Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 06 Dec 2024
What Is Hymenoplasty, A Virginity-Reversing Surgery for Which A Brazilian Model Is Ready To Spend Millions? Is It Safe?
Hanniely said she would be spending 19,000 for the surgery, and this is more than just a medical procedure for her (Pic: Instagram)
Ravena Hanniely, a young Brazilian model and social media influencer, has decided to spend thousands of dollars on getting a hymenoplasty—a surgical procedure to restore her virginity.
Commonly referred to as hymen repair, this is a cosmetic surgery where doctors stitch together the torn edges of the hymen using dissolvable stitches. Experts say even though it is primarily symbolic, the procedure is sought after for personal or cultural reasons.
Hanniely said she would be spending $19,000 for the surgery, and this is more than just a medical procedure for her. “It symbolises a fresh start in my personal and professional life,” she said. She also emphasised that the surgery is about self-esteem and a deeply personal choice, asserting, "This is for my self-esteem and personal reasons that are important to me.”
What is hymenoplasty?
Also known as a vaginal rejuvenation operation, hymenoplasty re-establishes the intactness of a torn hymen that gets ruptured after sex or sporting activities like gymnastics, insertion of tampons, or even a pap smear test.
A hymen is a thin, pinkish membrane present in the lower part of the vagina. Doctors say women who qualify for the procedure, also known as hymenorrhaphy, are:
- Those who are healthy without any infection
- Do not have any cancerous tissues in the vagina or cervix
- Are above the age of 18 years
How is hymenoplasty conducted?
According to experts, the surgery depends on the requirement and the condition of the hymen, and so a few techniques followed are:
Basic techniques
The local anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia to numb the hymen before the surgery and since it is an outpatient surgery, it takes around 30-40 minutes to complete the procedure.
Hymen reconstruction
It includes the reconstruction of the hymen with the help of tissues that are removed from the lip of the vagina. After the procedure is done, your surgeon would suggest you abstain from sex for at least three months.
All plant technique
It includes the insertion of a biomaterial—a tear-through material acting as the hymen into the vagina.
Doctors say sometimes the parts of the hymen cannot be stitched back for certain reasons. So, in such cases, a small flap of vaginal lining or synthetic material is used to create a structure replicating a hymen. This layer may not be exactly like the natural hymen, but it does bleed during intercourse.
What are the benefits of getting a hymenoplasty done?
Doctors say a few reasons why this surgery is beneficial, include:
- It restores the intactness of the hymen
- It helps lessen the pain and trauma of sexual assault victims
- Rejuvenation of the hymen gives a sense of youth to some women
Side effects of the surgery
Like every other surgical procedure, hymenoplasty, even though it is considered mostly safe by doctors, can have various side effects, which include:
- Increased rate of bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Scars
- Vaginal infection
- Deformity
- Discolouration
- Numbness and swelling post-surgery
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