Cosmetic Body Alteration and the Hymenoplasty Procedure

Through the discourse of technological embodiment scientific progress inmedicine and technology have advanced to the point that the human body isno longer thought of as a fixed form void of fluidity and refashioning. Surgicalbody alterations specifically the hymenoplasty procedure are a meansby which some women (re)instate the appearance of 'virginity.' Within acultural framework of dominant and subservient groups this phenomenon isconstructed as a controversial practice that uses cosmetic surgery in order tocircumvent potential 'honor-killings.' By understanding the unique interrelationshipsof doctors patients and publics ensuing findings that emergefrom this examination show that the hymenoplasty procedure is a discursiverhetorical function with far-reaching implications that are both empoweringand disempowering for the patients who are having it done. This book isaddressed to professionals within the medical community as well as rhetoricalcommunication scholars and anthropologists who have special interests inthe ethics and implications of cutting-edge and controversial medicalpractices.