Clitoral enlargement, or clitoromegaly, can occur for many reasons, including birth and life events. Known causes of clitoral enlargement include congenital idiopathic enlargement, congenital adrenal hyperplasia or adrenogenital syndrome, being intersex, conditions that cause hormonal abnormalities, anabolic steroid use, and bio-identical hormones.
No matter the cause, clitoral enlargement typically involves an enlarged clitoral head and engorged, erect shaft that may appear like a small penis. The appearance of an enlarged clitoris may lead to insecurity in women, causing avoidance of sexual activity or intimacy and overall hindrance to self-confidence.
The glans (head) of the clitoris varies significantly in size but is usually about 0.3-1.0 cm. with an estimated 8,000 sensory nerve endings. The average length of the clitoris is about 1 to 1.5 cm and about 0.5 cm in diameter. Yet, these numbers vary with individual size and appearance, making this a unique organ for each woman. A clitoris can be much larger, which causes embarrassment in many women.
As such, clitorial reduction surgery is a highly delicate and specialized procedure that very few surgeons perform. This aims to reduce the size and protrusion of the clitoris without impacting the stimulating nerves that affect sexual pleasure.
Dr. Alter has performed many clitoral reductions with high success rates. His patients have continued to have normal sensations and orgasms following the procedure.
You may be a candidate for clitoral reduction surgery if you dislike or are embarrassed by your large or protruding clitoris. An enlarged clitoris can keep you from engaging in sexual activity, inhibiting your ability and desire to live the life you want.
Harboring discomfort about a part of your body can damage your confidence, self-esteem, and ability to form relationships with others.
Candidates for clitoral reduction surgery should also be in good health, not smoke, have realistic expectations for results, and be interested in the procedure for personal benefit — not the benefit of others.
If you feel you are a candidate for clitoral reduction surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gary Alter, the leading clitoral reduction surgeon in New York City and worldwide, and he will discuss your options with you.
Clitorial reduction surgery reduces the size of the glans (head) of the clitoris and removes the erectile tissue from inside the clitoral shaft. Reducing the glans (head) decreases the enlarged, embarrassing size without disrupting the sensitivity and sensation. The erectile tissue is also removed, preventing the clitoris from enlarging and protruding when aroused. The clitoral hood is also reduced at this time to ensure a normal coverage of the glans for a more balanced appearance.
Clitoral reduction surgery is a highly specialized procedure that many surgeons will not perform. Not only does Dr. Alter have the skill and experience needed to perform this procedure, but he has perfected it.
Dr. Alter is widely regarded as one of the top genital reconstruction surgeons in the country and has garnered international recognition for his valued contributions to the field, including his invention of the Alter wedge labiaplasty technique, which has now become the gold standard for labia reduction.
When seeking a surgeon for your clitoral reduction surgery, you must consider how training and experience will inform your results. Dr. Alter is one of the first and rare physicians with certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Urology.
Bringing this blend of expertise in plastic surgical procedures and a specialized understanding of anatomy in urology, Dr. Alter has contributed landmark research and revolutionary surgical techniques to the field, such as surgery for buried/hidden penis, scrotum reduction, modern MTF genital confirmation surgery, and more.
You can expect this level of excellence for your clitoral reduction from Dr. Alter.
Clitoral reduction surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia for the patient’s optimum comfort.
All surgical procedures carry some risk, but with the skill and expertise of Dr. Alter, these risks are minimal. A common misconception surrounding clitoral reduction surgery is that patients will lose sensation in the clitoris. Most gynecologists and other physicians do not realize that this surgery can be done safely, often telling patients that the surgery is impossible or too dangerous.
If this surgery is meticulously performed, patients will continue to have normal sensations and orgasms. A few patients have reported that it might take a little longer to achieve an orgasm, but all do. No one has had any regrets!
Clitoral reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about three to four hours. While the procedure does not involve a large area, the length of the surgery is due to the necessity for precision to maintain normal sensation and achieve an optimal result.
You can return home following surgery, but you must have someone drive you as you recover from the anesthesia.
Recovery after clitoral reduction surgery will vary between patients. A long-acting local anesthetic is given at the end of surgery to minimize post-operative discomfort. Patients can often return to work a few days after the procedure with minimal pain.
Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritation and protect your surgical site. Dr. Alter will provide detailed instructions, but no additional care is typically required. Limit exercise for three to four weeks and avoid sex for six weeks.
Following your procedure, you can expect a smaller clitoral head and shaft with less protrusion while aroused. Your clitoris will look and function like a normal clitoris, giving you more confidence in your body and sexuality.
The cost of clitoral reduction surgery varies from patient to patient. All of Dr. Alter’s surgeries are unique. Every patient will have slightly different anatomy, concerns, and goals. He takes all of this into consideration when creating a specialized surgical plan.
Additionally, the cost of your clitoral reduction may vary if you include additional surgeries.
Yes, clitoral reduction is often performed with other genital reconstructions or plastic surgeries. For example, if your clitoris has become enlarged due to hormone changes, you may be experiencing enlarged labia as well. In this case, Dr. Alter can perform your clitoral reduction surgery at the same time as a labiaplasty. A labia majora reduction can also be performed at the same time.
A clitoral hood reduction is always combined with the clitoral reduction, which minimizes the size and protrusion of the clitoral hood..
Dr. Alter will gladly discuss these options during your clitoral reduction consultation.
Clitoral reduction is considered a long-lasting, permanent procedure, and you should be able to enjoy the reduced size and shape of your clitoris forever.. However, no plastic surgery procedure can stop changes to the body that may affect results. The natural aging process, pregnancy, hormonal changes, or the use of anabolic steroids all affect the size of your clitoris.
Clitoral reduction surgery will not affect your ability to get pregnant or give birth.
Yes. Dr. Alter is the premier genital plastic surgeon and combines sophisticated technique with unparalleled skill to reduce the size and protrusion of your clitoris for a natural, appealing aesthetic appearance. It may not be possible to reduce an extremely enlarged clitoris to a very small size, but it will be markedly improved and should eliminate self-consciousness.
Dr. Alter and the entire team are dedicated to providing every patient with exceptional individualized care—from consultation to recovery. We take the time to learn about your concerns, goals, and desires, so we can build a plan that addresses your concerns and gets you the
results you deserve.
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