LATERAL PREPUCE REDUCTION

Why do women choose to get a Lateral Prepuce Reduction?

A lateral prepuce reduction is a clitoral hood reduction that narrows the width of the clitoral hood. This procedure is typically performed on women who have a wide clitoral hood which creates an aesthetic or functional issue for the patient.  Functional issues include discomfort, irritation, or interference with clitoral sensitivity.

Women may choose to get a lateral prepuce reduction for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Improved sexual function: Lateral redundant prepuce can interfere with sexual stimulation and make it more difficult to achieve orgasm. By reducing the excess skin on the sides of the clitoral hood, women may experience enhanced sensation during sexual activity.
2. Aesthetic concerns: Some women may be self-conscious about the appearance of their genital area and wish to improve the overall appearance of their clitoral hood.
3. Medical reasons: In some cases, a large or elongated clitoral hood may cause discomfort or irritation, such as chafing or rubbing against clothing. A lateral prepuce reduction can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall comfort.

Does an enlarged Lateral Prepuce restrict sensation and pleasure?

An enlarged lateral prepuce may potentially restrict sensation and pleasure in the clitoral area, as it can cover or obscure the clitoris and make it less accessible to sexual stimulation. The excessive tissue of the lateral prepuce can cause wrinkling and buckling of the prepuce making it harder to stimulate the clitoris under the prepuce. This can make it more difficult for women to achieve orgasm or to experience the same level of sexual pleasure as they would with a smaller lateral prepuce.

However lateral prepuce is not always reduced because of decreased sensitivity of the clitoris, it is often surgically removed to narrow the clitoral hood to make the clitoral hood (prepuce) more proportionate to the labia minora thus aesthetically pleasing.
How long is the recovery period after Lateral Prepuce reduction surgery?

The recovery period for lateral prepuce reduction surgery is very similar to the clitoral hood lift and this can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. In general, patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the area of the incision sites. These symptoms can be readily treated with ice packs, anti-inflammatory and pain medication.

Restrictions after the surgery are the same as for clitoral hood lifts and patients are typically advised to avoid sexual activity, strenuous exercise, and heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery. It is important to minimize irritation and excessive rubbing in the area of the healing incisions as well keep the surgical area clean and dry to minimize the risk of infection.  If a patient has only had her lateral prepuce surgically reduced the average patient could return to work in 24 hours as long as her job does not require heavy lifting or excessive rubbing in the area. Most patients can return to most activities within 1-2 weeks after surgery but all activities including intercourse in 6 weeks.

Do most women need a lateral prepuce reduction if they have large labia?

Having large labia does not necessarily mean that a woman needs a lateral prepuce reduction. The size and shape of the labia and clitoral hood can vary greatly among women, and what is considered “normal” can also vary widely.  It is the opinion of Dr Miklos & Moore based upon their experience, expertise, and scientific knowledge that approximately 75% of women who present with enlarged labia will have lateral redundant prepuce.

Will a lateral prepuce reduction procedure reduce the appearance of a camel toe?

The proverbial camel toe is the outline of the labia majora in tightly fitting clothing. So, it is not the lateral prepuce that would cause the “camel toe effect” and therefore a lateral prepuce reduction should not reduce the camel toe appearance.  The lateral prepuce reduction may help to reduce the size of the clitoral hood and make this area less prominent, but it will not address the appearance of a “camel toe” The labia majora reduction surgery remains the very best surgical technique to minimize the thickened “camel toe appearance” created by the labia majora.

A lateral prepuce reduction procedure is not specifically designed to reduce the appearance of a camel toe. A camel toe occurs when tight clothing or other factors cause the labia majora to be visible through clothing. While a lateral prepuce reduction may help to reduce the size of the clitoral hood and make the area less prominent, it may not necessarily address the appearance of a camel toe.