Hymen repair or re-virgination refers to a cosmetic surgery that restores the torn hymen. Besides sex; sports activities, rigorous physical exercise, horse riding and dance can also result in the tear. Due to religious, cultural, ethnic or social reasons, a woman may like to get it restored.
PROCEDURE
The hymen is a thin membranous layer of tissue which partially encircles the vaginal orifice. Hymen repair is a simple operation which involves removing the torn edges and stitching the remnant tissue with fine dissolvable sutures or adding a patch of tissue from the vaginal walls. It is often performed under local anaesthetic with sedation, but can also be performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure can be done anytime after it has ruptured.
DURATION
Surgery takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. It is often done as a day care procedure.
RECOVERY
The patient can expect to return to work the day after the procedure. Sexual intercourse and strenuous activities like horse riding and sports are to be avoided for at least six weeks. During subsequent sexual intercourse the repaired hymen is torn which results in bleeding.
RISKS
Hymenoplasty is a relatively safe procedure with few risks and side effects like infection and prolonged bleeding. Rarely, it may result in problem of stricture or hymen over-correction. But the risk is minimized if the procedure is carried out by qualified and experienced Cosmetic surgeon.