Cadogan Clinic is a leading specialist cosmetic surgery clinic based in the heart of London. We’re home to the leading specialists in breast augmentation, liposuction, and a comprehensive range of face, breast and body treatments.
View all Cosmetic SurgeryCadogan Clinic is a leading specialist cosmetic surgery clinic based in the heart of London. We’re home to the leading specialists in breast augmentation, liposuction, and a comprehensive range of face, breast and body treatments.
Cadogan Clinic offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery to help make the changes you want to your breasts under the guidance of the best surgeons in the UK.
Cadogan Clinic offers a range of cosmetic surgery to help make the changes you want to your body under the guidance of the very best surgeons in the UK.
We are experts in a wide range of hand problems, in both elective and traumatic conditions.
There is a growing demand for cosmetic surgery in the UK and the foot is no exception.
Fat transfer, also referred to as fat grafting and lipofilling, has become widely accepted as the optimal means of soft-tissue filling in all areas of the body, including the face, breasts, hands and buttocks
Cadogan Clinic offers a wide range of facial cosmetic surgery procedures to help you make the changes you want, under the guidance of the very best surgeons.
Gender dysphoria is a term used to describe how an individual feels a strong sense of disassociation between their gender identity and biological sex.
Cadogan Clinic provides a wide range of cosmetic gynaecological surgery procedures performed by a multi-disciplinary team of the best surgeons in the UK.
For many people, losing weight can be achieved by eating healthily and taking regular exercise. However, sometimes weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, may be necessary.
Cadogan Clinic provides both female and male cosmetic surgery. Almost all of our procedures are suitable for men as well as women.
We are experts in a wide range of Andrology treatments, in both elective and medical conditions.
The Cadogan Clinic Surgical Aftercare and Scar Management Programmes have been developed to optimise patient well-being, recovery and scar management.
Cadogan Clinic is a leading non surgical cosmetic clinic based in the heart of London. We’re home to some of the leading injectable, filler and laser specialists, and are experts in the anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation process.
View all Non-SurgicalCadogan Clinic is a leading non surgical cosmetic clinic based in the heart of London. We’re home to some of the leading injectable, filler and laser specialists, and are experts in the anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation process.
There are many factors which contribute to ageing skin and when deciding on a treatment solution, these are important to consider.
The Cadogan clinic offer a number of treatments focused on improving not only the look of your skin but also your body shape and contours.
At the Cadogan Clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments, to refresh and rejuvenate your appearance.
Cadogan Clinic is a leading dermatology clinic based in the heart of London. We’re home to some of the leading acne, eczema and rosacea specialists, and are experts in the mole and skin cancer diagnosis and removal process.
View all DermatologyCadogan Clinic is a leading dermatology clinic based in the heart of London. We’re home to some of the leading acne, eczema and rosacea specialists, and are experts in the mole and skin cancer diagnosis and removal process.
Skin is incredibly important to your health and your appearance. The Cadogan Clinic has one of the largest and experienced teams of consultant dermatologists.
Melanin is the natural pigment that gives your skin its unique colour (skin pigmentation).
It is important to take care of your skin - after all, you have a lot of it.
We are all becoming increasingly aware of the risks posed by sun damage to the skin, as well as the need to protect our skin in day-to-day life.
Cadogan Clinic is a leading day case centre of excellence based in the heart of London. Alongside our international team of plastic surgeons and dermatologists, we’re home to some of the leading gynaecologists, ophthalmologists, podiatrists and urologists in the country.
View all DepartmentsCadogan Clinic is a leading day case centre of excellence based in the heart of London. Alongside our international team of plastic surgeons and dermatologists, we’re home to some of the leading gynaecologists, ophthalmologists, podiatrists and urologists in the country.
We are experts in a wide range of Andrology treatments, in both elective and medical conditions.
Frenuloplasty surgery is a simple surgical procedure to release an overly-tight foreskin.
Premature ejaculation is a common sexual problem in men where sexual climax occurs ‘too early’.
Cadogan Clinic provides a wide range of cosmetic gynaecological surgery procedures performed by a multi-disciplinary team of the best surgeons in the UK.
Myomectomy, sometimes referred to as fibroidectomy, is a surgery to remove fibroids from the uterus.
An ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove large or persistent cysts from the ovaries.
We are experts in a wide range of hand problems, in both elective and traumatic conditions.
Cosmetic foot surgery can help by firstly eliminating the sources of chronic pain or deformity and secondly, reshaping the feet for aesthetic appeal, often resulting in smaller, slimmer feet with a reduced shoe size.
Vascular surgery is a surgical subspecialty in which diseases of the vascular system, or arteries, veins and lymphatic circulation, are managed by medical therapy, minimally-invasive catheter procedures, and surgical reconstruction.
We offer a range of Women’s Health and Wellness services, from fertility, family planning and pregnancy care to a comprehensive range of gynaecology health services
Vaginal atrophy is a condition that causes the vaginal walls to become inflamed, thinner and drier.
Vaginal and genital skin conditions affect the delicate skin around the vagina.
Gynaecology
at Cadogan Clinic, London’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Specialists.
Get in touch Download FactsheetWe have invited only the very best consultants to practice at our specialist clinic.
Our state-of the-art award winning facilities are located right in the heart of London.
Award Winning Specialist Clinic
We've won 12 top industry awards since 2010 and regularly feature in the national and international press.
Industry Leading Consultants
We've invited only the very best consultants in the country to practice with us.
Care Quality Commission
We're regulated by the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
GMC Registered Surgeons
All of our surgeons are registered with the General Medical Council.
Medically Reviewed April 2023, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons
A hoodectomy, also known as a clitoral hood reduction, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of the clitoral hood.
The clitoral hood, or prepuce to give it its correct name, is a protective sheath that covers the clitoris. During sexual activity, the hood retracts, exposing the sensitive clitoris for stimulation.
However, sometimes there is excess tissue in the clitoral hood, meaning it cannot retract fully, preventing stimulation of the clitoris and thus limiting sexual enjoyment.
A hoodectomy is an operation that involves cutting away the excess tissue on both sides of the clitoris in order to shorten the clitoral hood. Sometimes this removal of excess tissue is carried out as part of a labiaplasty (labial reduction), but a hoodectomy can also be carried out as a stand alone procedure.
Clitoral hood surgery is a quick and straightforward operation which takes less than one hour to perform. The clitoris and nerve endings are not affected by a hoodectomy. However by removing the excessive tissue, this means more of the clitoris is exposed during sexual activity. This results in increased stimulation and heightened sexual pleasure.
Although exposing more of the clitoris for stimulation can increase sexual pleasure, clitoral hood reduction cannot guarentee orgasm. Desire, arousal, and orgasm are complex, highly personal responses, which are conditioned as much by emotional and interpersonal factors as by aesthetic ones.
It is important to reiterate that this surgery does not involve altering the size or shape of the clitoris itself. Neither will the clitoris be removed during this surgery.
Surgery Time
1 hours
Time off work
1 week
Hospital Stay
Day Case
Shower
After 1 day
Reasonable Mobility
After 1 day
Exercise
4 - 6 weeks
Sexual Activity
After 6 weeks
Sleeping on back
2 weeks
Full Recovery
6 weeks
Driving
1 - 2 weeks
For some people, clitoral hood reduction is all about improving the aesthetics of the area. A drooping clitoral hood, which may have been caused by giving birth or a natural side effect of the ageing process, may feel unsightly to some. This can impact a woman’s mental health, causing depression and anxiety. You may feel self-conscious about the appearance of your clitoral hood and this may in turn have a negative impact on your intimate relationships.
An oversized clitoral hood that doesn’t retract fully during arousal means that the clitoris may not be getting an adequate amount of stimulation in order to achieve orgasm.
Clitoral hoodectomy can restore the pleasing aesthetic of the clitoris and improve sexual sensitivity. Women may also opt for a hoodectomy if they frequently experience irritation caused by clothing rubbing against the excess tissue of an oversized clitoral hood.
Cadogan Clinic considers individuals fit for clitoral hoodectomy, if all of the following are true of them:
You may also be experiencing one or more of the following:
People who have an oversized clitoral hood may also find that the condition causes them considerable mental distress, which may trigger anxiety and depression. If a person is self-conscious about the appearance of their clitoral hood, a hoodectomy will help to improve body confidence.
Words from our clients:
"I was extremely satisfied with the care and treatment I received at the Cadogan Clinic. My surgeon was friendly and informative and explained the procedure fully. My procedure went very well and with the excellent care of the nursing staff, I made a speedy and full recovery. Would recommend to anyone."Eva Berry
"At the beginning before the operation the nurse taking care of me made me feel so comfortable. The surgeon and anesthetist helped me feel so calm. Fantastic before and after treatment"Scarlett Elliott
"The girls on the reception at the clinic were very pleasant and professional. The nurse who took out my stitches after my surgery was just lovely and took me through step by step what she was doing and she also recommended a great cream to use to help with healing."Georgina Nolan
“I was treated with care and provided with thorough knowledge about the procedure I was undertaking. My surgeon was very methodical (a perfectionist) and I felt I received A class treatment."Courtney O'Sullivan
"Outstanding experience from the first appointment to being discharged. Very professional, friendly and a fantastic outcome."Gemma Stevenson
"Reception staff very welcoming and efficient. Both nurses who I dealt with were fantastic, and the whole team (anaesthetist, surgeon etc) were friendly but professional, and really put my mind at ease. That I was able to stay later than I perhaps needed after my surgery to fit in with my husbands schedule was greatly appreciated."Emma Davies
A hoodectomy works by carefully cutting away the excess tissue of the clitoral hood which is draped over the clitoris. The procedure is sometimes carried out as part of a labiaplasty (labia reduction). There are different hoodectomy techniques that we use here at the Cadogan Clinic.
Bilateral excision
As the name suggests, this method of clitoral hoodectomy sees the excess tissue cut away from either side of the clitoris. During this procedure, the surgeon will take great care to avoid the nerve endings in this most delicate of areas in order to maintain the sensitivity of the clitoris.
Excision of redundant folds
In this method, the surgeon will make incisions running parallel to the clitoris before cutting away the redundant folds of the clitoral hood. Once again this procedure will be carried out with great care so as not to damage the nerve endings in the area.
Your surgeon will go through each of these methods at your initial consultation in order to decide which one is best for you.
We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.
Below you will find some key information to help you prepare for surgery and make necessary arrangements to ensure you have the support you need and that everything runs smoothly on the day.
01.The Consultation
Your journey with the Cadogan Clinic will start with up to two consultations with one of our leading specialist plastic surgeons at our award-winning premises in Chelsea. These consultations will take between 30 and 60 minutes.
During your consultation, your surgeon will ask about your expectations for your clitoral hood reduction and talk about what will happen during the procedure. They will also explain how the procedure will affect you and the recovery period.
It is important that you are open and honest about what you hope to achieve through surgery to help ensure the best possible result. Your surgeon will be happy to answer any questions you may have at this point. It may be a good idea to write your questions down before attending the consultation. Having established what you want from the surgery, and what is possible given your anatomy, several key measurements will be made and standard clinical photography will be taken. Your medical history will be discussed and a physical examination will be carried out.
If your surgeon feels you are a good candidate for surgery, you are then invited to consider whether you would like to proceed with your hoodectomy or not following a two week 'cooling off' period.
02.Leading up to Procedure
If you decide to go ahead with surgery, the next time you will return to the clinic is on the day of your hoodectomy. It is important that you prepare by taking the following measures ahead of surgery.
In the six hours prior to surgery you must not consume food or any drink, other than small sips of clear fluid which will be allowed up to two hours before you are admitted to the clinic. Clear fluids include still water, black coffee and black tea.
03.On the day
Your hoodectomy will take place at our award-winning clinic in Chelsea. You will be given a general anaesthetic to put you to sleep for the operation. In some cases the surgeon may use a local anaesthetic and sedation if appropriate.
The surgeon will then cut away the excess tissue, taking great care not to damage any nerve endings. The procedure takes around an hour to perform. A hoodectomy may also be carried out as part of a labiaplasty, a surgical procedure to trim excess skin and reshape the labia minora. This will take one to two hours to complete.
After the surgery is complete, the incisions will be closed using dissolvable sutures. This means you will not need to return to the clinic to have any stitches removed.
Following your clitoral hood surgery, you will recover in our ambulatory recovery rooms. You may feel a little drowsy but this often wears off within a few hours. Once you are able to eat and drink, and our specialist nursing team are happy that your initial recovery is complete, you will be allowed to leave the clinic with a friend or family member.
04.Treatment Recovery
Compared to other gynaecological surgeries, a clitoral hoodectomy has a quick recovery time.
You will experience some swelling and discomfort in the immediate aftermath of your hoodectomy. Any discomfort can be controlled using over-the-counter painkillers. Despite this swelling, you will notice a difference in the appearance of your clitoral hood immediately. The appearance will continue to improve as your recovery progresses and the swelling reduces.
You should be able to return to work in three to five days following your clitoral hood surgery and exercise and sexual activity can be resumed within four to six weeks, post-surgery.
You will notice that sitting for long periods of time may be painful in the days and weeks following your clitoral hood reduction. You should refrain from driving for one week.
It takes around five to six weeks to make a full recovery from a clitoral hoodectomy.
Our on-call nursing service is open 24/7 during your recovery period to help with any questions or queries that you may have.
It is important that you follow all the aftercare instructions issued by your doctor. Failure to do so may impact on your recovery and the final result.
The Patient Journey. A breakdown of what you can expect on your journey with us
We are deeply invested in ensuring that every step of your surgical journey with us is as informative and reassuring to you as it can be. This article outlines what you can expect at each stage of the journey
The Patient JourneyIs clitoral hood included in a labiaplasty procedure?
Yes, clitoral hood reduction can be included in a labiaplasty procedure.
Labiaplasty is surgery to reshape or reduce the size of the labia minora, the small lips of skin on either side of the vaginal opening. The unwanted tissue is cut away with a scalpel or laser before the loose edges are stitched back together with fine, dissolvable stitches. It is common for a hoodectomy to be performed at the same time.
If you choose to undergo labiaplasty with your hoodectomy, you may experience more swelling in the area and will need to take more time off work after the operation. Your surgeon will discuss the options with you at your initial consultation.
How long does it take to recover from a hoodectomy?
It takes around six weeks to make a full recovery from a hoodectomy if you follow all the after care advice issued by your surgeon.
In order to help the healing process along, you should avoid having baths during the recovery period and make sure you pat yourself dry, rather than wiping, after going to the toilet. Wear loose-fitting clothes in order to avoid irritating the area. When lying down, put some pillows under your bottom in order to elevate your pelvis.
To help the swelling go down, apply a cold pack over your underwear for 20 minutes. Remove it for 20 minutes and then repeat the process.
What are the side effects and risks of a hoodectomy?
Just like any other surgical procedure, a clitoral hoodectomy comes with risks attached.
Risks include infection, wound separation or asymmetry. But rest assured that these are all rare.
Any type of operation also carries a risk of excessive bleeding, developing a blood clot in a vein,
infection or an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic. However the risk of any of these happening during your treatment is small. Speak to your surgeon if you have any concerns about the risks or side effects attached to the procedure.
Is there any scarring following hoodectomy?
There is a risk of scarring following clitoral reduction surgery, particularly if performed in conjunction with a labiaplasty. However any scars will be minimal and will not be noticeable to others. Scars will be more prominent after surgery and will fade over time. We also recommend meeting one of our aestheticians to discuss ongoing treatment to support the healing process if required.
How soon after a hoodectomy can I resume sexual activity?
You should refrain from any sexual activity for four to six weeks after your clitoral hood surgery. You should only return to sexual activity when you feel ready to do so. If you find that sexual activity causes pain or discomfort, stop and try again after more time has passed.
You should also avoid using tampons for four to six weeks after a hoodectomy. Speak to your surgeon about alternative methods of sanitary protection during the healing process.
Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.
About UsBest in Class Facilities
All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.
Our ClinicA Strong Tradition of Innovation
We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.
Our HistoryAt Home in Sloane Street, London
We are proud that our state of the art award-winning clinic is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in the country
Welcome to Sloane StreetClinics Nationwide
We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.
Get in TouchComplications are rare although, as with all surgery, possible. Your surgeon will discuss each of these risks comprehensively at your consultation. Read our FAQ section for more information.
Gynaecology
We believe in the delivery of excellent outcomes and results, and exceptional levels of service. Our outcomes are natural and long-lasting, and we remain the premier choice for cosmetic surgery treatments in the UK.
Gynaecology
Labiaplasty
Gynaecology
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Gynaecology
Vaginal Tightening (Vaginoplasty)
2023
Aesthetic Awards
Highly Commended Best Clinic in London
2021
Aesthetics Awards
Highly Commended
2021
My Face My Body
Best Clinic Winner
2020
My Face My Body
Best Clinic Winner
2019
My Face My Body
Winner
2018
My Face My Body
Highly Commended
2018
Aesthetics Awards
Highly Commended
2017
Aesthetics Awards
Winner