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Questions About Hymenoplasty
What is a hymenoplasty?
A hymenoplasty is a surgical procedure in which a woman's hymen is reconstructed. The hymen is a thin membrane that partially blocks the vaginal entrance. An intact hymen is associated with virginity, since if it is intact when a women first has intercourse, it will tear and sometimes bleed. However, the hymen can be torn under other circumstances, including exercise, tampon use, and horseback riding.
During a hymenoplasty, the remnants of the hymen are treated by removing the top layer of tissue, then are sewn together. Because the top skin layer has been removed, the treated edges adhere to each other during healing, creating a fully restored hymen.
After the restoration, sexual intercourse will tear the reconstructed tissue, causing pain and possible bleeding, but healing will occur just as with a natural hymen.
Who is a candidate for hymenoplasty?
Hymenoplasties are most often performed for religious, societal or cultural regions. In some cultures, women can actually find their lives in danger if they are found not to have an intact hymen on their wedding night, regardless of how the hymen was initially ruptured. For these women, a hymenoplasty is more than a simple cosmetic procedure.
Other women consider hymenoplasty because their first sexual experience was unpleasant, or occurred against their will. If a woman's first sexual experience was forced, a hymenoplasty can give her back a choice that was taken from her. Some women undergo the procedure because they want to experience a "first time" with a long-term partner. However, most cosmetic surgeons will not perform a hymenoplasty for a women who has already given birth.
Because the reasons for considering a hymenoplasty are intensely personal, Dr. Otto J. Placik and his staff at Associated Plastic Surgeons, S.C. will keep all consultations under strictest confidence.
How long is the recovery time?
The surgical procedure for a hymenoplasty is relatively simple. It can be performed under local anesthetic with no hospitalization, and you can return to most of your regular activities the next day. Your doctor uses dissolvable stitches in the reconstruction process, and the risk of infection or fever is minimal. The recovery time, however, is six to eight weeks, during which time you cannot engage in sexual activity, exercise rigorously, or use a tampon or a douche in order to avoid disrupting the healing process.
What is involved in a consultation?
A pre-surgery consultation will include a thorough physical exam, including a gynecological exam. Dr. Placik will discuss the possible risks of the procedure, as well as what the procedure entails, and will also talk to you about your expectations regarding your surgery. We want you to be completely comfortable with your decision to undergo any sort of cosmetic surgery, particularly when the decision is so deeply personal.
If you live in the Chicago area and would like to learn more about hymenoplasty, please contact cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Otto J. Placik today to schedule your initial appointment.
Disclaimer: The information provided on Bodysculptor.com regarding medical procedures, practices, and technologies is only meant to provide information as public service. The website content is not intended to substitute for health care provided by a physician. Email or call us at 847-398-1660 for more information.
Dr. Otto J. Placik M.D., Chicago Area Plastic Surgeon, plastic,reconstructive & cosmetic surgery, breast enlargement, breast reduction, breast lift, liposuction. We feature BioMedic ® Clinical Care, Skin Rejuvenation, Laser Peels, Chemical Peels, Botox ® and Collagen Injections.
Dr. Placik's before and after photos have been selected to appear on the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, a website providing comprehensive, up-to-date information on breast enhancement, face lift, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck and bariatric surgery.
Associated Plastic Surgeons, S.C.
Otto J. Placik, M.D., F.A.C.S.
(847) 398-1660 or (312) 787-5313
Arlington Heights and Chicago, Illinois
