Hymenoplasty Surgery in Delhi, India | Eligibility, Procedure & Post-treatment Care

Hymenoplasty is a form of surgery performed to treat this break or tear that has taken place in the area of the hymen. Its main aim is the reconstruction of the hymen. Every patient recovers differently after the completion of this procedure. Generally, the average time period for the healing process among individuals lies between 4 to 6 weeks. During this phase, the patients are expected to have proper rest and follow all the precautionary measures as suggested by the doctor. 

The hymen is a very small, thin piece of tissue present at the opening of the vagina. It is associated with the covering of the vaginal opening. The size, shape, and overall thickness of the hymen can change slowly among individuals. The exact function of the hymen is still not entirely known, but it is believed to restrict the entry of pathogens only until puberty. The hymen can be injured from various activities like inserting a tampon or having sexual intercourse. Once the hymen is torn, it cannot regenerate or grow back into its original state.

Eligibility criteria for Hymenoplasty Procedure

• The age of the patient should be above the consensual age.
• Apart from cosmetic reasons, it is also carried out for psychological reasons.
• The patient should be healthy and doesn't suffer from chronic and serious conditions like cancer.

Preparing for Hymen Repair

1. Doctor Consultation: If someone is considering hymen repair, it is important to consult with a medical professional who can provide information about the procedure, including its risks and benefits. It may be beneficial for the candidates to discuss their motivation for seeking the procedure and explore any potential alternative solutions with a qualified medical professional.
2. Patient Preparation: It is also essential to prepare physically and emotionally for the procedure. This may include following any pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as refraining from sexual activity or certain medications and discussing any fears or concerns with the doctor.

Overall, the decision to undergo hymen repair is a personal one that should be made after careful consideration and with the guidance of a qualified medical professional.

Hymenoplasty Procedure

The procedure of Hymenoplasty is carried out by a gynaecologist under general anaesthesia. The doctor makes a transverse incision behind the vaginal wall in order to achieve access to the vestibular mucosa. Repair of the hymen is carried out by reuniting the remaining parts of torn tissue. These are done with the help of self-dissolving sutures. The procedure of Hymenoplasty comprises three main techniques, which are as follows: 

1. Hymen Stitching
2. Hymen Reconstruction

Hymen Stitching

This is the basic technique of hymenoplasty surgery, and it involves stitching up the broken or the remaining tissues of the hymen with the help of sutures, which generally dissolve after a few days. Therefore, the patients are not required to return to the hospital for the removal of sutures. Approximately 30-40 minutes are required for the completion of this procedure, after which the patient is allowed to go home. Within a few weeks, the patient attains full recovery and can resume all her activities.

Hymen Reconstruction

If the hymen stitching procedure isn't possible to conduct for the patient because of insufficient tissues to join together, it is still possible to perform a hymenoplasty surgery through the hymen reconstruction process. The hymen will be reconstructed with live tissue harvested from the patient's own body. Generally, the inner labia are the preferred tissues. The surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure and completed in just a few hours. After a hymen reconstruction, a patient can resume normal daily life activities within 3-4 days. However, sexual intercourse should be avoided for a period of three months afterwards. Following its recovery, it will act just like a hymen and may include bleeding and sensations of discomfort whenever there is any injury.

Post-Treatment Guidelines

The hymenoplasty procedure takes approximately four to six weeks to heal completely, and there aren't any visible scars present as well. In order to achieve the satisfactory and best possible results from this procedure and to ensure complete recovery after hymenoplasty surgery, the patient is advised to follow a particular set of guidelines, which are as follows:

• Shower to be taken after 2 to 3 days of surgery. Meanwhile, the vaginal area is kept clean by gently wiping the area once or twice a day.
• Regularly intake medications as prescribed by the doctor.
• Adequate rest following surgery.
• Avoid engaging in vigorous activities that put a lot of pressure on that area.
• Consumption of a healthy diet rich in nutrients accelerates the healing process.
• In case of vaginal yeast infections caused due to antibiotic therapy, always refer to the doctor about any possible change of medications. Infections often result in itching and foul-smelling discharge.

In case of bleeding, always contact the doctor.

Do’s in Hymenoplasty

• Regular intake of medications on a timely basis as advised by the doctor in order to prevent any infection.
• Proper care of the area should be taken post-surgery. It is advised to keep the area clean and hygienic.
• In case of pain or swelling, apply hot packs or cold packs to obtain relief in that area.
• The shower is recommended after three days of the procedure.
• Use of hygiene pads for a period of 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery.

Don'ts in Hymenoplasty

• Avoid engaging in sexual activity for a period of 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery.
• Avoid the use of tampons.
• Avoid going to pools or saunas for at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
• Avoid engaging in activities that require effort, like workouts, exercise, and lifting heavy weights.
• Avoid smoking or drinking for a period of 3 to 4 weeks after surgery.

Complications of Hymenoplasty Surgery

Hymenoplasty is a relatively safe procedure with minimal or no complications at all. However, the complications vary among individuals. These are as follows:

• Formation of blood clots in that area.
• Numbness
• Infections
• Allergic reactions resulting from anaesthesia.
• Spot bleeding for a few days after surgery.
• Itching on the stitches.
• Haematoma in rare cases.

Outlook of Hymenoplasty

The success rate of this procedure is estimated to be around 98%. In certain cases, the patients may not achieve complete success with this surgery if they fail to follow the necessary precautions or have any complications during surgery. It is mandatory to follow the gynaecologist's instructions for the best results.

Review

Reviewed by Dr. Anuradha Kapur, Senior Director & Head of Unit (Institute of Obs & Gynae).