Hymenoplasty
What is Hymenoplasty?
More and more women are seeking Hymenoplasty, or reconstruction of the hymen, for a variety of reasons. Hymenoplasty is actually the surgical repair of the hymen, a membrane that partially closes the opening of the vagina. In many cultures and religions, an intact hymen is traditionally taken to indicate a mark of virginity.
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Due to reasons other than intercourse, such as vigorous exercise or tampon insertion, the hymen becomes torn or ruptured. Under such circumstances, many women want their hymen reconstructed, which can be accomplished through a Hymenoplasty.
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Our caring and professional staff understand the discreet nature of the need for this type of surgery and, as always, all information will remain strictly confidential. We offer a sensitive, professional approach to the procedure, and during the initial consultation, there will be a female nurse present to help our patients feel more comfortable and secure.
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Consultation
Choosing a cosmetic surgery procedure is always an important decision that should never be rushed. That is why the doctor always takes the time to get to know his patients and their reasons for wanting a Hymenoplasty during a consultation. During this meeting, you will have a general health check and discuss all the implications and outcomes of Hymenoplasty surgery to ensure that you are fully informed and prepared for the procedure. This is also a time when you can ask any questions that you might have about Hymenoplasty surgery in a private and friendly clinic environment.
Reasons to Consider Hymenoplasty
There are many reasons why a woman might consider undergoing a hymenoplasty procedure. They include:
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> Cultural or religious reasons. In some cultures, having an intact hymen is very significant as it acts as a signifier of the chastity of a woman. Whether during sexual activity or otherwise, a woman’s hymen can tear. Having cosmetic surgery to restore the hymen is a way of proving virginity and chastity.
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> Psychological healing. If a woman has suffered rape or sexual abuse, it is very likely that her hymen will have torn. As a way to repair the psychological damage of this kind of abuse, some women choose to have hymen surgery to restore them both physically and mentally to the time before the abuse.
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> Injury to the hymen. For some women, having an intact hymen that becomes broken during a first sexual experience is very important. In some instances, the hymen can tear before intercourse. Use of tampons and vigorous exercise can all tear the hymen, and in the case of a hymen being torn because of these activities, hymenoplasty offers a surgical solution.
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> Revirgination. When a woman begins a relationship with a new partner but has already broken her hymen during sexual intercourse, she may wish to have her hymen surgically restructured.
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Quick Facts
SCARRING?
No, there will be no scarring from a hymenoplasty.
RESUME NORMAL ACTIVITIES?
You should avoid any strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks following your surgery; avoid sexual intercourse for 6 weeks following the procedure.
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PAIN?
There will be some discomfort following the surgery, which is easily controlled by pain medication.
RECOVERY
You should be recovered the same day, you can go back to work the next day.
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PROCEDURE LENGTH
15 to 30 minutes
RISKS
As with all cosmetic surgeries, there are some risks involved. Risks include bleeding, infection, swelling, but they are rare.
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Candidates
The best candidates for this procedure are healthy women with realistic expectations about the procedure. Hymen reconstruction and repair may provide a woman with the appearance of virginity, or satisfy religious or cultural requirements.
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For women who are having the surgery for revirgnization, the surgery should be performed at least 6 weeks prior to the day of their wedding. Because this procedure is not medically necessary, the candidate should have a strong personal desire to restore the hymen.
Recovery
Because the hymenoplasty is an uncomplicated procedure that takes anywhere less than 30 minutes, your recovery is rapid. You may experience some spotting for the first 48 – 72 hours, along with some discomfort. During the days following the hymenoplasty you will have some discomfort, which will be easily managed with pain medication.
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Full healing takes from 4-6 weeks. You can usually go home a short time after your procedure, but resting and relaxation is important. Protecting your hymen after surgery is crucial, as it will take time to heal. Hymenoplasty has its own unique recovery protocols, which include:
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> Abstain from sex: Sexual activity will exacerbate any pain and soreness, so you will have to refrain from any sexual activity for about 6 weeks
> Avoid tight underwear: Don’t wear underwear like thongs for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery
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> Avoid tampons: Use sanitary napkins for at least 6 weeks.