Hoodplasty: Individualized Approach for Labiaplasties

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic and reconstructive surgery
• Genital plastic surgery
• Female cosmetic surgery

Background:

• Hoodplasty (HP) and labia minora reduction are common procedures for vulvar appearance concerns.
• Concomitant HP is frequently performed with labiaplasty for optimal aesthetic results.
• Various surgical techniques exist for reducing excess clitoral hood tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a single surgeon's preferred techniques and outcomes for labiaplasty with or without hoodplasty.
• To evaluate patient satisfaction and functional improvements following these procedures.
• To highlight the importance of addressing clitoral hood excess in aesthetic vulvar surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 630 patients undergoing labiaplasty between September 2009 and December 2021.
• Surgical techniques included longitudinal excision (97%) and horseshoe excision (4.95%) for hoodplasty.
• Data collected on concomitant procedures, operative time (30-60 min), and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Results:

• 303 patients (48%) had clitoral hood excess, with concomitant HP in 44% and isolated HP in 7.9%.
• Post-surgery, 98% reported improved self-esteem and 96% reported improved sex life.
• No major complications were reported.

Conclusions:

• Isolated labiaplasty without addressing hood excess can lead to aesthetic disharmony.
• Hoodplasty should be considered an integral part of labiaplasty for comprehensive results.
• Individualized clitoral hood reduction techniques are essential, and consultation should include assessment of hood excess.