Clitoral Recession Surgery in Korea: Crafting Comfort and Contours

For some women, the clitoris can be naturally more prominent than desired, or it can become enlarged due to hormonal factors (clitoral hypertrophy) or even previous surgical outcomes. When the clitoris appears too forward or protrudes significantly, it can lead to physical discomfort, hygiene challenges, or aesthetic concerns that impact self-confidence. Clitoral Recession Surgery is a specialized and intricate procedure designed to reposition and reduce the prominence of the clitoris, achieving a more discreet and harmonious appearance while meticulously preserving sensation.

South Korea, a global pioneer in advanced plastic and reconstructive surgery, offers exceptional expertise and state-of-the-art facilities for individuals seeking this delicate intimate aesthetic procedure.

What is Clitoral Recession Surgery?

"Clitoral Recession Surgery" is a specific technique within clitoral reduction or clitoroplasty that focuses on making the clitoris less outwardly prominent. Unlike a simple clitoral hood reduction (which primarily trims the excess skin covering the clitoris to expose it more), clitoral recession involves:

• Reduction of Clitoral Gland and/or Shaft: Excess erectile tissue from the clitoral shaft or gland is carefully removed.
• Repositioning/Anchoring: The remaining clitoral structures are then surgically recessed or anchored back, often underneath the pubic bone (symphysis pubis), to achieve a less prominent, more "tucked-in" appearance within the labial folds. This maneuver aims to retract the clitoris backwards and upwards into its hood.

This procedure is typically sought by individuals experiencing:

• Significant Clitoral Hypertrophy (Enlargement): Often caused by congenital conditions or hormonal imbalances, leading to a clitoris that is considerably larger than typical.
• Persistent Prominence: When the clitoris consistently protrudes or is overly noticeable, causing discomfort or aesthetic concerns.
• Aesthetic Goals: A desire for a more discreet, feminine, and balanced appearance of the vulva, where the clitoris does not stand out prominently.
• Functional Discomfort: Chafing, irritation, or difficulty wearing certain clothing due to clitoral protrusion.

It's a more involved procedure than simple clitoral hood reduction and requires a surgeon with a deep understanding of clitoral anatomy and nerve preservation.

Who is an Ideal Candidate?

You might be an ideal candidate for clitoral recession surgery if you:

• Have a clitoris that is significantly enlarged or protrudes excessively, causing physical discomfort or affecting your body image.
• Are seeking a more recessed and discreet appearance of your clitoris within the vulva.
• Are experiencing irritation or discomfort due to the clitoris rubbing against clothing.
• Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the surgical outcome.
• For gender-affirming contexts, this procedure would be part of feminizing genital surgery (MTF vaginoplasty), where the goal is to create an aesthetically congruent clitoral glans within the neovagina.

The Clitoral Recession Surgery Procedure in Korea

Korean surgeons are renowned for their micro-surgical precision, aesthetic sensibility, and dedication to preserving sensation in intimate procedures.

1. Comprehensive Consultation: This is the most crucial step. You will have a private and in-depth consultation with a highly specialized gynecological surgeon or plastic surgeon with proven expertise in complex intimate surgeries and clitoral reduction techniques. The surgeon will thoroughly assess your anatomy, discuss your medical history, understand your specific concerns and aesthetic goals, and determine if clitoral recession is the appropriate procedure for you. They will explain the exact technique to be used and manage expectations regarding results and potential risks. Clinics catering to international patients will provide English-speaking staff or dedicated coordinators.
2. Anesthesia: Clitoral recession surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you are fully comfortable and asleep throughout the procedure.
3. The Surgery: The surgeon meticulously performs the reduction and repositioning. This involves:

• Degloving the Clitoris: Carefully separating the clitoral glans and hood from the underlying shaft.
• Erectile Tissue Reduction: Precise removal of excess erectile tissue from the clitoral shaft (corpora cavernosa) while carefully protecting the neurovascular bundles (nerves and blood vessels) that run along the dorsal (top) aspect of the clitoris, which are essential for sensation.
• Recession/Anchoring: The remaining, reduced clitoral structures (glans and part of the shaft) are then carefully anchored or recessed back, often under the pubic arch or symphysis pubis, to achieve the desired tucked-in appearance.
• Reshaping of the Hood and Labia: The clitoral hood and surrounding labial tissues are meticulously reshaped to create a natural and harmonious contour, often ensuring the glans is appropriately covered.
• Suturing: Fine, dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions with extreme precision, minimizing visible scarring.

1. Duration: The procedure can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is combined with other procedures like labiaplasty or vaginoplasty.
2. Hospital Stay: An overnight stay in the clinic or hospital might be recommended for initial monitoring, although some less complex cases may be discharged the same day.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from clitoral recession surgery requires careful attention to post-operative instructions for optimal healing and results:

• Initial Discomfort: Expect swelling, bruising, and moderate discomfort for the first week or two. Pain medication will be prescribed. Significant swelling usually subsides within 2-4 weeks, but minor swelling can persist for several months.
• Hygiene: Meticulous hygiene is paramount to prevent infection. You'll receive specific instructions on how to gently cleanse the area after urination and bowel movements.
• Activity Restrictions:
• Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and intense exercise for 4-8 weeks.
• Refrain from sexual intercourse, tampon use, and douching for 8-12 weeks or as advised by your surgeon, to ensure complete internal and external healing and prevent complications.
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing and cotton underwear.
• Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are essential to monitor healing, address any concerns, and ensure optimal results.
• Final Results: The ultimate aesthetic and functional results, including complete resolution of swelling, scar maturation, and full return of sensation, can take 6 to 12 months. Patience during this healing period is crucial.

Potential Benefits and Risks

Benefits:

• Achieving a more discreet and aesthetically harmonious appearance of the clitoris.
• Alleviation of physical discomfort, irritation, and hygiene issues associated with a prominent clitoris.
• Enhanced self-confidence and body image.
• Preservation of clitoral sensation (with proper technique).

Risks (specific to this complex procedure):

• Numbness or Altered Sensation: While surgeons strive to preserve nerves, changes in sensation (temporary or, rarely, permanent) are a risk due to the delicate anatomy.
• Over or Under Correction: Difficult to achieve absolute perfection; possibility of needing revision.
• Scarring: While incisions are carefully placed, some scarring is inevitable.
• Hematoma/Infection: As with any surgery.
• Urinary Issues: Rarely, if the repositioning affects the urethra, temporary urinary difficulties might occur.

Cost of Clitoral Recession Surgery in Korea

Given its complexity and specialized nature, clitoral recession surgery is typically more expensive than simple clitoral hood reduction. As of mid-2025:

• Clitoral Recession Surgery (standalone): Prices can range from ₩5,000,000 to ₩10,000,000 KRW (approximately $3,700 to $7,500 USD), or potentially higher depending on the extent of reduction and repositioning required.
• As part of a comprehensive Vaginoplasty (MTF): The cost would be integrated into the overall price of the gender-affirming surgery, which can be significantly higher.

These prices are estimates and can vary based on the clinic's reputation, the surgeon's expertise, the type of anesthesia, and any additional services. Initial consultation fees and post-operative medications may be separate. Always obtain a detailed, itemized quote directly from your chosen clinic.

Finding a Foreigner-Friendly Clinic in Seoul

Seoul's advanced medical infrastructure, particularly in Gangnam, Sinsa, and Apgujeong, offers numerous high-quality clinics specializing in intimate aesthetic surgery. When seeking a complex procedure like clitoral recession:

• Surgeon's Specialized Expertise: This is paramount. Look for board-certified gynecological surgeons or plastic surgeons with specific, documented experience in clitoral reduction, clitoroplasty, and complex intimate reconstructions. Inquire about their experience with clitoral recession techniques.
• English Communication: Essential for clear understanding of the intricate surgical plan and detailed aftercare. Choose clinics with robust international patient services.
• Advanced Facilities: Ensure the clinic is equipped with modern surgical suites and adheres to high safety standards.
• Discretion and Privacy: Korean clinics are known for their professionalism and strict patient confidentiality.
• Patient Testimonials: Seek out reviews, especially from other international patients who have undergone complex intimate procedures.



A Journey to Enhanced Intimate Well-being

Clitoral recession surgery in Korea offers a highly specialized solution for those seeking to reduce the prominence of the clitoris, enhancing both comfort and aesthetic harmony. With its world-class surgeons, advanced techniques, and a compassionate approach to sensitive procedures, South Korea provides an exceptional destination for this transformative journey. A meticulous consultation with an experienced and trusted surgeon is the crucial first step toward achieving your desired outcome and reclaiming full confidence in your intimate self.

The female director personally provides care, listening to each patient's story.

01 - One-on-One Personalized Treatment
02 - Post-Treatment Management Syste

03 - Precise Diagnostic Program

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