Clitoroplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes or reconstructs the clitoris, typically for medical or cosmetic reasons. It is commonly performed as part of gender-affirming surgeries, congenital conditions like ambiguous genitalia (due to intersex variations), or in cases of excessive clitoral enlargement (clitoromegaly), which may occur due to hormonal imbalances. The goal of clitoroplasty is to enhance the function, appearance, and sensitivity of the clitoris while preserving its sensory capabilities.

What Is Clitoroplasty?

Clitoroplasty involves modifying the size, shape, or position of the clitoris. Depending on the patient’s condition and desired outcome, the surgery may include reducing the size of an enlarged clitoris, reconstructing the clitoris to achieve a more typical appearance, or creating a clitoris as part of gender-affirming surgery for trans women.

The procedure is often part of a comprehensive surgical plan to address physical, functional, and aesthetic concerns related to the genitalia.

Reasons for Clitoroplasty

Clitoroplasty is performed for various reasons, and each case is unique. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Congenital Conditions (Intersex or Ambiguous Genitalia): Some individuals are born with conditions that cause the clitoris to be abnormally enlarged or ambiguously shaped. Clitoroplasty can help create a more typical appearance and function.
• Clitoromegaly (Enlarged Clitoris): Excessive clitoral enlargement can result from hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Clitoroplasty can reduce the size of the clitoris to enhance comfort and aesthetics.
• Gender-Affirming Surgery for Trans Women: As part of male-to-female (MTF) gender confirmation surgery, clitoroplasty may be performed to create a clitoris with the goal of preserving sensation and sexual function.
• Trauma or Injury: In some cases, clitoroplasty is necessary to repair damage to the clitoris due to injury or trauma.

Types of Clitoroplasty Procedures

1. Reduction Clitoroplasty

This procedure is used to reduce the size of an enlarged clitoris, typically in cases of clitoromegaly. The surgeon removes excess tissue while preserving the nerves responsible for sexual sensation, ensuring that the procedure enhances both the function and appearance of the clitoris.

2. Reconstructive Clitoroplasty

Reconstructive clitoroplasty may be performed for individuals born with intersex variations or following trauma to the genitalia. This procedure reshapes the clitoris to achieve a more typical appearance while maintaining or restoring sensitivity.

3. Clitoroplasty in Gender-Affirming Surgery

For trans women undergoing male-to-female (MTF) gender confirmation surgery, clitoroplasty is part of the creation of female genitalia. The surgeon constructs a clitoris from the existing tissue to mimic the appearance and function of a natural clitoris, focusing on maintaining sexual sensation.

Benefits of Clitoroplasty

Clitoroplasty offers several benefits, both functional and aesthetic, for individuals undergoing the procedure. These benefits include:

• Enhanced Aesthetics: Clitoroplasty can create a more typical appearance, improving self-confidence and body image.
• Improved Sexual Function: For individuals with an enlarged or damaged clitoris, the procedure can restore or enhance sensitivity and sexual satisfaction.
• Correction of Congenital Anomalies: For those born with ambiguous genitalia, clitoroplasty can help achieve a more typical genital appearance and function.
• Gender Affirmation: In the context of gender-affirming surgery, clitoroplasty plays a crucial role in creating an affirming and functional clitoris for trans women.

Who Is a Candidate for Clitoroplasty?

Candidates for clitoroplasty may include:

• Individuals with clitoromegaly or other conditions that cause an enlarged or atypically shaped clitoris.
• People born with intersex variations or ambiguous genitalia who seek surgical correction.
• Trans women undergoing gender confirmation surgery as part of their transition.
• Anyone who has experienced trauma or injury to the clitoris that requires repair.

It’s important to consult with a qualified and experienced surgeon who specializes in genital surgery to determine if clitoroplasty is the right option for you.

The Clitoroplasty Process: What to Expect

1. Consultation

Before undergoing clitoroplasty, you’ll have a consultation with a specialized surgeon to discuss your medical history, concerns, and goals. The surgeon will perform an examination to assess your condition and determine the best surgical approach.

2. Surgery

Clitoroplasty is typically performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The surgery can take several hours, especially when it’s part of a more comprehensive surgery like gender-affirming surgery or repair of multiple genital structures.

3. Recovery

Recovery times will vary based on the type of clitoroplasty performed. In general, most patients can return to light activities within a week but may need to avoid strenuous activities and sexual intercourse for several weeks to allow the area to heal fully. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common during the initial recovery period.

4. Follow-Up

Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and ensure the procedure was successful. In some cases, additional adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgery, clitoroplasty carries certain risks, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Nerve damage or loss of sensation (rare)
• Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result

Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultation to help you make an informed decision.

Clitoroplasty and Sensation

One of the primary concerns with clitoroplasty, especially for individuals undergoing the procedure for functional or cosmetic reasons, is the preservation of sexual sensation. Surgeons take special care to preserve the nerves of the clitoris, which are responsible for sexual pleasure, to ensure that the procedure enhances appearance and function without compromising sensitivity..