Clitoral hypertrophy is a common but often overlooked anatomical abnormality of the female genitalia, often caused by endocrine disorders, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, elevated androgen levels or topical hormonal drugs. This phenomenon may not only affect the patient's mental health and gender identity, but may also lead to sexual dysfunction, thereby affecting the quality of life. As a minimally invasive plastic surgery, clitoral hypertrophy correction surgery has gradually received attention from the medical community and patients in recent years.
Medical Background of Clitoral Hypertrophy Correction
Clitoromegaly refers to a pathological condition in which the volume of the clitoris exceeds the normal range. The normal length of the clitoris is usually less than 10 mm in an erect state. When the length exceeds this value and is accompanied by enlargement, it can be considered as hypertrophy. Common causes include congenital adrenal hyperplasia , polycystic ovary syndrome, increased secretion of androgens by certain tumors (such as ovarian or adrenal tumors), and the use of exogenous androgens.
Some patients show signs of clitoral hypertrophy since childhood, while others develop it due to endocrine disorders during adolescence or adulthood. For patients, clitoral hypertrophy may cause psychological problems such as shame and anxiety, and even social avoidance, inferiority complex, or doubts about gender identity.
Indications and contraindications for corrective surgery of clitoral hypertrophy
Indications include :
① Obvious clitoral hypertrophy affects appearance and psychological state;
②. Difficulty in sexual intercourse or decreased sexual pleasure due to clitoral hypertrophy;
③. Accompanied by clear hormone abnormalities, but no significant improvement after drug treatment;
④. Clearly rule out the possibility of malignant tumors before surgery.
Contraindications include :
①. Severe coagulation disorder;
② Active infection, especially vulvar or urinary tract infection;
③ Those with obvious mental illness or unable to cooperate during the operation;
④. Pregnant women.
Surgical methods and technical points
Clitoral hypertrophy correction surgery is a minimally invasive surgery in female genitalia plastic surgery. Its basic goal is to preserve the neurovascular structure of the clitoris, reduce its size, improve its appearance and maintain sexual function . The current mainstream surgical methods include:
Clitoroplasty : Removal of part of the clitoral tissue, leaving only the area with the most dense nerve distribution;
Hoodectomy : Removal of excess foreskin to expose the clitoris without losing protection;
Combined vulvar plastic surgery : It is performed together with labiaplasty, pubic fat suction, etc. to improve the overall aesthetics.
The operation is performed under local or general anesthesia and usually takes 1 to 2 hours. An electric knife or ultrasonic knife is used during the operation to reduce bleeding. The local area needs to be kept clean and dry after the operation to prevent infection. Patients can generally walk normally 3 to 5 days after the operation and avoid sexual intercourse and strenuous exercise within 1 month.
Surgical risks and postoperative complications
Although this procedure is minimally invasive, it still carries risks. Common complications include :
①, local bleeding or hematoma;
② Wound infection or dehiscence;
③ Reduced clitoral sensitivity or loss of pleasure;
④ Scar hyperplasia or local asymmetry;
⑤. Psychological trauma cannot be completely relieved.
Therefore, the surgery should be performed by a professional physician with experience in female reproductive plastic surgery, supplemented by preoperative psychological evaluation and postoperative follow-up intervention.
Surgical costs and influencing factors
The cost of clitoral hypertrophy correction surgery varies according to region, medical institution level, doctor's qualifications, etc. Generally speaking, the total cost of surgery is between RMB 8,000 and RMB 30,000 , and the specific cost includes:
①. Preoperative examination (B-ultrasound, six hormone tests, tumor markers, etc.): about 1,000 to 3,000 yuan;
②. Surgical operation fee: about 5,000 to 20,000 yuan;
③. Anesthesia cost: about 1,000 to 3,000 yuan;
④. Postoperative hospitalization and drug costs: about 2,000 to 5,000 yuan;
⑤. If combined plastic surgery is included, the cost will increase accordingly.
Private institutions usually charge higher fees than public hospitals because they provide personalized plastic surgery and privacy protection. It should be noted that some medical institutions may not include this surgery in the medical insurance coverage, and patients should understand the relevant policies in advance.
Precautions before and after surgery
Preoperative precautions :
①. Stop using all hormone drugs for at least 1 month;
② Check coagulation function, blood routine, and hormone levels;
③. Maintain a good attitude and receive psychological counseling before surgery;
④. Avoid menstruation during surgery.
Things to note after surgery :
① Avoid strenuous exercise and sexual life for at least 4 weeks;
② Use cleaning solution or iodine to clean the vulva every day;
③. Use antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor to prevent infection;
④. If redness, swelling, severe pain, abnormal bleeding, etc. occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Although clitoral hypertrophy is not a life-threatening disease, the physiological and psychological effects it brings cannot be ignored. The development of modern plastic surgery has made clitoral correction a safe, effective and relatively economical option. Before deciding to undergo surgery, patients should undergo a comprehensive examination and psychological evaluation to clarify their own needs and surgical expectations. At the same time, it is recommended to choose a regular hospital and experienced physicians for treatment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the operation.
While caring about physical health, it is equally important to respect individual differences and face the diversity of women's bodies. Scientific cognition and active intervention will help more women have a more comfortable and confident life experience.