral hood reduction?
Hood reduction is the most common type of clitoroplasty. Clitoroplasty is the broader term and can also include releasing adhesions or reconstructive procedures.
Can it be done together with labiaplasty?
Yes, and this is common because the hood and inner labia are connected. Combined surgery may take a little longer and cause more swelling at first.
Will surgery improve orgasm?
There is no reliable evidence that cosmetic clitoral surgery improves orgasm. If this is your main concern, a sexual health consultation is usually a better first step.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
Plan about 5–7 days so the wound can be checked before you fly.
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
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