The hymen is a thin tissue membrane located at the opening of the vaginal canal. Tearing of the hymen can cause some degree of bleeding. However, only 50% of women notice bleeding during the first sexual penetration. In many cases, the hymen is too thin or almost non-existing naturally, very stretchable, torn with sport activities or accommodated with repeated tampon use, and therefore would not bleed with sexual penetration.
For various circumstances and reasons, hymenoplasty is requested. Hymenoplasty is performed, using meticulous plastic surgical techniques, to restore the hymen membrane at the vaginal opening. However, for the reasons mentioned and others, there is still no guarantee that there will be noticeable bleeding with sexual penetration. The availability of an adequate amount of hymenal tissue is important to the success of hymenoplasty.
Dr. Michael Lau has been performing hymenoplasty for over the past twenty-five years in Seattle, combining his training and expertise in both vaginal and cosmetic surgery. He has a discrete patient base worldwide while maintaining emphasis in serving women in the Pacific Northwest – Washington, British Columbia, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho, particularly along the Portland OR, Seattle WA, and Vancouver BC corridor.
Dr. Lau performs hymenoplasty using only local anesthesia (numbing medicine) and has established a well-coordinated process that allows one-day-trip surgery not only for patients from Seattle and the Washington State area, but also those from Vancouver BC, Oregon and beyond as well.