Hymenoplasty : At one time, it was believed that the hymen is the “symbol” of a woman’s virginity. However, in reality, the hymen is a very thin piece of tissue that could be torn apart in many non-sexual ways, which are attributed to, in addition to the first sexual intercourse, strenuous and demanding activities such as gymnastics, horse riding, cycling, or even tampon use.
Some women particularly from Latin America and Middle Eastern cultures are greatly concerned about their virginity and often times seek to restore their “hymen” for the following reasons:
- Cultural or religious purposes: In certain cultures a woman is physically examined to ensure that the hymen is intact – a proof that she is a virgin.
- As part of a healing process: Women who have gone through rape, incest or sexual abuse consider this as a way to empower themselves and symbolically reclaim something that was taken from them.
- Damage to the hymen before marriage: Strenuous and demanding activities such as gymnastics, horseback riding, cycling or even tampon use.
General Notes & Precautions
1) Important points to consider about the Hymenoplasty
- This surgery is a very delicate and meticulous surgical procedure that places the hymenal ring and tissues in close proximity to each other. The sections (usually the upper-layer of tissues) that have been torn are removed. After the torn tissues are removed, the remaining edges are stitched together. Doing so recreates a star-shaped hymenal ring’. This ring imitates the original hymen structure before it was broken.
- The newly formed small ‘ring’ will continue to fuse together over time. Eventually, it will very closely resemble your original hymen. The hole will be quite small, therefore, after marriage or whatever the occasion may be, the tissue will tear and bleed as it did once before. In certain cases, vaginal lip lining may be used to develop a new hymen. This lining contains a network of veins making it a suitable hymen replacement as it has the ability to bleed when torn.
- This surgery is not allowed for women with immunodeficiency. In addition, this surgery is not a suitable option for women, who have vaginally birthed a child. Preferably, women should also never have been pregnant.
- This surgery may result to incomplete restoration of the hymenal ring depending on the woman’s former hymen structure. Since the hymen tissues are very thin, sometimes it is not possible to completely fix the hymenal ring, which the surgery requires perineoplasty to obtain a more satisfactory hymenoplasty result by decreasing the wound tension to the thin hymen. Together, these surgeries can rejuvenate and re-tighten the relaxed perineum at the same time, thus providing a more youthful and cosmetically pleasing vulva as it was prior to breakage. This will be complete with a reconstructed hymen, for a maximum confidence of virgin youthfulness.
- Like any other surgeries, the surgery has limitations and cannot absolutely ensure results and satisfaction, as there are many other factors affecting the surgery’s success. In case of unsatisfactory results or complications, correction surgery may be performed as appropriate and possible. In this respect, you and the physician should come to discuss for the solution together.
- If correction surgery is needed due to the complication of the surgery, all expenses for services and treatment will no longer be charged to you. However, if the unsatisfactory results occur due to the complication from your non-compliance with the doctor’s orders, you will be charged accordingly.
- The important preparations you should know before the surgery are that within 2-3 days after the surgery, you should take a rest (refrain from work) and be still to enable the wound to heal faster, and have little movement as possible to avoid wound disruption for 1 week after the surgery. You should refrain from some types of exercise affecting pelvic muscle movement and sexual intercourse for at least 8-12 weeks after the surgery.
A, B, and C show a normal hymen, a membrane that partially covers the opening.
D shows an imperforate hymen which completely closes the vagina.
E shows a vagina of a woman who has given birth.
- This surgery is performed in our operating room for approximately 1 hour under Intravenous (IV) Sedation and Local Anesthesia. You have to refrain from drinking water or food for at least 6 hours prior to the surgery in order to decrease the risk of aspirating gastric contents during or after the surgery. This complication is very serious, and you need to strictly follow our recommendations. Within the day of the appointment for the surgery, you should not drive yourself after the surgery in order to protect against any accidents caused by dizziness as a result of the sedation.
Read more about the related issues of the Hymenoplasty
Risks and complications of the Hymenoplasty
FAQs about Hymenoplasty
2) Before the Hymenoplasty
- Prior to the surgery, you will be invited to a pre-operative consultation room, where you will be evaluated for surgery. You will be received by a member of the nursing staff in our Center, who will make inquiries regarding your previous medical history as well as arrange for your vital signs such as temperature, respiration, blood pressure, and pulse. In case of existing diseases or drug allergies, please inform the medical staff before the consultation. You should take with you any pills or treatment medications, you are currently taking.
- You can possibly have the surgery done on the day of your consultation depending on the availability of Dr. Vitasna’s schedule. Otherwise, you may book for a possible surgery on the day of your consultation. This you may do through online pre-consultation and arrangement. It is best to undergo the surgery after your period. It is not advisable to do the surgery just before the period starts or during the period.
- A staff nurse will usher you to a treatment room, where Dr. Vitasna will investigate your health history, and conduct both a general check-up and internal check-up. In case you have vaginal fungal or bacterial infection, you should completely treat it before the surgery to avoid wound infection after the surgery.
- After the examination and assessment, you will discuss with Dr. Vitasna about your expectations and concerns. She will then explain to you about the methods (or techniques), processes of the surgery, some potential post-operative risks and complications prior to decision-making. You may also be asked if you have any allergies or any condition that wouldn’t make you a good candidate for the surgery as well as other additional inquiries.
- After you have chosen the best alternative for your case, prices and quotes will be written down with you. —This ends your consultation.
3) The cost of the Hymenoplasty
- The cost of the surgery will include professional fees for the anesthesiologist and the surgeon, all the instruments, home medications, and medicines used for the surgery as well. Fees for laboratory work-up for other existing diseases that you may have, and the professional fees for the anesthesiologist and the surgeon for corrective surgery are not included in the package.
4) Read more about : The Pre Operative Processes on the day of the Surgery
The Processes of the Hymenoplasty
1) During the Hymenoplasty Surgery
- While you are sleeping, Local Anesthesia is applied in the surgical area, the hymenal ring and the tissues, after that Dr. Vitasna will perform the surgery to reconstruct the torn hymen. The surgery is extremely delicate, and precise bringing the hymenal ring and tissues into its closest approximation. The areas of upper layer of Hymen tissues, which were torn is removed. After they are removed, the edges are brought back together, then they are approximated with stitches to reform the star-shaped, or the hymenal ring, as it was prior to the damage. The suturing is done alternatively with 2 or 3 layers using small, slow absorbing suture, to avoid post-operative bleeding.
Hymenoplasty is one of the most complex and meticulous cosmetic surgeries performed today. It requires extensive experience, precision, and accuracy to create the optimal results you desire and deserve. Many surgeons have little to no experience with this type of advanced cosmetic surgery. You should research and be conscious of the surgeon’s educational background, training, and practical experience.