A 23-year-old Brazilian social media influencer plans to spend over $19,000 on a vaginal rejuvenation procedure to restore her virginity, but a doctor has cautioned about the potential risks involved.
Ravena Hanniely, who maintains an Instagram following of over 266,000 subscribers and regularly posts content, states that the surgery “symbolises a fresh start in her 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,” she said.
Hanniely, told Jam Press while describing her decision to cosmetically wind back the clock on her sex life, adding that, “The procedure holds a special meaning for me.”
She emphasised that beyond physical aspects, the procedure offers psychological benefits, claiming that, “It’s about how a woman feels and what she wants for herself.”
What is hymenoplasty
The social media star intends to undergo hymenoplasty, a surgical procedure where doctors reconnect the torn portions of a woman’s hymen using dissolving stitches, which enables the same experience of first-time intimacy.
While the surgery date remains unconfirmed, Hanniely acknowledges the post-operative requirements, stating she’s “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,” she added.
Potential complications post surgery
According to the New York Post, Dr Hana Salusollia, head of London’s Medicinal Clinic, a virtual medical office connecting patients with specialist physicians, stated that hymenoplasty is not the “sexual fountain of youth” it is often portrayed to be.
She clarified that whilst it’s a “recognised cosmetic surgery,” the procedure serves more of a “symbolic” purpose rather than actually reinstating virginity.
Salusollia pointed out the potential complications including infections, scarring, post-operative bleeding, irregular healing and possible disappointment with outcomes.
“These risks can be reduced if performed in compliance with ethical standards by top surgeons,” the medical professional said, further adding that, “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,” the physician claimed.
“Unfortunately, not everyone can understand or support such intimate choices. We need to stop judging and start respecting these decisions,” she added.
