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A hoodectomy, also called clitoral hood reduction, removes or reshapes excess skin of the clitoral hood, the fold of skin that covers the clitoris. Women choose it when the hood looks large or bulky, causes discomfort in tight clothing, or makes the area look uneven, and it is very often performed together with a labiaplasty. At Soraca Med in Antalya, hoodectomy starts from €1,200. The procedure usually takes about 45 to 90 minutes, most women return to desk work after about one week, and sex, tampons, swimming and strenuous exercise usually wait about six weeks. This guide explains who the procedure suits, how it is done, what results look like and the risks, in clear and respectful terms. Every treatment plan at Soraca Med is reviewed by our plastic surgeon, Dr. Gökhan Bacak.
Hoodectomy at a Glance
| Item | Typical detail |
| Also called | Clitoral hood reduction, clitoral hoodoplasty |
| Treats | Excess or uneven clitoral hood skin |
| Often combined with | Labiaplasty (inner labia reduction) |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia |
| Procedure time | About 45 to 90 minutes |
| Time in Antalya | Usually 4 to 6 days |
| Back to desk work | About 1 week |
| Sex, tampons, swimming | Usually after about 6 weeks |
| Starting price | From €1,200 at Soraca Med |
What Is a Hoodectomy?
The clitoral hood (prepuce) protects the clitoris. Its size and shape vary greatly between women, and all variations can be normal. Some women have a hood with extra folds of skin, a hood that looks much larger than the inner labia after a labiaplasty, or a hood that hangs asymmetrically. A hoodectomy removes the excess skin while keeping enough hood to protect the clitoris. The clitoris itself is not operated on.
The term “hoodectomy” can sound as if the whole hood is removed, but in modern cosmetic surgery the hood is reduced and reshaped, not removed completely.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Adult women with excess or uneven clitoral hood skin that causes discomfort or self-consciousness
- Women having a labiaplasty whose hood would look disproportionate after the inner labia are reduced
- Women in good general health, non-smokers or able to stop
- Women with realistic expectations
It is important to know that a wide range of shapes is normal. The NHS notes that it is completely normal to have noticeable skin folds around the vaginal opening, and that labia surgery should not be done on girls younger than 18, because the labia continue to develop into early adulthood. A good surgeon will discuss your reasons openly and may advise that no surgery is needed.
Hoodectomy and Labiaplasty
| Hoodectomy alone | Hoodectomy with labiaplasty | |
| Treats | Excess hood skin only | Excess hood skin and enlarged inner labia |
| Why combine | When only the hood is a concern | To keep a balanced, natural shape between hood and labia |
| Recovery | Similar | Similar, with a slightly larger treated area |
A labiaplasty without addressing an excess hood can leave the hood looking more prominent, which is why the two are often planned together. Read more about labiaplasty in Turkey and our labiaplasty recovery guide.
Hoodectomy Techniques
- Vertical reduction: excess skin is removed along the length of the hood, reducing width
- Horizontal (transverse) reduction: excess skin is removed across the hood, reducing length or “hooding”
- Combined or extended technique: joined with a labiaplasty incision so the lines blend
Your surgeon chooses the technique based on whether the excess is in width, length or both, and on the shape of your inner labia.
How the Procedure Works
- Online consultation: you can describe your concerns and, if comfortable, share photos securely.
- Examination in Antalya: the surgeon examines the area privately and agrees the plan with you.
- Anesthesia: local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia.
- Surgery: excess hood skin is removed precisely; fine dissolvable stitches are used.
- Aftercare: you receive instructions, pain relief and hygiene products.
Benefits of a Hoodectomy
- Less bulk and discomfort in tight clothing, swimwear or during sport
- A more balanced appearance, especially after labiaplasty
- Improved hygiene for some women with large folds of hood skin
- Greater confidence and comfort for many patients
Some women report improved sensitivity because the clitoris is less covered, but this varies and should not be the only reason for surgery.
Hoodectomy Before and After Results
In the first weeks, the area is swollen and may look uneven. Swelling settles over about six weeks, and the final, softer result is usually seen after three to six months. A good result looks natural and proportionate, with the clitoris still covered and protected. Scars are usually hidden in natural folds and fade with time.
Hoodectomy Recovery
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling and soreness; cool compresses; loose underwear |
| Week 1 | Most women return to desk work; walking comfortably |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Stitches begin to dissolve; swelling reduces |
| Week 6 | Sex, tampons, swimming and strenuous exercise usually allowed |
| Months 3 to 6 | Final result |
Keep the area clean, rinse after using the toilet, wear loose cotton underwear and avoid cycling, horse riding and tight trousers until your surgeon allows.
Risks and Safety
The NHS lists the possible risks of labia surgery, which also apply to hood surgery: bleeding, infection, tissue scarring and reduced genital sensitivity, as well as the small risks of any operation such as a blood clot or a reaction to anesthesia. Specific risks of hood reduction include:
- Over-removal, which can leave the clitoris uncovered and over-sensitive
- Asymmetry
- Irregular or tight scars
- Changes in sensation
These risks are lowest with conservative removal by a surgeon experienced in genital aesthetic surgery.
Hoodectomy Cost in Turkey
| Procedure | Soraca Med price |
| Hoodectomy | From €1,200 |
| Hoodectomy with labiaplasty | Personal quote |
The NHS states that a labiaplasty in the UK costs about £4,000, and consultation and follow-up fees may not be included. In Antalya, packages usually include the consultation, surgery, anesthesia, medication, hotel and transfers. Your written quote confirms everything included.
How Long Should You Stay in Antalya?
Plan about four to six days, so your surgeon can check healing before you fly. Bring loose clothing, panty liners and a soft cushion for the flight.
Privacy and Comfort
Genital surgery is personal. Consultations are held privately and photos are handled confidentially. If you have any preference about who is present during your examination, tell your patient coordinator before your visit.
Anatomy Explained Simply
Understanding the anatomy helps you discuss your goals clearly with your surgeon:
| Structure | What it is |
| Clitoral hood (prepuce) | The fold of skin that covers and protects the clitoris |
| Clitoris (glans) | The sensitive tip under the hood; it is not removed or reshaped in a hoodectomy |
| Labia minora | The inner lips, which often join the sides of the hood |
| Labia majora | The outer lips, covered with skin and hair |
| Frenulum | Small folds where the inner lips meet the underside of the clitoris |
Because the hood and inner labia are connected, changes to one affect how the other looks. This is why many surgeons plan the hood and labia together.
Common Reasons Women Ask About a Hoodectomy
- Bulk in clothing: a visible bulge in leggings, swimwear or tight trousers
- Discomfort: rubbing during cycling, running, horse riding or sex
- Hygiene: extra folds that are difficult to keep clean
- Balance after labiaplasty: a hood that looks large once the inner labia are smaller
- Asymmetry: one side of the hood fuller or longer than the other
Some women also hope for increased sexual sensation. Sensation varies greatly between women, and surgery cannot guarantee a change, so this should not be the only reason for a hoodectomy.
Myths and Facts About Hoodectomy
| Myth | Fact |
| “A hoodectomy removes the whole hood.” | Modern surgery reduces and reshapes the hood; enough skin is kept to protect the clitoris. |
| “It is the same as female circumcision.” | No. Female genital mutilation is a harmful, non-consensual practice. A hoodectomy is an elective cosmetic procedure for adult women who request it. |
| “It always increases sensitivity.” | Some women report more sensitivity, others no change. Over-removal can cause discomfort. |
| “Recovery takes months off work.” | Most women return to desk work after about one week. |
| “Everyone’s hood should look the same.” | A wide range of shapes and sizes is completely normal. |
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
- Is my concern mainly the hood, the inner labia, or both?
- Which technique do you recommend, vertical, horizontal or combined, and why?
- How much hood skin will be kept to protect the clitoris?
- How will the result look together with my labia?
- What will recovery look like, and when can I return to sport and sex?
- What happens if I am not happy with the result?
Preparing for Surgery
- Plan surgery away from your period if possible
- Stop smoking at least four weeks before and after surgery
- Buy loose cotton underwear, soft pads and a soft cushion for sitting
- Avoid waxing or shaving the area in the days before surgery unless your surgeon asks you to
- Tell your surgeon about medicines and supplements that affect bleeding
Your Trip to Antalya
| Day | What usually happens |
| Day 1 | Arrival and transfer to your hotel |
| Day 2 | Private consultation, examination and tests |
| Day 3 | Surgery, usually as a day case |
| Days 4 to 5 | Rest at the hotel; check-up |
| Day 6 | Final check and flight home when cleared |
Intimacy and Sport After a Hoodectomy
The NHS advises, for labiaplasty, avoiding sex for at least four weeks and physical activity for four to six weeks; many surgeons give similar advice after hood reduction, and some recommend waiting six weeks for sex. Start gently, use lubricant and stop if anything feels painful. Cycling, horse riding and tight sports clothing usually wait until the area has fully healed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hoodectomy?
It is a clitoral hood reduction: excess skin of the hood that covers the clitoris is removed or reshaped. The clitoris itself is not operated on.
How much does a hoodectomy cost in Turkey?
At Soraca Med in Antalya, hoodectomy starts from €1,200. Combined hoodectomy and labiaplasty is priced in a personal quote.
Can hoodectomy be done with labiaplasty?
Yes. They are often combined so the hood and labia look balanced and natural.
Does a hoodectomy affect sensitivity?
Most women keep normal sensation. Some report changes, and over-removal can cause over-sensitivity, which is why conservative technique matters.
How long is hoodectomy recovery?
Most women return to desk work after about a week. Sex, tampons, swimming and strenuous exercise usually wait about six weeks.
What do hoodectomy results look like?
A smaller, smoother and more balanced hood. Swelling settles over about six weeks, and the final result is seen after three to six months.
Is a hoodectomy painful?
It is done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Afterwards, soreness and swelling are usually controlled with simple painkillers.
How long should I stay in Antalya?
Usually four to six days, so your surgeon can check healing before you fly.
Is a hoodectomy the same as female circumcision?
No. Female genital mutilation is harmful and non-consensual. A hoodectomy is an elective cosmetic procedure requested by adult women, performed to reduce excess hood skin while protecting the clitoris.
How long do I need off work after a hoodectomy?
Most women return to desk work after about one week. Physical jobs may need longer.
Will I have visible scars?
Scars are usually placed in natural folds and become very hard to see once healed.
Can I have a hoodectomy without labiaplasty?
Yes, if only the hood is a concern. Your surgeon checks whether the hood and labia will look balanced afterwards.
Sources and Medical Information
This guide is general patient information. The medical details are based on published patient guidance, including:
It does not replace a consultation: your surgeon decides what is safe for you, and their personal instructions always take priority. Prices are Soraca Med starting prices and are confirmed in your written quote. Last updated: October 2026.