Hymenoplsty 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. Deepak Kalia and his staff at Dr Kalia,s Cosmetic Surgery Clinic 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. Dr. Deepak Kalia 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. Deepak Kalia 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.