The hymen is actually the leftover tissue remnants formed when the embryonic vaginal cavity structure develops. Functionally, due to its slightly thick structure, it is thought to have the role of preventing vaginal infections in childhood.
In Turkey, especially in certain regions, the integrity of the hymen and whether a woman has had sexual intercourse is unfortunately given importance, and in cases where this is not the case, it leads to social and personal negative consequences. Although as gynecologists, we do not approve of these socio-cultural negative situations, we admit patients to our clinic for hymenoplasty in Istanbul in order to achieve the desired first sexual intercourse bleeding.
The hymen examination is done on the gynecological table. No instruments are applied to the vaginal area; only the inner lips are opened to the sides in order to visualize the hymen. The hymen examination takes about 1-2 minutes.
Hymenoplasty is performed as temporary hymenoplasty and permanent hymenoplasty. Temporary hymenoplasty can be done with local or general anesthesia, and should be performed at most 5-6 days before the first intercourse. In most patients, temporary hymenoplasty is easily performed with local anesthesia. The procedure takes 20 minutes, and there is no pain or discomfort afterward.
Permanent hymenoplasty should be done at least 3 weeks before the first intercourse. In permanent hymenoplasty performed with general or local anesthesia, patients generally prefer local anesthesia, and there is no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
There are two types of hymenoplasty methods: flap technique and micro repair of the hymen. Especially for permanent hymenoplasty, we prefer the flap technique.
Micro repair of the hymen is not very safe, as the hymen structure is thin and micro stitches can open with body movements. The preferred safe method for hymenoplasty is the flap technique. The important point here is that after the hymenoplasty, the repaired hymen should not open, regardless of how many years pass before the first intercourse, ensuring safety.
If the stitches are not durable, they may open after a few months. Therefore, the flap technique is safer for hymenoplasty.
Temporary hymenoplasty is the reconstruction of the hymen structure with local anesthesia. The repair is carefully done using the finest sutures (the thickness of body hair). Temporary hymenoplasty should definitely be done at least 5-6 days before the first intercourse. When done under these conditions, temporary hymenoplasty is safe.
Permanent hymenoplasty, also known as hymenoplasty, is performed using the flap technique in our clinic for safety. The procedure is done with local anesthesia and is painless, taking 20 minutes. Permanent hymenoplasty involves repairing the hymen tissue using the flap technique with fine sutures. It is recommended to visit for a follow-up after 1 month to prevent infection during the healing process.
In the flap technique, healthy and well-vascularized tissues are used to reconstruct the hymen. Fine to medium absorbable sutures are used in surgery, ensuring the safety of the permanent hymen flap even without follow-up.
The differences between temporary and permanent hymenoplasty are as follows:
The price of hymenoplasty in Istanbul varies depending on where the procedure is performed and whether additional procedures are required. The surgical conditions of the area where the procedure will be performed and the subsequent follow-up care are also important. Additionally, the price of hymenoplasty differs according to the type of procedure, whether temporary or permanent.
Hymenoplasty typically ranges from 15,000 to 30,000 TRY. The price varies depending on combined operations performed along with the hymenoplasty.
Things to be careful about after hymenoplasty:
The success of hymenoplasty depends on the good blood supply of the flap used and the prevention of infection. If the flap is correctly prepared under sterile conditions, the likelihood of success in hymenoplasty is high.
The hymenoplasty procedure should be performed by a doctor with experience in genital aesthetics and interventions. Additionally, the surgical conditions should be sterile, and attention should be given to the antibiotic treatment afterward to prevent infection, which is the main cause of flap failure. If the flap is too thick, there may be difficulty in intercourse, and if it is too thin, the flap may open.
Due to the anatomical and functional nature of the genital area, it is preferable for hymenoplasty to be performed by gynecologists experienced in vaginal surgery, as this area is a semi-sterile surgical field.
The sutures used in hymenoplasty are the finest surgical sutures. Additionally, in permanent hymenoplasty, the sutures dissolve, so there is no possibility of detection. Temporary hymenoplasty requires special attention. As it is done at least 3 to 5 days before intercourse, very fine sutures, which are not visible externally and are undetectable by touch, are used. If these conditions are met, there is no possibility of detecting a temporary hymenoplasty.
Patients who come to our clinic for permanent hymenoplasty do not experience spontaneous flap opening. Once the flap is correctly placed, there is no possibility of it opening without intercourse. The flap remains intact as long as there is no penetration in the vaginal area.
The hymen is located right at the vaginal opening. Vaginal tightening surgery is performed along a line extending from the inside to the outside of the vagina. The areas for hymenoplasty and vaginoplasty are very close to each other. For this reason, hymenoplasty and vaginal tightening surgery are frequently performed together. Performing vaginal tightening surgery alongside hymenoplasty does not negatively affect the success of the hymenoplasty, and it may even enhance blood flow to the flap, increasing the likelihood of success.
Labioplasty is a surgery that corrects the aesthetic and functional appearance of the inner labia. Adding labioplasty to hymenoplasty is a common procedure. However, if the labioplasty surgery is expected to take a long time, it should be performed under operating room conditions. The decision to proceed with labioplasty depends on the examination of the labia before the surgery.
The pain during hymenoplasty occurs in the first 12 hours after the procedure, but it subsides with pain relief medication. After the procedure, there are no complaints of discomfort the following day or thereafter. Patients can return to their social and work lives the day after the procedure, except for heavy sports and swimming.
For patients under 18, a legal guardian must be present during the examination and surgery. Parental consent is required for patients under 18 seeking hymenoplasty at our clinic. Additionally, engaging in sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 18 is considered a criminal offense under Turkish law. In cases where legal action has been taken, both parents must be present at the clinic, and both must sign the consent form.
After permanent hymenoplasty, intercourse cannot be had immediately. It is recommended to wait at least 3 weeks before engaging in intercourse. Therefore, for patients with a very close relationship date, temporary hymenoplasty is performed.