Young Muslim women, even those living in more emancipated and liberal cultures, still live under strict codes of family honor. Linked to bridal purity, virginity is part of that honor.

Hymen repair, as it is known, is becoming an increasingly common practice among young Muslim women who want to avoid the scorn, or worse, of their family and community.

In less than half an hour, a woman can have her virginity “restored” with a procedure – performed under general anesthesia – that involves stitching up the hymen, the membrane typically broken during the first act of intercourse.

Shrouded in silence, women are often led to plastic surgeons and other doctors willing to repair hymens through “nonofficial channels” such as friends or the Internet. Dr. Emmanuelle Piet, a veteran women's rights advocate, said that the procedure may be deceptive, but “it's one way to help the girls.”

“They are stuck in things so bad,” Piet added.

To learn more about hymen repair, other cosmetic surgery procedures, or to speak to a board certified plastic surgeon near you, click here .