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Hymenoplasty
Hymenoplasty is a procedure to reconstruct the hymen.
What concerns does it address?
How is it done?
A new hymen is formed from the remains of the hymen using a microsurgical technique. No foreign material is introduced — only your own tissue is used. The new hymen is a thin, elastic membrane at the vaginal opening, with an opening through which menstrual blood passes.
In women who have given birth, fewer remnants of the hymen are left and the vaginal opening is wider, so part of the tissue from inside the vagina is sometimes used as well; the procedure is then more demanding. It is performed in the gynaecological position.
Surgical hymen removal
In some women the hymen is thickened and firm, with an opening that lets through only menstrual blood, so intercourse is not possible or is painful. When a gynaecological examination shows that the obstruction is mechanical, the vaginal opening is widened by a short surgical procedure, and after healing, gradual stretching with dilators follows, as agreed.
If the cause is a spasm of the pelvic floor muscles, a procedure on the hymen does not help — then Botox for vaginismus is considered. Both are often present, so the examination is used to tell apart what is a mechanical obstruction and what is a spasm. Cooperation with a gynaecologist and, where needed, a psychotherapist is part of the treatment.
When is the procedure not suitable?
A vaginal or urinary infection is treated before the procedure. The procedure is planned immediately after menstruation. It is done in adults, with the patient's own written consent — the decision and the consent belong solely to her.
General reasons for postponing a procedure (pregnancy, breastfeeding, inflammation, a clotting disorder, smoking): When is a procedure postponed?
Anaesthesia
Before a procedure under general or regional anaesthesia, you are seen by the anaesthetist, who works full time at the clinic; the same doctor is also present during the procedure. The anaesthetic assessment and the anaesthesia for larger operations are included in the price of the procedure. What happens before, during and after anaesthesia is described on the Anaesthesia page.
Recovery
Procedures are grouped into four recovery profiles: A, outpatient (home straight away, no restrictions apart from dressing changes), B, minor procedure (home the same day or after one night, marks are visible for about a week), C, major procedure (one to two nights in the clinic, sick leave and planning in weeks) and D, functional procedure (sick leave and return to work). This procedure belongs to profile A or B, depending on its extent. How long recovery takes and what it depends on is described on the Recovery after surgery page.
Risks
Occasional — wound infection; mechanical injury to the new hymen (thongs, rough masturbation) that needs correction; difficult penetration at first intercourse, in which case a small opening is made in the consulting room. Rare — injury to the clitoris or its nerves, keloid scar.
Expected, and rare but serious → Risks and complications: what is the course of healing, and what is a complication?
Frequently asked questions
What is done before the procedure? Hair removal can also be done at the clinic, and at your request it is left out for religious or cultural reasons.
Can I drive home? You should not drive yourself home, even after local anaesthesia — leg movements when driving cause pain and may injure the hymen. If you are coming from outside Zagreb, stay in Zagreb for at least a day after the procedure.
What does recovery look like? Two to three days at home, walking less. Painkillers as agreed, without acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, Andol) because it increases bleeding. The first shower is on the second day, with mild soap and with sterile gauze that you receive at the clinic; nothing is inserted. Cold chamomile compresses in underwear help against swelling. The stitches dissolve on their own within two weeks; in most patients the swelling goes away in about ten days. For the first two weeks you wear boxer shorts or firmer briefs, not thongs; underwear is changed every eight hours.
What about menstruation after the procedure? The opening in the new hymen is enough for menstrual blood. Only pads are used, not tampons. If blood does not come out, get in touch immediately — retained secretion in the vagina can cause inflammation.
When is first intercourse possible and what if penetration does not work? For most, after two weeks. If the partner cannot penetrate, the gynaecologist or surgeon makes a small opening in the consulting room. Pain at first intercourse is moderate, and bleeding, as with the original hymen, varies in amount — often a small trace is enough. Roughness during intercourse can injure the genitals.
Can an examination show that the procedure was done? After healing, this generally cannot be established by examination. Information about the procedure is covered by medical confidentiality.
Does the procedure affect pregnancy? No. The procedure is not an obstacle to a future pregnancy.
How much does the result depend on care after the procedure? The larger the procedure, the more it depends on it, but it always does. Healing takes weeks and months and happens almost entirely at home, so the instructions you receive when you go home, about the wound, physical activity and the scar, are part of the procedure, not a recommendation.
Price
| Hymenoplasty | €1,000–1,200 |
| Surgical hymen removal | €600–700 |
Specialist and team
Specialty: plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
When the procedure is done under sedation or general anaesthesia, the anaesthesia is led by a specialist in anaesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care who works full time at the clinic.
In the operating theatre, the surgeon is assisted by head nurse Martina Šereg, with the help of nurses Kristina Jurešić and Mateja Tomorad, and in recovery the care assistant Mirjana Kovačić is with you. Martina also looks after preparation, scheduling and contact after the procedure.
Who will operate is decided at the examination, based on the findings and the type of procedure. You know the name of the surgeon before the procedure and meet them at the examination.
What happens at the examination?
The first examination lasts 30 to 45 minutes on average. The surgeon examines the area you are concerned about, asks about illnesses, medicines, allergies and previous operations, and talks with you about what you expect. If the procedure is appropriate and likely to help, you receive a plan: which procedure is proposed, under which anaesthesia, what recovery looks like and what is included in the price. If the procedure is not needed or would not give you what you expect, you will hear that at the examination too.
Medical review: doctors of Poliklinika Barbel · October 2026.