Vaginal Rejuvenation
what you need to know about Vaginal rejuvenation
What is vaginal rejuvenation?
Vaginal rejuvenation refers to various medical and cosmetic procedures aimed at enhancing or restoring the appearance, function, or sensation of the vagina. These procedures are typically sought by individuals who may be experiencing issues such as vaginal laxity, dryness, discomfort, or diminished sexual satisfaction. It’s important to note that vaginal rejuvenation procedures are a subject of ongoing debate within the medical community, and their safety and effectiveness can vary.
There are several different approaches to vaginal rejuvenation, including:
Surgical Procedures:
Vaginoplasty: This procedure involves tightening the vaginal muscles and tissues to address issues like vaginal laxity or loss of tone, often occurring after childbirth or due to aging.
Labiaplasty: Labiaplasty focuses on altering the appearance of the labia minora or labia majora, which may be done for aesthetic or functional reasons.
- Perineoplasty: This is a surgical procedure that tightens the area between your anus and vagina (the perineum). It, restores function and improves sexual satisfaction by narrowing your vaginal opening after injury due to childbirth or trauma.
Non-Surgical Procedures:
Laser Therapy: Laser treatments use focused heat to stimulate collagen production in the vaginal tissues, potentially improving elasticity and moisture.
Radiofrequency Therapy: Similar to laser therapy, radiofrequency treatments also aim to stimulate collagen production and tighten vaginal tissues.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy involves using a patient’s own blood plasma to stimulate tissue regeneration and improve vaginal health.
Hybrid Therapies: Some clinics offer a combination of different non-surgical treatments for comprehensive vaginal rejuvenation.
Who is a good candidate for vaginal rejuvenation
Vaginal rejuvenation procedures are for the most part elective. For some women however, symptoms of vaginal dryness, pain and irritation can be severe and debilitating and so for some it may be necessary for quality of life and wellness.
Ideal candidates for vaginal rejuvenation are:
Modest or realistic expectations
Have a problem or issue that interferes with quality of life, confidence or happiness
Desires to avoid hormonal medications such as topical estrogen
Desires to avoid invasive surgery
Willing to adopt lifestyle changes to help maintain results
Which vaginal rejuvenation procedure is better?
There are many devices used in vaginal rejuvenation, each with its own specific configurations and capabilities. Safety and effect of these modalities are dependent on the provider, energy type and the specifications of the device used.
Radiofrequency (ThermiVa): There are two types of radiofrequency energy devices.
- Mononpolar which penetrates deeper into tissue and requires a grounding pad. The energy passes from one probe and into tissue and out to a grounding pad or pole.
- Bipolar radiofrequecy passes from one probe into the tissue and then back to a second pole and hence has a shallower and shorter penetration into tissue.
CO2 Laser (Mona Lisa Touch) – This is an ablative laser that penetrates into tissue, drilling tiny holes into the tissue to stimulate collagen production and healing. Excessive heat or excessive ablation of tissue may lead abnormal collagen production which in turn can cause fibrosis and scaring rather than controlled collagen production.
Nonablative lasers (Intimalase)– Non ablative lasers stimulate collagen by gentling heating the tissue to release heat shock proteins which in turn stimulate collagen production. The level of penetration of the heat depends on the type of device the operator and settings used. Intimalase is a proprietary sequence of release of controlled heat in non-ablative and rapid sequence called hyperstacking to heat the vaginal tissue for collagen stimulation. This system has the benefit of deep penetration while avoiding unwanted injury or damage to tissue, allowing resumption of activity 24 hours after treatment.
what are the benefits of vaginal rejuvenation?
- Increased satisfaction with intimacy and sexual function
- Eliminated or decreased episodes of urinary incontinence
- Improve pain and discomfort from vaginal dryness
- Restores vaginal tissue after pregnancy and childbirth.
- Confidence and relief from stress of pain and uncontrolled bladder leaks
Is Intimalase vaginal rejuvenation procedure painful?
Intimalase vaginal rejuvenation is very tolerable and takes 30- 45 minutes. Topical numbing may be applied externally. A series of 3 – 4 treatments may be recommended. Maintenance treatments once every 6 or 12 months are recommended.