Flap Technique Hymenoplasty

What Is the Flap Technique:

The flap technique is one of the most commonly used methods in permanent hymenoplasty procedures.

Medically, a "flap" refers to a piece of tissue moved to another part of the body — for shape and function — either while keeping its original blood supply intact or maintaining blood flow at its new location.

The flaps we use here are ones lifted without detaching them from their original location.

The flap technique in hymenoplasty must be individually planned according to each patient's vaginal anatomy.

In some women, lifting a single flap piece may be sufficient, while in others, two or three flap pieces may need to be lifted and joined to the opposite wall.

Of course, we cannot say the flap technique is suitable for every woman.

For women where the flap technique is not suitable, the opposing-wall approximation method — the "PARALLEL WALL APPROXIMATION" technique — can be comfortably used instead.

The healing process for the flap technique takes about 10–15 days on average. However, the sutures holding the flap pieces in place will remain on the tissue for about 25–35 days.

There is no forward-looking time limitation for the flap technique — there is no restriction such as 3 or 5 years.

However, a period of just 3–5 days is not sufficient for the flap procedure.

A period of at least 2–3 weeks is needed.

Once you decide on the flap technique, your procedure can be scheduled at your convenience following an examination.

You should not think of the flap technique as major surgery.

Local anesthesia is generally used. If preferred, patients may also opt for sedation anesthesia (being put to sleep).

Under local anesthesia, however, the patient feels nothing — there is no pain or discomfort.

The flap technique hymenoplasty procedure takes about 20–30 minutes on average.

The flap technique is very straightforward for patients, though demanding for physicians, who work with tiny tissue fragments in a confined space.

When you come in for the flap technique, a dedicated nurse assigned only to you will stay by your side throughout.

After meeting with your doctor, she will remain with you through both the examination and the procedure.

Once the procedure is complete (if performed under local anesthesia), you can get up and return to your daily life right away.

A feeling of tightness in the area afterward is normal — the flap pieces may cause some tension.

After the flap procedure, you will need to use a sanitary pad.

Seeing some spotting on your pad during the day is completely normal.

If your doctor sees fit, they may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection in the area.

For procedures performed in the vaginal area, antibiotic use should be kept to a minimum — or avoided entirely if not necessary.

This is because a high dose of prophylactic antibiotics can also destroy the protective bacteria (lactobacillus) present in the area.

Lactobacillus — the protective bacteria found in vaginal flora — prevents rapid growth of fungal organisms; if excessive fungal infection develops in the area, tissue integration time can be prolonged.

Your doctor will assess your vaginal flora and make the most appropriate decision.

Your follow-up visit after a flap technique hymenoplasty procedure should not be scheduled too soon after the procedure date.

This is because the newly joined flap pieces are still being held together by sutures.

You can call us with any questions you have about the flap technique.