Reduction clitoroplasty is a surgical procedure primarily designed to address clitoral hypertrophy, a condition characterized by an enlarged clitoris. Commonly performed as part of gender-affirming surgeries or for individuals with congenital conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), this procedure aims to reduce the size of the clitoris while preserving sensation and function.
The surgery involves carefully reshaping the clitoral tissue and repositioning it to achieve a natural appearance and alignment with the patient’s aesthetic and functional goals. Advanced surgical techniques ensure that the neurovascular bundle, essential for sensation, remains intact.
Reduction clitoroplasty is typically performed by a board-certified plastic or urologic surgeon experienced in genital reconstruction. It is crucial to consult a qualified specialist to discuss the procedure’s benefits, risks, and outcomes. Post-operative care plays a significant role in ensuring optimal healing and long-term satisfaction.
This procedure enhances both physical comfort and emotional well-being for suitable candidates.

Who Can Opt for Clitoroplasty?

Clitoroplasty is a surgical procedure designed for individuals seeking to address medical, functional, or aesthetic concerns related to the clitoris. Candidates for clitoroplasty generally fall into the following categories:

Individuals with Clitoral Hypertrophy: People with an enlarged clitoris, often due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), hormonal imbalances, or other medical conditions, may seek clitoroplasty to reduce size and improve comfort.

Gender-Affirming Surgery Patients: Transgender individuals undergoing gender-affirming procedures may opt for clitoroplasty to create a clitoris during vaginoplasty (for transfeminine patients) or reduce its size as part of masculinizing surgeries.

Congenital Disorders or Intersex Individuals: Those born with differences in sexual development (DSD), such as ambiguous genitalia, may undergo clitoroplasty to align genital appearance with their identified gender or reduce functional discomfort.

Aesthetic or Functional Concerns: Some individuals may choose clitoroplasty for personal or aesthetic reasons, often linked to discomfort during physical activities or intimacy.

Consulting a qualified surgeon is essential to assess individual needs, expectations, and surgical options.

Risks of Clitoroplasty

Clitoroplasty, like any surgical procedure, carries potential risks and complications. While many patients achieve positive outcomes, it’s essential to understand the possible risks, which include:

Loss of Sensation: Damage to the neurovascular bundle during surgery may result in reduced or complete loss of clitoral sensation.

Infection: Surgical sites are susceptible to infections, which can delay healing and require further treatment.

Scarring: While surgeons aim to minimize visible scarring, excessive scar tissue can develop, potentially causing discomfort or aesthetic concerns.

Bleeding or Hematoma: Uncontrolled bleeding or the formation of blood clots under the skin (hematoma) may occur, requiring medical attention.

Asymmetry or Dissatisfaction with Results: Patients might be unhappy with the aesthetic outcome or notice asymmetry in the clitoral appearance.

Delayed Healing: Factors like poor circulation, smoking, or pre-existing conditions can slow recovery.

Emotional Impact: While rare, some patients may experience emotional or psychological distress related to the procedure’s results or post-operative changes.

To minimize risks, selecting an experienced surgeon and following post-operative care instructions are crucial. Discussing potential complications during consultation helps ensure informed decision-making.

Surgical Methods for Clitoroplasty

1) Clitoral Shaft – A bend is created in the clitoral shaft to reduce its hood length and maintain its appearance. Blood loss is reduced in this technique while maintaining neurovascular supply to the surgical site.
2) Clitoral Hood Reduction – To give an ideal shape and size extra tissue is removed and pulls up the clitoris. Now the surgeon will close the cut with stitches. It preserves the appearance of clitoral glans without damaging the neurovascular bundle.
3) Clitoral Reconstruction Surgery – It is a quite common procedure in which male penile glans are separated from the erectile tissue. It also helps to reduce the size and shape of the clitoris.

The procedure of Reduction Clitoroplasty

The procedure of clitoroplasty is used to create and enhance the clitoris and it
is done in the following ways:-

Before Procedure

Some tests will be conducted before the procedure, such as blood tests, physical examinations, and imaging tests. You should share medical history with the doctor like allergies and medications. The doctor will advise when to stop eating and drinking before the treatment.

During Procedure

There are many types of surgical options, however, the right method is chosen by a surgeon. It depends on the following reasons decreased length, correction of congenital birth defects, reshape, and complexity. It includes the following steps:

Your healthcare provider will give local anesthesia to numb that area.
The size of the clitoris is reduced by cutting extra clitoral tissue and then reshaping it.
Then cuts are closed by using stitches.

After Procedure

Once it’s done then after determining your vitals like blood pressure, and heart rate, the surgeon will advise you to go home after taking prescribed medicines. If you will experience any discomfort, pain, and swelling then you should contact a healthcare expert immediately.