Female Genital Mutilation Reconstruction

Female genital mutilation, or FGM, is an ancient ritual of unknown origin, possibly originating from ancient Egypt, in which the vulva was damaged without medical indication. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that female genital mutilation is more than 200 million today. The World Health Organization classifies female genital mutilation as type I-IV according to the degree of cutting the external female genitalia. Type III is also known as infibulation. FGM is most commonly performed on children between 5 and 12. With the female genital mutilation reconstruction in Turkey, we eliminate many complications and aesthetic problems caused by this problem. Our experienced specialists carry out the process successfully and effectively.

Persons without medical training often perform FGM under questionable sanitary conditions, which are insufficiently sterile and without anesthesia. The instrumentation is extensive, for which people have used everything from old sharpened car tires, stones, and rusty blades to razors and scissors that aren’t clean or sanitized enough. In addition, some used primitive aids such as thorns from shrubs to achieve hemostasis. There are also samples of soil or feces that are rubbed into open wounds to reduce bleeding. After the procedure, women’s legs are usually tied at the ankles and kept in bed for a week. However, there are also examples of modern medical equipment used in sterile conditions and under anesthesia.

There are few valid quantitative estimates of complications after FGM. This is because, among other things, many countries where FGM occurs most frequently are among the poorest in the world, where access to and tracking data is unregulated. Therefore, many statistics are based on data on complications associated with obstetric procedures collected from smaller cohorts in industrialized countries or countries where interventions are most common. We can generally group the intricacies of female genital mutilation as physical and psychological. Therefore, with psychological anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression, shame about physical appearance is also a common complaint. Among the physical complications, pain in the vulva and urological, gynecological, and obstetric problems predominate.

What is Female Genital Mutilation Reconstruction?

Female genital mutilation, or FGM, is a harmful practice involving partial or complete removal of a girl’s external genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is considered a violation of human rights and is a form of gender-based violence. Reconstructive surgery is an effective option for women who have undergone FGM and want to restore some function or appearance of their genitals.

The type of reconstruction needed will depend on the extent of FGM and the specific wishes and needs of the individual. Surgical options may include clitoral reconstruction, labia minora, or vaginal reconstruction. However, these procedures are complex and require special training and experience. Our specialist surgeons successfully perform the female genital mutilation reconstruction procedure in Turkey.

Reconstructive surgery provides physical and psychological well-being to women who have undergone female genital mutilation, restoring a sense of control and autonomy. However, it is the best way to prevent the harm of FGM.

Who are Ideal Candidates for Female Genital Mutilation Reconstruction?

Ideal candidates for female genital mutilation reconstruction in Turkey are all women who have undergone female genital mutilation and wish to restore some function or appearance of their genitals. It would be best if you decided to undergo FGM reconstruction yourself, and it should never be imposed on you by someone else. You should carefully consider your options and consult our surgeon, who has experience in reconstruction surgery. Check out the suitable candidates for female genital mutilation reconstruction in Turkey in general:

• They are physically healthy and have no underlying medical conditions that could increase their risk of surgery.
• Having undergone female genital mutilation that causes physical or psychological distress
• Prepares emotionally and psychologically for surgery and recovery
• Having realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, including the likelihood of complications and the limitations of the procedure
• Receiving the necessary support from their families and circles

What to Expect at the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Reconstruction Consultation?

If you are considering female genital mutilation reconstruction, you must schedule a consultation with our surgeon, who has experience with the procedure. Here are some key points to consider as you prepare for your consultation:

• Prepare questions: Be sure to write down any questions about the procedure, including risks and benefits, the healing process, and expected results. This way, you’ll be sure to ask our surgeon about any concerns about the procedure.
• Bring relevant medical records: If you have had female genital mutilation in the past, bring relevant medical records or documents with you to your consultation. These documents will help our surgeon understand the extent of FGM and determine appropriate reconstruction options.
• Discuss your expectations: Be honest and open about your expectations for the procedure. Our surgeon will help you understand the potential consequences and limitations of FGM reconstruction and determine if it is the right choice for you.
• Understand the risks: As with any surgery, FGM reconstruction certainly carries some risks. Our surgeon will discuss these risks with you and help you understand potential complications such as bleeding, infection, scarring, or changes in sensation.

Remember, the decision to undergo FGM reconstruction is personal, and you should take the time to carefully consider your options and spend time with our surgeon, who is knowledgeable, experienced, and responsive to your needs.

What are the Risks of Female Genital Mutilation Reconstruction?

Female genital mutilation is a highly harmful practice involving partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical or purely traditional reasons. Women who undergo FGM can experience lifelong physical and psychological consequences. In some cases, women may resort to reconstructive surgery to repair the damage caused by the FGM problem. However, there are potential risks associated with FGM reconstruction. Take a look at the risks of female genital mutilation reconstruction in Turkey in general:

• The female genital mutilation reconstruction procedure can cause significant pain and discomfort during and after the procedure. In addition, women may experience swelling, bruising, and pain in the genital area that can last for several days or even weeks. However, these are temporary, and our surgeon will provide instructions on how to manage them.
• Like any surgical procedure, FGM reconstruction carries a risk of infection. Women undergoing this procedure will be at a higher risk of disease due to scarring and tissue damage caused by FGM. However, since the doctor is an expert on this subject, the doctor will eliminate your risk of infection.
• This reconstruction procedure may cause some bleeding, especially if you have had a more severe FGM. Your risk of bleeding will be slightly higher, especially if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.
• This procedure may slightly affect sexual function. Even after the procedure, pain or discomfort may occur during sexual intercourse. These risks can be a significant concern for you. However, our specialist will explain in detail the instructions with which you will reduce the possibility of side effects.
• This procedure can have a significant psychological impact on women, and the process may not always address the psychological effects of the original female genital mutilation problem. Women may still experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues related to their experience of FGM.
• You must carefully consider the risks and benefits of this reconstruction procedure before undergoing it. You should discuss the potential risks with our surgeon and seek advice from our experts to address the emotional impact of this procedure.

How Do You Prepare for the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Reconstruction Procedure?

Female genital mutilation reconstruction in Turkey can cause numerous health problems, including chronic pain, infections, and birth difficulties. If you’ve had female genital mutilation and are considering reconstructive surgery, there are some steps you can take to prepare. You must first consult our experienced and qualified surgeon in this reconstruction procedure. Also, the reconstruction process of FGM may involve multiple surgeries, depending on the severity of the FGM and the outcome you want. You should discuss the process with our expert and ensure you understand what to expect. In general, take a look at the preparation stage before female genital mutilation reconstruction in Turkey:

• Consider the risks: Like any surgical procedure, FGM reconstruction carries risks such as bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications. Understanding these risks and weighing them against the potential benefits is essential.
• Discuss your goals: During your consultation, discuss your goals and expectations for reconstruction surgery with our specialist.
• Consider timing: Our specialists perform the female genital mutilation reconstruction procedure in Turkey, typically after puberty, when the genital area fully develops. You must consult our specialist about the timing of the surgery.
• Prepare for recovery: This reconstruction surgery is a major surgical procedure and requires appropriate recovery time. Follow your doctor’s instructions about post-operative care and rest.
• Seek support: FGM can be a traumatic experience, and seeking emotional support is crucial. You may want to consider talking to a therapist or joining a support group to help you deal with the emotions that may arise during the process. You can also get help from our surgeon for this.

Female Genital Mutilation Reconstruction Procedure Steps

It is important to note that FGM is a harmful practice banned in many countries. Female genital mutilation involves the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or another injury to the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The reconstruction process after FGM is a complex process only qualified surgeons should perform.

The first step in the process of female genital mutilation reconstruction in Turkey is to consult our surgeon, as we mentioned above. The surgeon will discuss with you the procedure, the potential risks and benefits, and any possible complications that may occur.

In addition, the doctor will perform a physical exam to determine the extent of the damage caused by the FGM. Before surgery, you must pass some tests to ensure good health. The doctor will also instruct you on what to do before the surgery, such as not eating or drinking anything for a certain period before the procedure. In general, follow the steps of female genital mutilation reconstruction in Turkey:

Anesthesia

Our specialists typically perform the FGM reconstruction under general anesthesia, meaning you will fall asleep.

Techniques

There are generally three main types of reconstructive surgery the surgeon may choose from to address FGM:

• Clitoral reconstruction: This involves the specialist creating a clitoral cap using local tissue. The aim is to restore a natural look and increase precision.
• Labiaplasty: This surgery involves the surgeon creating or reconstructing the labia minora using local tissue. The aim is to restore a natural appearance and improve comfort.
• Vaginal reconstruction: The surgeon creates or reconstructs the vaginal canal. The aim is to improve sexual function and address complications related to childbirth and menstruation.

Operation (Reconstruction)

During the surgery, the doctor will reconstruct the external female genitalia damaged by the female genital mutilation process. The exact method the surgeon will use will depend on the extent of the damage and your individual needs. Some procedures involve grafting skin from another body part into the genital area to create a clitoral cap and labia. Other techniques may include using tissue expanders to stretch the skin in the genital area over time.

• Final

After performing the necessary operation, the surgeon ends the procedure by using aesthetic sutures. After surgery, you must stay in the hospital for one day to monitor your recovery. You may feel pain, swelling, and discomfort in the genital area. But the doctor will prescribe pain medications to help manage these symptoms. You will also need to follow a strict hygiene regimen to avoid infection.

You must make follow-up appointments with the doctor to monitor your progress and ensure no complications. The doctor will also provide instructions on caring for your newly formed genitals and other advice for your overall health.

Recovery Process After Female Genital Mutilation Reconstruction

Recovery after female genital mutilation reconstruction in Turkey completely changes depending on the type of procedure performed by the surgeon and the extent of the damage caused by FGM.

FGM reconstruction is a surgical procedure that aims to repair the physical and emotional damage caused by the female genital mutilation problem. Reconstruction surgery aims to repair the damage caused by FGM, restore normal genital anatomy and function, and alleviate some of the adverse effects of the application. Take a look at the female genital mutilation reconstruction recovery process in Turkey in general:

• In general, recovery after surgery can be challenging. But with proper care and support, patients can expect significant improvements in their physical and emotional health.
• Recovery time after the procedure can take from several weeks to months. It is normal to have some pain, swelling, and bruising in the genital area for the first few days after surgery. You need to follow the post-operative instructions given by your surgeon to prevent complications and speed recovery.
• You should avoid sexual activity for several weeks to allow your surgical site to heal properly.
• Note that FGM reconstruction doesn’t guarantee complete restoration of sexual function or sensation, and individual results may vary depending on the severity of the initial injury. However, many women report they improved sexual health and quality of life following the procedure.
• It would be best to avoid strenuous physical activities such as heavy lifting or exercise until your surgeon allows it.
• In addition to physical recovery, addressing emotional and psychological recovery after FGM reconstruction surgery is essential. Our specialist can also offer psychological counseling and support to help you cope with the emotional trauma and subsequent healing of FGM.

When Will You See the Results of Female Genital Mutilation Reconstruction?

Female genital mutilation reconstruction is an approach that alleviates some of the physical and psychological complications associated with this problem. The results of female genital mutilation reconstruction in Turkey are pretty individual. Outcomes depend on several factors, including the severity of female genital mutilation, the type of reconstruction, and the patient’s general health.

However, some women report improved physical and psychological health after reconstructive surgery, including improved sexual function, pain reduction, and self-esteem. It is important to note that reconstructive surgery isn’t a solution to the underlying cultural and social factors that drive FGM.

How Much Does Female Genital Mutilation Reconstruction Cost?

Female genital mutilation reconstruction cost in Turkey can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the severity of FGM, the type of reconstruction required, and the geographic location of the surgery. In addition, the price of female genital mutilation reconstruction in Turkey varies according to many factors, such as the surgeon’s experience, hospital or clinic, anesthesia, and materials. However, the costs in Turkey are much lower than in other countries.

Our agency iMed Medical will always be with you for female genital mutilation reconstruction. You can contact us to immediately consult with our specialist doctors and learn the details of the procedure.