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Hymenoplasty, or hymen repair surgery, is a procedure that repairs the hymen (the thin membrane around the vaginal opening). Hymenoplasty may be undertaken for a variety of personal, cultural, or religious reasons. As with any surgical procedure, it is helpful to have a basic understanding about what is involved.
This guide will provide factual information including types of hymenoplasty surgery , potential risks, and important post-operative care instructions to help you recover safely and effectively.
What is Hymenoplasty? The Simple Facts
At its essence, hymenoplasty (or hymen restoration or hymen repair) is a simple procedure used to reconstruct the vaginal opening's thin skin membrane known as the hymen. Using a woman's remaining hymen, a surgeon carefully sutures the tissue back together, usually with fine and dissolvable sutures.
Women pursue this procedure for many valid personal reasons. Whether it be for cultural or religious beliefs, to heal from trauma, or simply out of a desire or choice, the vaginal opening may be restored. The autonomy of the woman to restore her body belongs to her and her motivation.
Debunking Common Myths
The topic of the hymen is steeped in myth. Let's separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: The hymen always tears and bleeds during first intercourse.
Fact: This is one of the biggest misunderstandings regarding female anatomy. The hymen is not a flat "seal" that can be "broken." It is a flexible ring of tissue which can stretch. Some women are born with very little hymenal tissue present, while others have hymens which are so elastic that they can stretch significantly without tearing. In addition, hymens can stretch because of activities that are completely unrelated to sexual activity, such as gymnastics, cycling and even tampon use. Many women will not bleed at all following their first sexual encounter.
Myth 2: Hymenoplasty results are obvious or look unnatural.
Fact: An experienced and qualified cosmetic surgeon aims to make a hymenoplasty surgery look indistinguishable from a natural hymen. The surgeon uses techniques that are precise, and the stitches are dissolvable, leaving no evidence of surgery when the area is healed.
Myth 3: The surgery is painful and requires a long, difficult recovery.
Fact: The comfort of our patients is our highest priority. The procedure is usually performed in local anesthesia along with sedation, meaning you are comfortable and feel no pain. Recovery is quite rapid as well. Although we ask you to refrain from vigorous activities, most women can return to work/light daily activities within a few days. Discomfort is usually mild and the prescribed medication can help with that as well.
Your Hymenoplasty Journey: What to Expect
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The Private Consultation: Your journey will start with a private consultation. This is a space for you to talk about your reasons for the procedure, ask as many questions as you like, and learn about the procedure. Your surgeon will ensure you are a good candidate and that you feel secure and educated about the process before continuing.
- The Procedure: A hymenoplasty is a brief outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to go home the same day. The surgeon will perform the procedure with their expertise and will precisely reconstruct the hymenal tissue.
- The Recovery: Recovery care is not complicated, but you will need to follow some simple instructions. You will be requested to keep the area clean, not lift any heavy things or work out for a few weeks, and don't have intercourse until the area is healed (4-6 weeks). You will be given a follow-up appointment to make sure everything is healing to perfection.
A Broader Look at Women's Intimate Health
In our practice, we are dedicated to striving to provide full care and information for women in every aspect of her life, and we understand that one question about one's intimate health can lead to questions about something else, like pregnancy. The more information and clarity we provide, the more empowered women are to understand their bodies.
An example of this interplay of intimate health topics is bleeding in pregnancy. It is important to remember that any bleeding in pregnancy should be discussed with your doctor - this is a question that belongs to your doctor. Early pregnancy light spotting (often referred to as implantation bleeding) can be a normal occurrence, however there are other types of bleeding that may indicate a problem. Never be ashamed to reach out for medical advice.
We also often give our patients a few general tips during pregnancy in relation to their overall well-being. General tips that may seem small can be majorly impactful: eat a diet full of nutrients and vitamins including folic acid, drink fluids so you're well-hydrated, and engage in gentle exercise approved by your doctor. As a general rule for mothers and babies this can be considered fundamental to a healthy pregnancy process.
Your Personal Decision
The choice to undergo hymenoplasty is a choice that you have the right to make for yourself. The most important thing is to work with a surgeon who possesses both technical ability as well as empathy, sensitivity, and commitment to your privacy and care.
If you are thinking about hymenoplasty and want to discuss your options in an entirely confidential and supportive environment, reach out to Dr. Anup Dhir . Request a private consultation, and begin your own personal journey.
