Hymenoplasty
In most cases, hymenoplasty surgery takes about one to two hours. The surgical procedure is done under a local anesthesia or sedation during an outpatient visit. Prior to surgery, a gynecological examination will be performed and the patient will be informed of the risks and benefits undergoing hymenoplasty. There are two types of Hymenoplasty. Simple Hymenoplasty: Hymen tissue is pulled together so the vagina will be covered again. Using a laser, which cuts and cauterizes simultaneously. Fragments of the hymen are pulled and stitched, with dissolvable stitches. This appears as small vaginal opening associated with virginity. There is a low risk for developing infection and fever. This procedure is common for women that want to experience the sensation of having intercourse for the first time again with a husband of many years or a lover. Alloplant: Operation performed when the hymen cannot be restored. In this situation biomaterial implanted hymen is inserted. Advisable to refrain from sexual intercourse, and the use of tampons until healing is complete, up to six weeks. After complete healing, the surgery is virtually undetectable. The patient can return to work the next day. The price of hemenoplasty may cost as much as $5,000.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, vaginal surgery including hymenoplasty is one of the industry’s fastest growing segments. Many Gynecologists have been marketing this surgical procedure with a great deal of popularity in magazines, local newspapers, radio stations and online.
The hymen can rupture prior to having first time intercourse. This can occur in many girls during their teenage years, in many circumstances, involved in sporting events such as bicycling, horseback riding, gymnastics or physical activity. Also, inserting tampons. During anyone of these circumstances, a girl may not be aware hymen is tearing and there may be little or no bleeding or pain.
Hymen is named after the Greek god of marriage. Since primitive times, it has been a marker of woman’s virginity, despite the fact the hymen can rupture by non-sexual activity. Many cultural and ethnic beliefs (Latinos, Mid-easterners, Chinese, and Koreans) require a woman to be a virgin prior to getting married (also arranged marriages) or suffer some times severe consequences, including being chastised by their community or family. A small percentage of traditional cultures require bride hymens to be examined. In many Mediterranean and African cultures, a husband family can take revenge upon the wife, if she had lost her virginity prior to getting married including being banished or physically punished. Muslim women that have lost their virginity or had premarital affair, prior to getting marriage could be executed. Also, unfortunate circumstances of rape, a woman maybe exiled from their community, no longer considered a virgin. Hymenoplasty offers an opportunity for these women to reverse or trick others to believe their virginity has not be lost or taken. In some cultures, especially Arabic, bleeding during the wedding night is proof of one’s virginity. Hymenoplasty has been practiced for ages, in Asia, Middle East and Latin America.