Clitoral reconstruction

Clitoral reconstruction is fortunately not a common procedure in Switzerland. It is mainly performed in women who have undergone mutilation due to cultural practices.

These patients are most often African women treated either in their country of origin or in Switzerland or France, following mutilation sometimes carried out locally despite its formal prohibition by law. Such practices have lasting consequences on women’s health. Female genital mutilation (FGM) varies in severity, ranging from partial removal of the clitoris to infibulation.

Here, we focus on the sectioning of the visible part of the clitoris. Clitoral reconstruction is a delicate surgical act aimed at repairing the damage caused by female genital mutilation. These mutilations can lead to serious physical and emotional consequences, affecting sexuality and overall quality of life. This intervention is therefore a gesture of repair and reconstruction of the female body, seeking to restore both physical and emotional integrity.

Any person who has been mutilated or injured needs repair, and there is no reason not to repair women who have been treated in this way. Mutilation can compromise not only sexual sensation but also psychological well being.

Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to restore the clitoris, a key area of female sexual sensitivity. Respect for culture is not questioned here, what is challenged is the disrespect of the female body. This operation responds to a fundamental human need for dignity and respect.

The technique consists in identifying the two branches of clitoral tissue hidden on either side of the labia majora and the pubic area, and fixing them together in order to reconstruct the clitoral button.

This surgical gesture requires great precision to avoid any additional damage to surrounding tissues. Modern techniques now make it possible to ensure a reconstruction that is both functional and aesthetic, so that the result appears as natural as possible.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. It usually lasts less than one hour. The patient can leave the clinic the same day, although staying one night is preferable to ensure postoperative monitoring. Mobility is restored very quickly, with walking possible on the same day.

However, it is recommended to allow sufficient healing time before resuming any sexual activity, approximately 4 weeks after the operation.

The clitoral button is exposed and therefore very sensitive for 2 to 3 weeks. It requires a greasy dressing to protect the operated area. Pain is usually mild and easily managed with paracetamol.

It is not necessary to keep a urinary catheter for more than 12 hours after the operation.

The result becomes visible after about 3 weeks. The success of the procedure relies on the ability of the surgical technique to restore sensitivity and the shape of the clitoris, thereby improving the quality of life of the women concerned.

Healing is progressive. Although the clitoral button becomes visible relatively quickly, complete recovery takes longer. The deepest and longest healing process is that of the initial trauma itself.