J Niamtu

commentary

Further thoughts on
hymenoplasty

surgical procedures serve to enhance the life of those whom undergo

it for a multitude of personal reasons. If a woman will bear a life of
isolation and punishment for not being a virgin, then a procedure
to mitigate this discrimination would be appropriate, albeit a false
pretense. My facelift patients feel better because they dont see the
dangling neck skin in the mirror and it enhances their self-esteem.
Enhanced self-esteem makes people walk differently, interact
differently, and sometimes live differently. There are clear measurable
and immeasurable influences from the surgery. They are not really
younger, I did not change their age; only their ageing.
A non-virgin whom has undergone hymenoplasty may escape a life
of prejudice, exclusion and evidentially possible execution. This is a
case of an elective cosmetic procedure going way above and beyond
the average benefit to my typical patient. None of my patients with
excess upper eyelid tissue risk persecution and death. From a purely
medical and surgical standpoint hymenoplasty has merit. From a
religious and cultural standpoint, it is up to the patient. In the West,
women have more control of their bodies and related outcomes. In
other parts of the world it is not as straightforward.
The other part of this discussion has to do with the religious beliefs
of the specific doctor. This opens many other ethical doors and
unanswered questions and is beyond the scope of this commentary.
I would have to say that my personal opinion is that medicine and
science should be blind to outside influences including religion and
cultural influences. As we dont live in a vacuum, doctors will always
have some outside influence and this will vary from culture to culture.
I believe that a doctor can never go wrong when truly acting in the
best ethical interests of the patient.
Medical ethics continues to evolve. Abortion has come in and out
of legality in many societies. Some societies allow euthanasia while
it is murder in others. In my grandparents and parents generation,
marital virginity was paramount. In my generation it is rarely even a
consideration for the average person. These changes have occurred
quickly in my culture. Medical ethics and the ramifications of religion
and society will always be dynamic and present this dilemma for all
doctors and patients.

he interesting and controversial article on hymenoplasty

published in the Dec/Jan 16 issue of PMFA News is an
example of what can happen when religion and culture
clash with modern medicine. In my opinion, medicine
and science should be pure and defined and free of
interpretation. They are what they are without debate. When religious
or cultural influences are meshed with science and medicine, bad
things can happen. Copernicus and Galileo both printed books that
challenged the Holy Scriptures. These scientists stated the earth
revolved around the sun which contraindicated Biblical teachings.
Copernicus died shortly after publishing his text and escaped
prosecution (although the book was banned), while Galileo was
tried by the Inquisition and deemed a heretic. Both scientists were
considered sinners.
It is impossible to provide emotional commentary and not offend
someone on either side of the argument. One must always respect
and attempt to understand the religious and cultural influences that
may interface with the practice of modern medicine and surgery. All
doctors also have the obligation to embrace evidence-based science
and the wellbeing of their patients. It is very hard, if not impossible,
for many Westerners to understand the female position in some
religious cultures. I am sure it is just as hard for devout practitioners
of some religions to understand the female role in Western culture.
Regardless of ones views, medicine should always be blind to nonscientific influences and be practised for the sole benefit for the
mental and physical wellbeing of the patient. As a cosmetic surgeon,
virtually every procedure I perform could be considered frivolous
and unnecessary. It does not make people live longer or enhance
the gene pool. It is vanity surgery! Having said that, people stand in
line to have cosmetic surgery as it enhances their life and wellbeing.
They look and feel better as a result of my work and for this reason my
work is justified. Having said that, there are patients that I turn away
because they are not suitable mental or physical candidates. Even
frivolous medicine and surgery has limitations.
Virginity and religion have clashed as long as both have existed.
My purpose in this commentary is not to enter the space of religion
or morals but to focus on the medical perspective. To that end, some
medical and surgical procedures are lifesaving. Antibiotic treatment
and aneurism surgery can both save and or prolong life. Elective

pmfa news

JOE NIAMTU, III, DMD, COSMETIC FACIAL SURGERY, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, USA. WWW.LOVETHATFACE.COM

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