Vaginal rejuvenation is a term that’s used to cover a range of both nonsurgical and surgical procedures. As the popularity of these treatments continues to increase, it can be somewhat confusing for women to know which procedure is right for them. For women considering vaginal rejuvenation at my Buckhead, GA, practice, this blog post explains the various technologies used and clears up the differences between surgical and nonsurgical vaginal treatments.
What Is Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Defining vaginal rejuvenation is a good place to start for anyone thinking about treatment. Even though some people associate the phrase with cosmetic procedures (think “designer vaginas”), the truth is these treatments provide solutions for women experiencing physical issues that affect their quality of life. Nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment provides women with alternatives to procedures such as labiaplasty or vaginoplasty.
Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation vs. Radiofrequency
A number of vaginal rejuvenation treatments have been developed since the late 1990s, but the primary categories involve 2 technologies: carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and radio frequency (RF) treatments. Both target the same symptoms in different ways. These procedures are meant to correct problems that can occur after giving birth or during the aging process. Conditions treated can include:
- Laxity (lack of tightness) of the vagina
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Lack of lubrication
Women considering these procedures generally fall into 2 categories: postpartum or postmenopausal.
Laser Treatments
CO2 lasers such as the CO2RE Intima, which I use, gently heat tissue to trigger the production of new collagen. That creates smoother, tighter tissue of the vaginal canal and labia. Additionally, the laser pulses improve blood flow and lubrication and enhance the support of the urethra and bladder to reduce incontinence. Even though it sounds painful, laser vaginal rejuvenation involves minimal discomfort. The CO2 technology provides physicians with the ability to treat both superficial and deep skin layers at the same time with precise control of its intensity, pattern, and depth, which is very important for treatments in this intimate area.
The CO2RE Intima laser treatment usually takes about 15 minutes to complete, and we perform it in our office. It’s a relatively simple procedure that doesn’t require the use of an anesthetic. Most women have 3 treatments scheduled 3 weeks apart.
Other CO2 laser treatments include MonaLisa Touch®, FemTouch™, and FemiLift.
Radiofrequency Treatments
Radiofrequency (RF) energy vibrates molecules, creates heat, and stimulates collagen production as well as blood flow. Because of the enhanced blood flow, the treatment creates collagen with increased elasticity and improves vaginal moisture. ThermiVa® is one of the more well-known vaginal rejuvenation treatments that uses RF energy. The typical schedule for ThermiVa treatments is every 4 weeks for a total of three treatments. Treatment sessions take longer than laser procedures, with appointments lasting about 45 minutes.
What’s Best for You?
The CO2RE Intima laser treatment can be an excellent solution for women struggling with extreme dryness, muscle atrophy, or discomfort from reduced estrogen or after having children. These procedures can help regain normalcy and pleasure, and they can even be life-changing.
Patients often feel more comfortable discussing these issues with a female physician. You can contact us using the online form, request a personal, private booking or call us at (404) 233-3937 to schedule an appointment.
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