![\"Rigby,](\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/image-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe cause was an extra skin fold that covered her vulva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The end result is a dark, moist, warm environment where bacteria thrive\u2026 then go up into the bladder, causing repeated infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This common (and under-diagnosed) condition is called a redundant vulvar fold, aka hooded vulva, vulvar fold dermatitis or recessed vulva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The solution is a reconstructive surgery to remove the extra skin (vulvoplasty or episioplasty).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main challenge in surgery is to remove just the right amount of skin. Not too little, and not too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rather than a long story, here are before and after pictures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the left, you cannot see a vulva at all. It’s covered by the skin fold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the right, immediately after surgery, you can see the vulva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please be aware, this picture can seem graphic to some readers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Pre-operative](\"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Rigby-Lannon-7yF-Pitbull-60-Redundant-vulvar-fold-Canva-PZ-2020.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n