Lasers have been a cornerstone in treating skin conditions for decades, starting with pigmentation issues and extending to various aesthetic benefits. These lasers are a staple in med spas and aesthetic centers worldwide, offering exceptional results. However, lasers have also been promoted as an ideal option for vaginal rejuvenation, particularly for improving vaginal dryness and even managing incontinence. But this may not be the best choice, and I’d like to explain why.
The Risk of Burns
Vaginal lasers can be effective when used by skilled hands. However, the risk of burns with these lasers is significant, requiring constant monitoring during procedures. Physicians must be thoroughly familiar with their equipment to avoid causing harm. Unfortunately, in the hands of an inexperienced or careless practitioner, the result can be painful burns and scarring.
In fact, in 2018, the FDA commissioner issued a news release highlighting deceptive health claims and significant risks related to devices marketed for vaginal rejuvenation. The release discussed various lasers and other heat-based treatments, including RF energy, which I’ll cover in more detail. The letter raised concerns about vaginal burns, scarring, pain during sexual intercourse, and chronic pain as potential complications.
The Current Landscape
Despite these warnings, not much has been done to regulate the aggressive marketing and potential problems associated with heat-based vaginal rejuvenation. Yet, this treatment remains a genuinely transformative therapy for many women. This is why the guidance of a knowledgeable, compassionate, and experienced medical practitioner is so crucial. I have taken the time and undergone extensive training to understand the pros and cons of these non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation options. Unfortunately, many practitioners do not take the time to offer their patients a choice or even determine if the patient will genuinely benefit from the treatment. They may lack a deep understanding of female anatomy and simply opt for the path of least resistance.
Why I Prefer RF Energy Devices
RF ablation is a technology widely used in various areas of medicine, including my urology and intimate wellness practice. I find it to be a far more predictable and comfortable method for enhancing collagen and elastin in the vagina, leading to improvements in tightness, laxity, dryness, and other concerns. RF energy devices offer several advantages over laser treatments:
- Deeper Penetration: Laser treatments are generally superficial, while RF ablation penetrates deeper into the tissue for better results. This effect can be enhanced with combination RF and microneedling devices like Morpheus 8v.
- Comprehensive Treatment: Lasers can only treat the superficial lining of the vagina, whereas RF treats both the superficial lining and the deeper fibromuscular layer that provides vaginal support. In addition, RF can be applied to the external vulva to enhance the vulva’s aesthetic appearance.
- Built-In Safety Mechanisms: The RF devices I use include safety mechanisms that prevent tissue overheating. These devices have sensors that continuously monitor tissue temperature. Once the desired temperature is reached, the device stops delivering RF energy, ensuring safe treatment.
- Less Downtime and Discomfort: The gentler nature of RF means less downtime and pain after the procedure, along with a lower risk of burning and scarring.
Patient Comfort: The RF probe used during the procedure is significantly smaller than laser probes, making the treatment more comfortable for my patients.
The Bottom Line
While heat-based vaginal rejuvenation therapies have sparked controversy, and RF energy devices were initially lumped in with lasers by the FDA, my research and experience have shown RF vaginal rejuvenation to be the ultimate safe and superior option. I always aim to provide the best care possible for my patients, and RF energy, in my opinion, is the ideal choice for vaginal rejuvenation.