All Procedures

Hymenoplasty: Hymen Repair Surgery

Useful information for patients on Hymenoplasty procedures - primarily for cultural and religious reasons, the "loss of virginity" is restored by rebuilding the hymen.

What Is Hymenoplasty? 

Hymenoplasty, also known as hymen repair surgery, is a procedure that aims to reconstruct the hymen (a thin membrane located at the entrance of the vagina).

The hymen can naturally change or tear over time due to:

  • Physical activity (e.g. sports)
  • Use of tampons
  • Medical examinations
  • Sexual intercourse

Hymenoplasty is usually requested for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, rather than medical necessity

Hymenoplasty is typically a minor surgical procedure that may involve:

  • Simple repair: Stitching together remaining hymenal tissue (if present)
  • Reconstruction: Using small sections of vaginal tissue to recreate the hymen

The procedure is designed to leave a small opening to allow for normal menstrual flow.

Who Is It For?

Hymenoplasty may be suitable for patients who:

  • Are seeking hymenal reconstruction for personal, cultural, or religious reasons
  • Are in good general health
  • Have realistic expectations about the outcome

It is important that the decision is your own and made without pressure from others.

Preparation

Before surgery, patients typically undergo:

  • Consultation with board-certified surgeon
  • Discussion of timing and healing
  • Review of medications and physical examination
  • Realistic expectations. This procedure has a high risk of recurrence

Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation. 

Interested in having this procedure?

Find a Surgeon

Useful Information

Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.

Length

How Long Is the Procedure?

Can take from 60-90 minutes depending on whether combined with other procedures.

Anesthesia

Do I Need Anesthesia?

 Local anesthesia with sedation.

Inpatient/Outpatient

Typically a day procedure 

Additional Information

Like any surgical procedure, hymenoplasty comes with potential side effects. Two of the main complications to be aware of include:

  • Tearing or separation (Dehiscence): If the surgical stitches separate or tear open before they completely heal, the surgery may not achieve the desired result.
  • An opening that is too narrow: If the new opening is made too small, it can block or restrict normal vaginal discharge and period blood from leaving the body. This can cause a noticeable bad odour and significantly increase the risk of developing a vaginal infection.

Important Note: If you experience severe pain, an unusual odor, or signs of an infection (like a fever), you should contact your qualified surgeon right away.

Potential Risks: 

  • Bleeding or spotting
  • Infection 
  • Wound separation (Dehiscence) 
  • Scarring 
  • Pain or discomfort 
  • Unsatisfactory result 

Sexual intercourse or exercise is not recommended for 2 weeks to prevent recurrence.

This procedure has a high recurrence rate, so it is important to follow qualified surgeon aftercare recommendations to keep the area dry.

Mild discomfort or swelling may occur for a few days post-surgery. The healing process can last 8-15 days or more for a more simple surgery.

Patients report high satisfaction and achieve their goals and expectations with this procedure. The procedure aims to recreate the appearance of the hymen. 

Please note: Individual results vary from patient to patient due to factors such as age, skin quality, body type, and overall health. To understand what results you can expect, consult with a qualified aesthetic plastic surgeon.