Hymenoplasty

  The hymen is a membranous tissue of the external vaginal opening, rich in blood and nerves, about 1-2 mm thick; its shape varies from person to person and is basically divided into four types: ring, sieve, lip and umbrella, and sometimes there are abnormal types such as septal hymen, non-porous hymen and tonic hymen.  The old concept has always been that the hymen is intact, the wedding night to see red (hymen bleeding) is a virgin, showing the woman’s purity and flawless, if no red after sexual intercourse, it indicates that the woman before marriage unchaste, etc.. In fact, the majority of women after the first sexual intercourse due to the round hymen hole is very small generally only into a pinky, penile insertion will cause the hymen one or more torn, resulting in the first sex bleeding, later with the number of sexual intercourse, the vaginal opening also gradually increased, the hymen fracture is also multiple or old damage.  However, there are a few women whose hymens are so flexible and elastic that they do not rupture even after many times of intercourse, just because the hymen hole is enlarged, and there are people whose hymens do not rupture until they give birth to their first child, forming hymen scars.  Hymen reconstruction is a cosmetic surgery procedure to restore or recreate a new hymen that has been destroyed. There is a debate in China as to whether or not to perform this type of surgery. The debate comes from both ethical and psychological aspects of female therapy. As a plastic surgeon, we believe it is understandable to perform hymenal rejuvenation.  This is because it not only leaves the patient’s hymen intact, but more importantly, it heals their psychological wounds and restores their psychological balance, which is beneficial to society as a whole and to themselves.  Hymen reconstruction is a simple plastic surgery. Any hymen rupture caused by sexual intercourse or trauma, for more than 3 months, can be repaired between the days after menstruation and 10 days before menstruation, or immediately if the rupture is within 24 hours. The surgery is not recommended for patients with inflammatory or other infectious diseases of the vulva or vagina that have not healed, for those who are menstruating, or for those with psychological disorders.  The surgery is performed under local anesthesia and usually lasts about 1 hour. Patients should minimize their activities for 1 week after the surgery and prohibit strenuous exercise for 1 month. In addition, the vulva should be washed with 1:5000 potassium permanganate solution twice a day for 10-15 minutes for 7 days after the surgery, during which oral antibiotics can also be taken at the same time to prevent infection. Surgical sutures do not need to be removed.  In conclusion, as a plastic surgeon, we understand the pain and the social and ethical pressure that these women are under, and we sincerely wish them to regain their confidence after the surgery.