What It Is

Hymenoplasty, also known as hymen repair surgery, is a procedure that reconstructs or restores the hymen, a thin membrane at the entrance of the vagina. The hymen may be torn or stretched due to sexual intercourse, sports, tampon use, or accidental injury.

This surgery is commonly sought for cultural, religious, or personal reasons, and in some cases for psychological closure or healing. In Korea, hymenoplasty is performed with refined microsurgical techniques and absorbable sutures to create natural results with minimal scarring.

Why It’s Done

Patients undergo hymenoplasty because:

• They wish to restore the appearance of virginity for cultural or religious reasons.
• They want to reconstruct the hymen after accidental tearing.
• They seek emotional or psychological healing after trauma.
• They desire a discreet, minimally invasive procedure with natural outcomes.

Good candidates include:

• Women with a torn or stretched hymen.
• Patients in good overall health.
• Those seeking surgery for personal, cultural, or psychological reasons.

Alternatives

• No treatment: Some women choose not to undergo repair.
• Laser vaginal rejuvenation: Improves vaginal tone but does not reconstruct the hymen.
• Temporary cosmetic solutions: Rarely used and less reliable than surgical repair.

Preparation

Before hymenoplasty in Korea, patients will:

• Have a private consultation with a gynecologic surgeon.
• Stop smoking and alcohol 2–4 weeks prior to surgery.
• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements.
• Plan for minimal downtime, as recovery is relatively quick.

How It’s Done

• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation is usually sufficient; general anesthesia may be used in select cases.
• Incision and repair: The remnants of the hymen are carefully stitched together using fine absorbable sutures. In cases with insufficient tissue, a small vaginal flap may be used.
• Closure: Dissolvable sutures are placed to reconstruct the hymen naturally.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes, usually outpatient.

Recovery

• First week: Mild swelling, soreness, and spotting are common.
• Return to activities: Most patients resume normal routines in 1–2 days; avoid strenuous exercise and sexual activity for 4–6 weeks.
• Final results: The hymen appears natural, and in many cases, light bleeding may occur during first intercourse after surgery.

Possible Complications

• Temporary swelling or bruising.
• Infection or delayed healing (rare).
• Scar tissue formation (minimal with expert technique).
• Over-tightening leading to discomfort (rare).

Treatment Options in Korea

Diagnosis

Korean surgeons use physical examination and consultation to assess hymenal remnants and determine the most suitable repair method.

Medical Treatments

• No effective non-surgical treatments for hymen repair exist.

Surgical or Advanced Therapies

• Primary hymen repair using remaining hymenal tissue.
• Flap technique reconstruction if remnants are insufficient.
• Combination procedures with vaginal tightening or labiaplasty for full rejuvenation if requested.

Rehabilitation and Support

• Detailed aftercare instructions for hygiene and wound care.
• Follow-up visits to monitor healing.
• Confidential and discreet medical services for international patients.
• International patients benefit from Korea’s privacy-focused care, advanced microsurgical methods, and compassionate aftercare programs.