Hymenoplasty is a delicate surgical procedure aimed at reconstructing the hymenal membrane -- the hymen. It is an intimate operation carried out with the utmost discretion and respect, which I perform under complete professional confidentiality at my clinic in Londrina, Brazil. I understand that the reasons for seeking hymenoplasty are deeply personal and frequently involve cultural, religious, or emotional considerations. For this reason, I welcome every patient without judgement, providing a safe and comfortable environment in which you can discuss your concerns openly.
I am a plastic surgeon trained by the late Professor Ivo Pitanguy in Rio de Janeiro, and I have specialised in female intimate surgery. Over more than two decades of practice, I have developed refined skills in delicate procedures such as hymenoplasty, employing techniques that deliver natural and predictable results. Every case is unique, and my commitment is to offer you a compassionate, technically precise, and absolutely confidential service.
What is the hymen?
The hymen is a thin, vascularised membrane that partially covers the entrance to the vagina. This structure exhibits a great anatomical variation among women: it can be thicker or thinner, have different opening shapes — annular, semi-lunar, cribriform, septate — and may even be absent from birth in some women. The hymen can rupture for various reasons, including sexual intercourse, use of tampons, intense physical activities, or trauma. After rupture, small fragments remain called hymenal caruncles, which are precisely the tissue I use for reconstruction.
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Surgical Techniques of Hymenoplasty
There are different techniques for hymen reconstruction, and the choice depends on the quantity and quality of the remaining hymenal tissue of each patient. In my practice, I carefully assess the local anatomy during the consultation to determine the most appropriate approach.
Suturing the Remaining Hymenal Tissue
This is the technique I use most frequently in hymenoplasty. It involves identifying the remaining fragments of the hymen — the hymenal caruncles — and bringing them together with sutures using extremely delicate absorbable threads. The membrane is reconstructed in such a way that it partially covers the vaginal entrance, reproducing the original anatomy. This technique is indicated when there is sufficient and good-quality hymenal tissue remaining, which occurs in the vast majority of patients.
Vaginal Mucosa Flap Technique
In cases where the remaining hymenal tissue is very scarce or practically non-existent, I use a portion of adjacent vaginal mucosa to create a flap that functions as a new hymen. This technique is slightly more elaborate but allows for reconstruction even when the original membrane is severely damaged. The flap is positioned and sutured in a way that mimics the original structure, with equally satisfactory results.
Duration of the Procedure
Hymenoplasty is a relatively quick surgery. In my experience, the procedure lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the technique employed and the anatomical complexity of each case. It is performed in a surgical environment with all aseptic and safety precautions.
Indications for Hymenoplasty
The decision to undergo hymenoplasty is strictly personal. I deeply respect the motivations of each patient and never pass any form of judgement. The main reasons that lead women to seek this procedure include:
Cultural and Religious Reasons
In various cultures and religious traditions, the integrity of the hymen is associated with virginity and carries significant symbolic meaning. Many patients seek hymenoplasty to feel in accordance with the values of their community or family, especially in situations preceding marriage. I understand the relevance of these issues and work to ensure that the patient feels welcomed and secure.
Emotional and Psychological Reasons
Some women desire hymen reconstruction as part of an emotional healing process, especially in cases of past trauma. Hymenoplasty can represent a symbolic fresh start, helping the patient to regain her self-esteem and reconnect with her body. In these cases, psychological support can be complementary and very beneficial.
Personal Reasons
There are patients who simply wish to relive an intimate experience differently, without necessarily being linked to cultural or religious issues. This is also an absolutely valid motivation, and I treat it with the same respect and professionalism that I dedicate to all others.
Who Can Undergo Hymenoplasty?
Hymenoplasty can be performed on any healthy adult woman who wishes to reconstruct her hymen. There is no age limit, although the patient must be of legal age. During the consultation, I assess the general health status, local anatomy, and expectations to ensure that the procedure is safe and appropriate for each case. It is essential that the decision comes exclusively from the patient herself, without any form of coercion.
The Consultation and Pre-Operative
Confidentiality and Support
I understand that hymenoplasty is a procedure surrounded by privacy. From the first contact, I guarantee total confidentiality. The consultation is conducted in a private setting, and all information is treated with absolute confidentiality. My team is trained to handle this type of demand with naturalness and discretion.
The Evaluation
During the consultation, I listen attentively to the patient's motivations and expectations. I then perform a careful physical examination of the area to assess the quantity and quality of the remaining hymenal tissue, as well as to check the integrity of the vaginal mucosa. This evaluation is fundamental to define which technique will be employed and to explain clearly what the patient can expect as a result.
Pre-Operative Tests
I request the following tests before the hymenoplasty surgery:
Complete blood count;
PAT with INR + APTT;
Urea;
Creatinine;
Fasting blood glucose;
Total proteins and fractions;
Vitamin D;
Vitamin C;
Urine I;
Electrocardiogram;
Surgical risk assessment, which consists of evaluation with a cardiologist.
Anaesthesia
Hymenoplasty can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, which is the most common in my practice. In some cases, depending on the patient's preference or the extent of the reconstruction, I may opt for total intravenous general anaesthesia — the same technique I use in labiaplasty, where all medication is administered via the vein and the patient wakes up a few minutes after completion. The choice is individualised and discussed during the consultation.
The Surgical Procedure
The hymenoplasty I perform follows well-defined surgical steps, always with the utmost delicacy and precision. The patient is positioned in a gynaecological position, and after anaesthesia, I begin a detailed evaluation of the remaining hymenal tissue under adequate lighting.
Stages of the Surgery
In the suturing technique of the remaining tissue, I start with a careful de-epithelialisation of the edges of the hymenal caruncles — that is, I remove the thin layer of scarred mucosa that covers the edges of the fragments. This step is fundamental so that, when bringing the fragments together with the suture, they heal united, reconstructing the membrane. I use very fine absorbable threads, of calibre 5-0 or 6-0, which dissolve naturally and do not need to be removed.
When I use the mucosa flap technique, I make delicate incisions in the lateral vaginal wall to lift a small flap of mucosa, which is then positioned and sutured to create a barrier at the vaginal entrance, simulating the original hymenal structure. This technique requires a bit more time and skill, but the results are equally predictable.
Care During Surgery
I work with delicate surgical instruments, specific for intimate surgeries, and under optical magnification when necessary. My main concern is to ensure that the reconstruction is anatomically faithful and that the vascularisation of the tissue is preserved, allowing for adequate healing. At the end, I apply a local dressing, and the patient can return home on the same day, accompanied.
Recovery After Hymenoplasty
The recovery from hymenoplasty is one of the most reassuring aspects for patients: it is quick, simple, and practically painless. Most women report minimal discomfort in the first few days, easily controlled with simple analgesics.
The First Few Days
I recommend relative rest in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. It is normal to experience slight bleeding or discharge in the first few days, which is absolutely expected and should not cause concern. I prescribe silver sulfadiazine ointment for local application, helping to prevent infections in the operated area, which is naturally moist.
Post-Operative Care
The main care I advise for my patients after hymenoplasty includes:
Avoiding sexual intercourse for at least 40 to 45 days, or as per individualised guidance;
Not using tampons or inserting any objects into the vagina during recovery;
Avoiding intense physical activities for 30 days;
Maintaining careful local hygiene by washing the area with water and neutral soap;
Avoiding baths, swimming pools, or the sea for at least three weeks;
Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding very tight clothing.
Suture Threads
Just like in labiaplasty, I exclusively use absorbable threads in hymenoplasty. They dissolve naturally within a few weeks, without the need for a return visit to remove stitches. This makes the post-operative period more comfortable and discreet.
Return to Activities
Most patients can return to work and light activities within two to three days. Intense physical activities should be resumed gradually after 30 days. Sexual abstinence is essential for complete healing and to preserve the result of the surgery.
Risks and Complications
Hymenoplasty is considered a low-complexity surgical procedure with a very low complication rate. Every surgery, no matter how minor, carries inherent risks, but in my experience, hymenoplasty is one of the safest procedures I perform.
Possible Complications
Although rare, the complications that may occur include:
Bleeding: usually minimal and self-limiting. Rarely requires intervention;
Infection: very low risk when hygiene care and post-operative guidelines are followed correctly;
Partial Dehiscence: partial opening of the suture points, which may occur if there is early strain or neglect of recommendations. Most of the time, it heals spontaneously;
Unsatisfactory Result: in rare cases, the reconstruction may not achieve the expected firmness, especially when the remaining hymenal tissue is very scarce.
How I Minimise Risks
To minimise any possibility of complication, I follow strict asepsis protocols, use high-quality surgical materials, and conduct thorough post-operative follow-up. Additionally, the detailed guidance I provide to patients is fundamental for a safe recovery. I am available to clarify doubts throughout the recovery process.
Sensitivity
Hymenoplasty does not interfere with vaginal sensitivity or sexual function. The surgery acts exclusively on the hymenal membrane, without affecting the nerves or structures responsible for sexual pleasure. After complete healing, the patient can have sexual intercourse normally.
Result of hymenoplasty
The result of hymenoplasty is immediate in structural terms — the hymen is reconstructed during the surgery. However, I consider that the definitive result consolidates over the following weeks, as healing progresses and the tissue gains firmness.
What to expect
After complete healing, which occurs in about four to six weeks, the reconstructed hymen behaves very similarly to the original hymen. During the first sexual intercourse after the surgery, there may be slight discomfort or pain and possibly a small amount of bleeding — exactly as happens with an intact hymen. It is important to emphasise that not every woman with an intact hymen bleeds during their first intercourse, and the same applies after hymenoplasty. The presence or absence of bleeding varies among women and should not be considered an absolute indicator.
Ideal time between surgery and sexual intercourse
I recommend that the patient waits at least 40 to 45 days after hymenoplasty to have sexual intercourse. This period is essential for complete healing and for the reconstructed membrane to have acquired sufficient firmness. In some cases, I may advise a longer period, depending on the individual assessment during follow-up consultations.
Durability
The reconstruction of the hymen is permanent until there is a new sexual intercourse with penetration. After intercourse, the membrane breaks again, naturally. For this reason, hymenoplasty should be planned with an appropriate interval before the moment desired by the patient.
Hymenoplasty and other intimate procedures
Hymenoplasty can be performed in isolation or combined with other intimate procedures, depending on the goals and needs of each patient. I specialise in various modalities of female intimate surgery and can offer a complete and individualised treatment.
The surgery for reducing the labia minora is the most sought-after intimate procedure. It can be associated with hymenoplasty when the patient also experiences discomfort or aesthetic dissatisfaction with the labia minora. I master the wedge and trimming techniques, having learned the former directly from its creator, Dr. Gary Alter, in the United States.
The reduction of excess skin covering the clitoris can complement the treatment of the intimate area, providing a more harmonious aesthetic outcome overall.
The reduction of localised fat in the pubic region can be carried out at the same time, improving the contour of the area and eliminating the excess volume that causes discomfort when wearing fitted clothing or swimwear.
My training and experience
I am a plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience and more than eight thousand surgeries performed. My training began at the renowned Ivo Pitanguy Institute in Rio de Janeiro, where I learned the fundamentals of plastic surgery from one of the greatest plastic surgeons of all time.
Over the years, I have sought constant improvement in female intimate surgeries, participating in international congresses and undergoing training with world-renowned specialists. I went to the United States to learn the wedge technique of labiaplasty directly from Dr. Gary Alter, and I apply the same standard of excellence in all the procedures I perform, including hymenoplasty.
I am a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). My clinic in Londrina, Brazil has complete infrastructure and a prepared team to offer the highest standard of care, with safety and comfort for each patient.
Humanised approach
I believe that plastic surgery goes far beyond technique. Especially in intimate procedures such as hymenoplasty, the relationship of trust between doctor and patient is fundamental. For this reason, I dedicate time to listen to each patient, understand their motivations, and clarify all doubts. My commitment is to achieve results that make a difference in the lives of my patients, always with ethics, respect, and absolute confidentiality.
Hymenoplasty is a procedure that involves important ethical issues, and I treat them with the seriousness they deserve. Here are some fundamental points that I consider essential in my practice:
Patient autonomy
The decision to undergo hymenoplasty must be exclusively that of the patient. I do not perform this procedure when I perceive any type of coercion or external pressure. The autonomy and freedom of choice of the woman are non-negotiable. In the consultation, I seek to understand the real motivations and ensure that the patient is making a conscious and informed decision.
Professional confidentiality
All information about the consultation and the procedure is absolutely confidential, protected by medical secrecy. No information is shared with third parties, under any circumstances, including family members. The patient's privacy is a fundamental right that I strictly respect.
Informed consent
Before the surgery, the patient signs an informed consent form, after having received all detailed explanations about the procedure, the risks, realistic expectations of results, and post-operative care. This process ensures that the patient is fully informed and secure in their decision.
No judgments
Regardless of the motivations that lead a woman to seek hymenoplasty, I welcome her with respect and professionalism. It is not the doctor's role to judge the personal reasons of each patient. My role is to inform, guide, and perform the procedure with technical excellence and humanity.
Frequently asked questions about hymenoplasty
What is hymenoplasty?
Hymenoplasty is a surgery that reconstructs the hymen, the thin membrane that partially covers the entrance of the vagina. I perform this procedure with delicate techniques for suturing the remaining hymenal tissue or, when necessary, with flaps of vaginal mucosa. It is a quick surgery, lasting between 30 and 45 minutes, with a smooth recovery.
Does hymenoplasty hurt?
The surgery is performed under anaesthesia, so the patient feels absolutely nothing during the procedure. In my experience, post-operative discomfort is minimal — most patients report only a slight feeling of heaviness or burning in the first few days, easily controlled with simple painkillers that I prescribe.
How long does the recovery from hymenoplasty take?
The recovery is quick. Most patients can return to work and light activities in two to three days. Intense physical activities should be avoided for 30 days. The period of sexual abstinence that I recommend is 40 to 45 days, to ensure complete healing of the reconstructed membrane.
Does hymenoplasty leave a scar?
No, it does not leave a visible scar. The sutures are performed with extremely fine absorbable threads, positioned in the vaginal mucosa. After healing, it is not possible to distinguish the operated area from the natural anatomy. The result is aesthetically imperceptible.
How long before sexual intercourse should I have hymenoplasty?
I recommend that the surgery be performed at least 45 days in advance. This is the minimum time for healing to be complete and for the reconstructed membrane to have sufficient firmness. Ideally, we plan together the most appropriate timing during the consultation.
Does hymenoplasty guarantee bleeding during the first intercourse after the surgery?
It is important to clarify that not every woman with an intact hymen bleeds during their first sexual intercourse — it is estimated that up to 40% of women do not experience bleeding. The same applies after hymenoplasty: bleeding may or may not occur, and this is absolutely normal. The surgery reconstructs the membrane, but the body's response is individual.
Does hymenoplasty affect sensitivity or sexual pleasure?
No. The surgery acts exclusively on the hymenal membrane, without involving nerves or structures responsible for sensitivity or sexual pleasure. After complete healing, the patient can have sexual intercourse normally, without any functional impairment.
Can anyone find out that I had hymenoplasty?
No. When well executed, hymenoplasty leaves no detectable traces upon physical examination. Furthermore, all information is protected by medical confidentiality. My team is trained to maintain total discretion from scheduling to post-operative care.
What type of anaesthesia is used in hymenoplasty?
In most cases, I perform hymenoplasty with local anaesthesia associated with sedation, providing total comfort during the procedure. In specific situations, I may opt for total intravenous general anaesthesia. The choice is discussed in the consultation and takes into account the preferences and needs of each patient.
Can hymenoplasty be done more than once?
Yes, it is possible to perform hymenoplasty more than once, although each case should be evaluated individually. With each procedure, the availability of remaining hymenal tissue may be less, which may require the use of the vaginal mucosa flap technique. In the consultation, I assess the local conditions and advise on the feasibility of the new reconstruction.
Have your hymenoplasty performed by a specialist consultant plastic surgeon!
Get in touch with the Zamarian Clinic in Londrina, Brazil, and book your consultation for hymen reconstruction. I am a consultant plastic surgeon specialising in hymenoplasty and other forms of intimate surgery, with complete confidentiality, respect, and professionalism. Your privacy is my priority.
