Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is the practice of removing or injuring external female genitalia without any medical need. FGM/C is an internationally recognized human rights violation that leaves women and girls scarred physically and emotionally. If you or a loved one has experienced FGM/C, we can help.
What Is Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)?
Female genital mutilation/cutting is also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), female genital cutting (FGC) or female circumcision. The cultural practice removes some or all of a female's external genitalia or otherwise injures the female genital organs. FGM/C has no medical reasons or health benefits, and it often interferes with the normal functions of women's and girls' bodies.
What Is FGM/C Reconstructive Surgery?
The goal of female genital mutilation/cutting reconstructive surgery depends on you and your needs. Every woman's anatomy is different, and surgery is not right for everyone. Our doctors talk with you about your specific goals and your medical, psychological, sexual and social histories. We listen to you, understand your story and help you make the right decision for you.
Most FGM/C reconstructive surgery procedures restore the clitoris and other external components of the female genitalia. Procedures include:
- Deinfibulation: Female genital mutilation/cutting often narrows or partially closes the opening to the vagina. Deinfibulation involves reopening the vagina.
- Clitoral reconstruction: FGM/C involves cutting or partially removing the clitoris. However, portions of the clitoris often remain under scar tissue. Reconstruction reveals the clitoris and attempts to restore and rebuild affected anatomy using tailored techniques.
What to Expect from Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Reconstruction
Our compassionate professionals are with you at each stage of FGM/C reconstructive surgery. We ensure you understand what is happening and what you can expect.
Before FGM/C Surgery
During a pre-surgery consultation, you meet with one of our surgeons to discuss your medical history and expectations. We complete a physical examination to determine which surgical plan is best for you, based on the type of injuries you experienced. Our team discusses options for paying for FGM/C surgery, including insurance coverage.
If you determine that FGM/C surgery is right for you, we schedule a date for your surgery and review additional details.
Before your surgery, you will return to Penn for us to ask some more questions and complete a physical examination. We take pre-surgery photos if you give us permission. Your care team gives you instructions for before and after surgery and prescription medication for after surgery.
Day of FGM/C Surgery
On the day of surgery, we welcome you to our surgery center and prepare you for surgery. We give you general anesthesia for comfort. The surgery takes two to four hours, but you can expect to be at the center for four to six hours for preparation before and recovery after surgery. You leave with your caregiver the same day.
FGM/C Surgery Recovery
Two weeks after vaginal surgery, you see your nurse practitioner for a post-operative check-up. Your nurse checks for:
- Surgical site wounds
- Infection or pain
- Proper healing
It may take months or a year for full recovery after FGM/C surgery, including the return of:
- Color
- Sensation
- Sexual function
Mental and psychological recovery from FGM/C may take a long time, too. We connect you with caring therapists who can guide you through your journey to healing. If you have questions during this recovery, you may always reach out to our team. We are here for you.
What is the Cost of FGM/C Surgery?
Insurance often covers FGM/C surgery if your conditions meet the criteria for FGM/C and if the hospital takes your insurance. We work with you to help determine eligibility and submit the surgery request to your insurance company. It typically takes four to six weeks for insurance companies to respond.
If you do not have insurance or do not wish to use insurance to cover the costs of FGM/C surgery, we give you an estimate for out-of-pocket costs at the consultation visit.
Traveling to Penn Plastic Surgery for FGM/C Surgery
If you are from outside Philadelphia, you will need to spend a minimum of two nights in the Philadelphia area. We encourage you to coordinate accommodations in a nearby hotel before and after the procedure with a guardian, family member or caregiver. We are available to answer your questions about accommodations and traveling to Penn Medicine.
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Reconstructive Surgery: The Penn Medicine Advantage
At Penn Medicine, one of our renowned plastic surgeons pioneered reconstructive surgery that restores genital function and form after FGM/C. The procedure improves the appearance of patients' genitals, may increase sexual function and helps restore physical and emotional well-being. Our patients report that after FGM/C surgery, they "feel whole."
When you trust Penn's caring team for FGM/C surgery, you can count on:
- Compassion: From the moment we meet you, we treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve. We treat not only your physical needs, but we connect you with psychological support to start healing your heart and mind.
- Comprehensive care: Penn is one of the top health care systems in the nation. Our extensive resources and experience in plastic surgery, sexual health and urology mean you receive complete care.
- Innovation: Penn Medicine plastic surgeon Ivona Percec, MD, PhD, developed a surgical procedure that repairs the physical damage to patients who have been injured by FGM/C. Dr. Percec is one of a few surgeons worldwide performing female genital mutilation reconstruction surgery. She also actively trains the next generation of plastic surgeons in this type of specialized care.
Learn More About Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Reconstruction Surgery
Request an Appointment
Call 215-662-7300 or request an appointment online.