Hymenoplasty (hymen restoration) A woman’s virginity is valued for religious, social and sometimes, even economic reasons. Hymenoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to repair and reconstruct the thin, ring-like skin membrane partially covering the opening of the vagina; this is known as the hymen. It is made of elastic and fibrous tissue. When the hymen tears, bleeding occurs which is typically the result of a woman’s first experience with intercourse. This type of surgery will pull the tissue back together to restore a “virgin-like” quality to the woman.
In some unusual circumstances, a female can unknowingly tear her hymen by inserting a tampon or during sports like bicycling, horseback riding or even gymnastics. Even though the biological function of the hymen is still uncertain, its social function is popularly regarded as a mythical symbol in many cultures.
For this reason, the qualified plastic surgeons at HCR perform hymenoplasty at the request of women who need the surgery for ethnic, cultural or religious reasons. Patients who wish to gain a higher sexual satisfaction may also be candidates for this procedure, because the vaginal walls are tightened during the surgery.
The restoration of the hymen can be done on an outpatient basis, under local anaesthesia. Before surgery, patients are required to have a pre-surgical consultation and thorough gynecological examination. During this time, you should communicate your needs and expectations to your doctor in Costa Rica, and in turn, he/she will explain all the possible risks and benefits of hymenoplasty.
Hymenoplasty Prices
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The Procedure
There are 3 different types of hymenoplasty:
1. Suturing of a tear in the hymen such as might be caused by sexual assault. This can be performed soon after the assault, to facilitate the healing process.
2. A purely cosmetic procedure in which a membrane without blood supply is created. Sometimes, this can include a gelatine capsule of an artificial bloodlike substance. This operation is intended to be performed within a few days before an intended marriage. A small section of vaginal wall is dissected for the reconstruction when the hymenal remnants are insufficient
3. Using of a flap of the vaginal lining, complete with its blood supply, to create a new hymen. Patients are advised to refrain from penetrative sex for up to three months following this procedure.
Post-Op – After Surgery
Right after the surgery, you will have to rest for 24 hours; however, you will be able to walk around during this time. It is natural for you to expect some minor bleeding 48 to 72 afterwards. You do not need to worry about removing your stitches since an absorbable surgical thread is used. Also, the level of bruising or swelling is minimal and any scars that may result are very small and become unnoticeable as time passes.
You must remember that you must refrain from any sexual activity for at least a month after this surgery.
Health Issues
In less than 1% of cases of patients that have undergone a hymenoplasty procedure have there been instances of haemorrhage or infection. There is a small chance of injury to the bladder or rectum, even so, you must keep in mind that such complications are extremely rare. In addition, there’s the possibility of scarring or encountering complications from anaesthesia.
