An influencer claims to have booked a controversial procedure to “become a virgin again” – as a doctor warns against the extreme surgery.
Ravena Hanniely has left fans shocked after revealing that she is allegedly spending £15,000 on hymenoplasty, an operation to reconstruct the hymen.
The 23-year-old says people need to “stop judging” her decision, which she apparently made to improve her self-esteem.
She has not shared when the procedure is booked in for but is looking forward to her “fresh start”.
“The procedure holds a special meaning for me,” Ravena, who has 266,000 followers, told Need To Know.
“[It] symbolizes a fresh start in my personal and professional life.
“I want to become a virgin again.
“This is for my self-esteem and for personal reasons that have always been important to me.
“Unfortunately, not everyone can understand or support such intimate choices.”
Hymenoplasty, also known as hymen reconstruction or hymen repair, generally involves stitching the torn edges of the hymen together with dissolvable stitches.
The aim of the procedure is to ensure that the woman bleeds when she next has sexual intercourse.
Ravena, who is from Brazil, added: “I don’t know who I will have my first time with after the surgery.
“I’m single now.
“And I [have] decided to do this for myself.”
“It’s a surgery like any other, but it requires specific care.
“I’m fully dedicated to ensuring everything goes well.
“I will follow medical advice, such as avoiding physical exertion, abstaining from intimacy for the recommended period and choosing comfortable clothing.
“Hymenoplasty isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s psychological too.
“It’s about how a woman feels and what she wants for herself.
“We need to stop judging and start respecting these decisions.”
FACT BOX: WHAT THE DOCTOR SAYS
Doctor Hana Salusollia, the CEO of Medisonal clinic – a virtual clinic that offers access to specialist doctors – has shared her thoughts.
“From a medical perspective, a hymen reconstruction surgery – also known as hymenoplasty – is a recognised cosmetic surgery,” she said.
“It is essential to clarify its limitations; it is a symbolic procedure rather than really restoring virginity as this is more physiological and societal rather than purely medical.
“Like any procedures, hymenoplasty carries some risks including infection, scarring and dissatisfaction with the results.
“These risks can be reduced if performed in compliance with ethical standards by top surgeons.
“Other risks to consider are minor bleeding during and after procedure, discomfort or pain during healing, or irregular healing.”
The doctor believes that anyone considering such a surgery must take steps to be fully informed about the risks and realistic outcomes.
She added: “It also raises huge ethical questions and patients should be encouraged to be empowered to make their own ethical choice rather than feeling forced due to societal pressures.
“Informed consent is critical as these decisions intersect with cultural and psychological dimensions.
“One could argue that ensuring that a multidisciplinary team (MDT) is involved with the decision to perform these surgeries.
“MDT can show that ethical, holistic, psychological considerations, cultural sensitivity, medical safety, expertise and patient empowerment were taken into an account.
“The correct MDT for this procedure should be gynaecologist, plastic or cosmetic surgeon, psychologist or counsellor, ethics consultant or social worker, and GP, potentially even legal expert, to ensure adherence to local regulations.”
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