Gynaecology

Hoodectomy

at Cadogan Clinic, London’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Specialists. 

Get in touch Download Factsheet

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

Our Leadership has been rated Outstanding 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 November 2023, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons

What is a Hoodectomy?

A hoodectomy, also known as a clitoral hood reduction, is a surgical procedure which reduces the size of the clitoral hood. The clitoral hood is a protective sheath that covers the clitoris. During sexual activity, this hood retracts, exposing the sensitive clitoris for stimulation.

Occasionally, the clitoral hood contains too much tissue, resulting in it being unable to retract fully. This prevents stimulation of the clitoris and limits sexual enjoyment.

The hoodectomy procedure involves removing excess tissue on both sides of the clitoris in order to shorten the clitoral hood. This procedure can be undertaken as a stand alone surgery or as part of another procedure such as a Labiaplasty (labial reduction). Your surgeon will decide whether to use general anaesthetic so you are completely asleep, or local anaesthetic, so you are awake, but won’t feel anything in the area of the surgery.

The clitoris and nerve endings will not be affected by a hoodectomy and removing the excess tissue, exposes more of the clitoris during sexual activity. This results in increased stimulation and heightened sexual pleasure. Despite this, clitoral hood reduction cannot guarantee orgasm. Desire, arousal, and orgasm are complex, emotional and highly personal responses, which are conditioned as much by interpersonal factors as by aesthetic ones.

Hoodectomy surgery does not involve altering the size or shape of the clitoris itself. Neither will the clitoris be removed during this surgery.

Get in touch

Hoodectomy
At a glance

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


Why do people have a hoodectomy?

While some patients undergo Clitoral Hood Reduction in order to increase stimulation and sexual arousal, it can also be performed for aesthetic reasons. Childbirth or natural ageing factors can cause the clitroral hood to lose tone and appear drooped or to not retract properly during sex, leading to a lack of sexual enjoyment. This can impact a woman’s mental health, causing depression and anxiety during sex, which may have an impact on their sexual relationships.

Clitoral hoodectomy can restore the aesthetic of the clitoris and improve sexual sensitivity. Patients also undergo hoodectomy surgery if they experience irritation caused by clothing rubbing against the excess tissue of their clitoral hood. This can be very uncomfortable and painful as well as making the patient feel self-conscious.

Who is suitable?

At Cadogan Clinic, our consultant gynaecology surgeons will assess whether you are suitable for Hoodectomy in a bespoke one to one consultation. 

Your surgeon will examine your clitoral hood and assess how much excess tissue there is. They will discuss your expectations of surgery and ensure you understand the results that are possible for you. They will also assess your general physical and mental health to make sure you are suitable for a general or local anaesthetic procedure, this may include your weight, and any medical and mental conditions you have. You must be over 18 to have this procedure.

Words from our clients:


The cost of a Hoodectomy

Get in touch now to get a price or find out about finance options

Get in touch 0207 901 8500

Included in this treatment

Up to two 60 minute consultations with a leading specialist plastic surgeon at our award-winning premises in Chelsea

Your procedure carried out at London’s leading specialist cosmetic surgery centre of excellence

24/7 on call nurse assistance

Dedicated Patient Co-ordinator, as a personal point of contact through your journey with Cadogan

A pre-operative medical assessment to ensure you are fit for surgery

Comprehensive post-operative aftercare courtesy of our specialist cosmetic nurses


How does a Hoodectomy work?

A hoodectomy involves removing 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 two hoodectomy techniques that we perform at Cadogan Clinic depending on your concerns and the results you are hoping for:

This method of hoodectomy involves excess tissue being cut away from either side of the clitoris. Your surgeon will ensure to avoid the nerve endings in order to maintain the sensitivity of the clitoris.

The surgeon will make small incisions running parallel to the clitoris, followed by cutting away the redundant folds of tissue within the clitoral hood. Again, your surgeon will ensure to preserve the nerve endings in the clitoral area in order to maintain the sensitivity.


Hoodectomy Surgeons

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.


What to expect

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.

You will meet your consultant gynaecology surgeon for up to two 60 minute consultations at our clinic in Chelsea to discuss Hoodectomy surgery, your individual concerns and your desired results. Your surgeon will listen to your concerns, examine your clitoral hood and explain the results they will be able to achieve and the benefits you will experience from the procedure.

Your patient advisor will suggest writing down any questions you have for your surgeon in preparation for your consultation. This will allow you to get the most out of your consultation and will make sure you don’t forget anything you may want to discuss.

Your surgeon will also conduct an overall health and wellness check to see if there are any further tests you need pre-surgery.

Your surgeon will send your surgery plan through to your patient advisor. This may include other options alongside Hoodectomy surgery to offer you the best results. Your patient advisor will contact you to discuss the plan, explain any pricing options and your surgeon’s operating dates. You will then have a mandatory two week cooling off period to reflect on your consultation and the plan your surgeon has proposed.

If you decide to proceed with the Hoodectomy procedure, your next visit to the clinic will be for your surgery. Your surgeon will have explained how you will need to prepare for the procedure, which will include the following steps:

  • You will be asked to complete your medical questionnaire and psychological questionnaire for your surgeon, anaesthetist and the nurses to review and confirm you are safe and ready for surgery.
  • 6 weeks before your surgery, you must stop smoking and/or vaping. Smoking and vaping can have a significant, negative impact on healing and recovery.
  • 48 hours before your procedure you shouldn’t consume any alcohol which can affect your surgery results and recovery.
  • For 1 week ahead of your procedure, avoid taking anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and aspirin, or herbal medications to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during your procedure.
  • Your surgeon will have asked you to organise for a friend or family member to come and collect you and stay with you overnight after your procedure. This ensures you are completely safe after your surgery.
  • To prepare for the general anaesthetic, you can’t eat any solid food or drink any juice or milk (including in tea or coffee) for 6 hours before you arrive at the clinic. You can have sips of clear liquids (water, or black tea and coffee) up to 2 hours before you arrive at the clinic, and then nothing in the final 2 hours.

Your arrival time at the clinic will be an hour before your Hoodectomy is scheduled to begin. The nurses will carry out a brief pre-operative assessment, checking your blood pressure, heart rate and temperature and asking you a few questions. They will then ask you to dress in a surgical gown and compression stockings. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will come and meet you and answer any questions you have, before you are taken into the theatre.

If your procedure is being carried out under general anaesthetic or sedation, your anaesthetist will administer this. All general anaesthetic procedures at Cadogan Clinic are done using TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) which has a lower risk of feeling unwell after your procedure and allows for a faster initial recovery. If your surgeon has recommended local anaesthetic, they will administer this themselves.

Your surgeon will then carry out your Hoodectomy. After the procedure is finished, you will be taken to our recovery ward, where a nurse will monitor your vital health signs and you will recover from the anaesthetic. You will then move to our ambulatory ward where you will have something to eat and drink in your own room. When you are ready, the nurses will ask your chaperone to come and collect you. They will explain your aftercare and medication before you are discharged.

Recovery from Hoodectomy is usually very quick, and most patients are healed within 2-3 weeks. In the first few days you can expect some swelling and bruising. Any pain medication you may need will either have been prescribed for you at the clinic, or will be available from a pharmacy. You will need to avoid sexual activity for 6 weeks after your procedure, to ensure the area is fully healed and to avoid irritation or infection.

Your first follow up appointment will be with our nurses a week after your procedure. They will assess your incisions, and make sure you are healing well. They will answer your questions and explain any further aftercare you will need.

Your second follow up appointment will be with your surgeon so they can check your results, and answer any questions you have. They will give you any advice on the scarring you can expect and will advise on how to look after your surgical site going forward. After six weeks, if you have any questions or concerns, you will still be able to contact the team and speak with one of our specialist nurses.

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 Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

Although Hoodectomy is not automatically part of the Labiaplasty procedure, if your surgeon feels you would benefit from both procedures they can be carried out as part of the same surgery.

Some patients find that when the procedures are combined, they experience more swelling and bruising and may need to take slightly more time off work for their initial recovery.

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.

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.

There is a risk of scarring following clitoral reduction surgery, especially if it is combined with Labiaplasty. However scarring is minimal and your surgeon will be careful to place any incisions in areas where the scars can be concealed.

Your surgeon will ask you to avoid sexual activity for four to six weeks after your Hoodectomy. You should only return to sexual activity when you are fully healed and 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 to prevent irritation around the clitoral area. Speak to your surgeon about alternative methods of sanitary protection during the healing process.


A state of the art, award winning clinic.

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 Us

Best 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 Clinic

A 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 History

At 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 Street

Clinics 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 Touch

The risks of a hoodectomy

All surgical procedures carry risks and it is vital to be aware how these may impact your procedure. The Hoodectomy is usually a highly successful procedure with a straightforward recovery, however you should discuss these risks with your surgeon.

  • Hematoma - This is the build up of blood beneath the skin in the surgical area and will require treatment from your surgeon
  • Seroma - This is the formation of a lump under the skin caused by buildup of fluid around the incision sites. This will require treatment from your surgeon.
  • Poor wound healing - Healing complications or infection can affect the incision sites. Although this can happen to anyone, smoking, some medical conditions and poor aftercare will increase the risk of infection and poor healing.
  • Loss of sensation - This is usually temporary, but in some cases may be permanent
  • Excessive bleeding 
  • Allergic reaction to general anaesthetic
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a vein)

A revision surgery may be required in the event of an unforeseen complication or an unwanted result. The need for a secondary surgery may arise out of your surgeon’s control. Our skilled consultant surgeons are qualified professionals who have performed Hoodectomy surgery frequently and numerous times.

Your surgeon will assess your personal risk for all of these potential complications during your consultation. They will explain how these risks would be treated in the event they occur and anything you can do as part of your preparation to reduce your personal levels of risk.




Trustpilot

Laurel Wreath for Awards

2023

Aesthetic Awards

Highly Commended Best Clinic in London

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2021

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2021

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2020

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2019

My Face My Body

Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2018

My Face My Body

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2018

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2017

Aesthetics Awards

Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards

0207 901 8500

Get in touch