It’s ideal having a safe space to discuss the various changes of life women face, and contrary to what mainstream portrays, these changes occur in many of our lives versus not. For example, vaginal laxity occurs in at least 76% of all women, but most women feel embarrassed bringing it up to their provider or assume it is a normal part of aging, not realizing technology exists to improve their quality of life in this area. The rise of non-surgical, non-invasive feminine rejuvenation techniques using energy-based systems has its origins in aesthetic medicine, however the results from these treatments go beyond the aesthetic appeal to rectifying dysfunctions women may experience due to childbirth, trauma, and menopause, to name a few. Vaginal laxity, atrophic vaginitis, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), overactive bladder symptoms, vaginal prolapse, and different forms of sexual dysfunction have been successfully treated due to feminine rejuvenation procedures, and this week we’re diving into ThermiVA.
ThermiVA treatments utilize radio frequency waves on both your internal and external vaginal tissues. These radiofrequency waves causes the tissue to contract, increasing in the mucosal glands present in the area. A major difference between the treatments we discussed last week (laser) and today (radio frequency) is that ThermiVA has no downtime post treatment, meaning all normal activities can be resumed immediately. Laser treatments heat the tissue and may cause minor destruction, therefore it is advised to refrain from certain activities for several days to allow the treatment area to heal. Transcutaneous temperature-controlled radiofrequency therapy at the vulvovaginal region has shown promising results in giving a more youthful appearing vulva, restoration of vaginal elasticity and tightness, considerable improvement in SUI, reduction in overactive bladder symptoms, and a reduction in sexual dysfunction. So how does all this really work? Glad you asked…
This part is going to get a little technical, but it contains the science behind the process. Energy-based systems towards the vaginal tissue acts in the same fashion as what has been done in aesthetic medicine. The thermal effect causes coagulation and/or ablation which activates healing factors, causing increased blood flow and collagen production, which is a natural part of wound healing. So, the same radiofrequency (RF) technology that has been used successfully in aesthetic medicine (face, neck, chest tightening) has been proved to also work for feminine rejuvenation. As the RF electrode passes current through the skin, resistance creates heat, causing the therapeutic damage necessary for rejuvenation to take place: denaturation and contraction of collagen, activation of fibroblasts, increased blood flow, and neocollagenesis (new collagen) occur.
Treatment time varies but generally they do not go over 30 minutes. To get optimal results, the patient has a series of 3 treatments at monthly intervals. Benefits tend to be long-lasting but not necessarily permanent. Most patients find they need to come in for a touch-up treatment at about a year to 18 months. The cost can range between $2,500 to $3,500 based on the provider or treatment approach, and touch-ups can cost up to $800. ThermiVa is not covered by most insurance providers because it is a cosmetic procedure, not medically mandated for your overall health but definitely for your quality of life!
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