Clitoral hood reduction in Korea

Planning to protect sensation

Clitoral hood reduction is closed without external sutures. The clinic performs 4th-generation labiaplasty, a laser-based technique that closes the incision without sutures. Results and recovery vary from person to person.

The clitoris itself is not touched. Only redundant skin of the hood is reduced, so that the nerve supply is undisturbed and the clitoris remains covered. The amount removed is conservative by design; over-reduction cannot be reversed.

The hood is the fold of skin that covers and protects the clitoris. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) describes hood reduction as partial removal of the excess tissue, done alone or together with labia minora reduction, usually for comfort, appearance and proportion. It stresses balance in both directions: too much hood tissue can dull sensation and trap odor, while removing too much exposes the clitoris and can cause hypersensitivity and discomfort in daily life. That balance is why the plan favors removing less.

When combined with 4th-generation labiaplasty, the two are done in one session and the edges are planned as one shape. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that hood reduction is frequently performed at the time of labiaplasty to reduce the chance of the hood sagging after labiaplasty alone.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists infection, poor wound healing, scarring, asymmetry and reduced sensation among the risks. Removing too little can leave the hood excessive, and removing too much can cause dryness and hypersensitivity. ACOG adds that women should be told that high-quality evidence for genital cosmetic procedures is limited. It is reasonable to ask any surgeon how often they perform hood reduction and how they manage complications; ACOG advises surgeons to share their experience and outcomes with prospective patients.

The six steps

1. 01 Design
   Excess hood skin marked with you standing and lying. Say what bothers you most, whether irritation, appearance or both, so the marking addresses it.
2. 02 Anesthesia
   When combined with labiaplasty, one anesthesia plan covers both: local anesthesia of the surgical area, with intravenous propofol sedation recommended in addition.
3. 03 Reduction
   Redundant skin removed along the marked folds.
4. 04 Closure
   Closed without external sutures.
5. 05 Check
   Symmetry and coverage of the clitoris confirmed.
6. 06 Follow-up
   Check-up before travel; English instructions.

Anesthesia follows a four-step protocol tailored to the procedure and the patient. For labiaplasty, local anesthesia of the surgical area is always used, and intravenous propofol sedation is recommended in addition; general anesthesia is not required. A dedicated anesthesia nurse is assigned from the start of anesthesia to the end, under the supervision of the attending physician trained in anesthesia. Patients fast for at least 4 hours before surgery. A companion is welcome but not required. Written consent for the surgery and the anesthesia is taken. These arrangements apply when the hood reduction is combined with labiaplasty. If you are considering hood reduction on its own, the anesthesia plan is set at consultation. Tell us about previous anesthesia, allergies and current medications, including blood thinners, before you travel.

Recovery and flying home

• Days 1–3Swelling peaks and settles; cool compresses, loose clothing, rinse after using the toilet.
• Days 3–5Check-up at the clinic; we confirm when you can fly.
• WorkThe American Society of Plastic Surgeons says most labiaplasty patients take about a week off work; the NHS says up to two weeks.
• Weeks 2–6No cycling or friction until cleared. Most of the swelling that changes the shape is gone by about six weeks, though small amounts can last for months.
• Week 8If combined with labiaplasty, intercourse can usually resume once your surgeon has checked healing.

Patients have a 24-hour nurse contact line after surgery. Results and recovery vary from person to person. A video follow-up is scheduled after you return home.

Cost

USD 1,300 (about KRW 1,885,000 at the reference rate of 1,450 won per dollar)

We provide a written estimate after consultation.

What the written estimate covers

• Procedure and operating room
• Anesthesia
• Follow-up check before departure
• Insurance claim documents

Prices are from the clinic's 2026 international patient fee schedule and are listed in US dollars; the schedule uses a reference rate of 1,450 Korean won per dollar. A written estimate confirms the items that apply to your case. Laser labiaplasty is listed from USD 3,200, with sedation included; clitoral hood reduction is USD 1,300. Sedation anesthesia is listed at USD 180 and is already included in laser labiaplasty; a premium recovery room is USD 140 per night; the first English medical certificate is included and each additional copy is USD 30. We prepare the documents international insurers typically require: an itemized English receipt, a medical certificate, procedure codes and a completed claim form. Whether a procedure is reimbursed depends on your policy; we provide documentation, not coverage decisions.

For international patients

Consultations are available in English. We prepare the documents international insurers typically require: an itemized English receipt, a medical certificate, procedure codes and a completed claim form. Medical records and receipts are issued in English on request. It is usually performed together with labiaplasty, in which case the labiaplasty timeline applies. Your written plan gives the number of days to allow in Seoul. Clitoral hood reduction in Korea is therefore planned as one trip, with a return ticket you can change until your check-up. The documents and medication details to carry are listed in what to bring, and the CDC advises collecting copies of your records before you leave.

Sources

1. ACOG Committee Opinion 795: Elective Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery
2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Labiaplasty
3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Adding a clitoral hood reduction to your labiaplasty procedure
4. ISAPS: Hoodplasty (clitoral hood reduction)
5. NHS: Labiaplasty (vulval surgery)
6. NHS, Having an operation (surgery): Before surgery