What Is Hymenoplasty? Procedure, Benefits, and Recovery

Understanding Hymenoplasty: Procedure, Benefits, and Recovery

Hymenoplasty, is a surgical procedure which helps at restoring the hymen. It is usually chosen for reasons ranging from personal comfort to social stigma. This minimally invasive surgery helps to repair or reconstruct the hymen. This article speaks about the procedure, its benefits and the recovery process.

What is Hymenoplasty?

At the vaginal canal, a tissue is found which covers its opening. This tissue is known as hymen. This is formed when the female is in the womb of the mother during the fourth month of pregnancy. Due to heavy physical activities, sports, the hymen may tear off and in some cases some females are born with an open hymen.

A hymenoplasty also known as a hymen repair surgery, is a cosmetic procedure which helps to restore the torn hymen. There is no particular reason for a person to get this except for to deal with the social stigma associated with virginity.

Who can get a Hymenoplasty?

Hymenoplasty is opted by women for various reasons, some sexual and rest non-sexual. For a woman to get a hymenoplasty

• Age: The woman should be at least 18 years or older to undergo the surgery.
• Hymen repair: Women who have a torn or no hymen and want to replace it can get this surgery performed.
• Post-pregnancy: Women who have been pregnant can also undergo the surgery. This will help to tighten the vaginal muscles and restore firmness, which will improve comfort and confidence post-delivery.

How is Hymenoplasty Performed?

Hymenoplasty is a one-day procedure and the patient is allowed to return on the same day.

• The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia. This is to ensure that the patient doesn’t feel uncomfortable during the procedure.
• The doctor starts the surgery by checking the remains of hymen and removing any scar tissues.
• Once this is done, the doctor will stitch up the remaining parts of the hymen using dissolvable sutures or stitches.
• When the stitching of remaining parts is not possible, the doctor uses synthetic material to create a structure to replicate the hymen.

Pre-and Post Care Essentials

Before the Surgery

• Tests: It is important to get the blood test and scans before getting the surgery. It will help the doctors to assess the overall health.
• Smoking: Avoid smoking for atleast two weeks before the surgery. Smoking can slow down healing and cause complications.

After the Surgery

• Hygiene: After the surgery, during the time of healing, it is advised to keep the genital areas clean to prevent infections.
• Medications: The doctor would prescribe medications such as pain killers and antibiotics.
• Physical activity: Avoid any kind of strenuous activity and heavy lifting as this may interfere with the healing process.
• Shower: It is advised to have a shower after three days of surgery. Be gentle and avoid harsh scrubbing to protect the surgical area.
• Diet: It’s recommended to avoid spicy and oily foods during recovery. These foods might cause discomfort or affect the healing process.
• Follow-ups: Visit the doctor for follow-ups to ensure that the recovery is going well.
• Sexual Activity: Avoid sexual activity for 6-8 weeks after surgery to ensure proper healing and avoid any complications.

What are the Side Effects of Having Hymenoplasty?

Post the surgery, there might be some discomfort. Some of the other possible side effects are mentioned below

• Pain: Post the surgery some amount of pain may be felt, which goes down in few days.
• Swelling: There might be some amount of swelling post the surgery which goes will reduce.
• Bruising: After the surgery, there will be scarring and bruising which are minor and fade with time.
• Discolouration: Although uncommon, some discolouration of the skin can be seen.
• Haemorrhage: During the procedure, some blood vessels may rupture and lead to bleeding.
• Haematoma: Post the surgery, blood may collect between the tissues which will lead to haematoma and cause discomfort.
• Genital tract infections: Although rare, there are always chances of developing some infections if the area is not kept clean.

These are some of the possible side effects post the surgery, if the issues are persisting or do not go away in a week it is advised to consult the surgeon.

Is Hymenoplasty Surgery Painful?

No, Hymenoplasty is not painful during the procedure. The patient is given a local or general anaesthesia which will ensure that the patient feels no pain during the procedure.

After the surgery however, the patient may start to feel mild discomfort as the affect of anaesthesia comes off. But this pain is mild and goes away in a week.

Are Hymenoplasty Stitches Dissolvable?

During the surgery, the doctor uses stitches to bring together the remaining parts of the hymen. These stitches are dissolvable and won’t be seen after few months.

What is the Success Rate of Hymenoplasty Surgery?

Hymenoplasty is a simple, safe and effective procedure. It has an overall success rate of up to 98%. It is recommended to follow the advice of the surgeon to ensure a successful surgery and healing.

What are the Factors that Affect the Cost of a Hymenoplasty?

A hymenoplasty cost will change from place-to-place and​ depends upon various factors such as

• Location: The place where the clinic is situated will affect the cost. The clinics situated in the metropolitan cities cost more than the ones in rural areas.
• Healthcare provider fees: The experience and the expertise of the person treating, will act as a determining factor in the overall cost. An experienced person with a high success rate will charge more.
• Choice of Hospital: A hospital with good facilities will charge more. In general, a private clinic would cost more than a public clinic.
• Anaesthesia: The procedure is performed by administering local or general anaesthesia which will add to the price
• Tests: Before the surgery the person is asked to get blood tests, allergy tests etc. which will increase the price.
• Follow-ups: Post the surgery, during the recovery period the person may have to visit the doctor to see if the healing is happening properly and add to the expenditure.
• Medications: After the surgery, the patient is asked to take medications such as antibiotics to avoid infections which cost extra.

How to Choose the Right Surgeon and Clinic for a Hymenoplasty Surgery?

When choosing the right surgeon, it is important to ensure that the surgeon is board-certified and experienced in the procedure. It is better to look for positive reviews online before the surgery.

The surgeon should be a good listener, so as to address the patient’s concerns and be available from the beginning till the end of the procedure.

It is also necessary to make sure that the surgery is performed in a well-established clinic which has all the required facilities, while balancing the cost.

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