“Genital rejuvenation” includes all applications involving the optimal repair, improvement, reconstruction, and rejuvenation of the vagina and adjacent organs, both aesthetically and functionally.
Genital radiofrequency (RF),vaginal laser, and HIFU vaginal treatments are some of these applications. This section contains details about genital radiofrequency treatments. In this section, you will find answers to questions such as “what is genital radiofrequency, how is it applied, is vaginal radiofrequency procedure painful, in which cases it is been applied?“.
“Vaginal rejuvenation” or “Genital rejuvenation” means restoration of a youthful appearance to vagina or genital organs. Today, with the prolongation of life expectancy, more than 20 million women have faced pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal delivery lacerations, and urinary incontinence. “Vaginal relaxation syndrome” (vaginal enlargement and insensitivity) and vulvovaginal laxity (external and internal genital relaxation) usually occur during vaginal birth, menopause, and aging. Such problems bring along sexual and self-confidence problems as well as functional problems in women.
Statistical Data
A 2012 study by the International Urogynecological Association (UGA) showed that 84% of physicians believed that vaginal laxity was not reported, and 95% thought that increased laxity negatively affected sexual function. In the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) bulletin, it was stated that 40% of women had psychological problems due to their sexual problems, and only 14% talked about these problems with their physicians.
Until the past, these topics, which women avoided even talking to their physicians and regarded as taboo, have become more easily shared today. Public awareness programs, physician training, and news in the media have effectively removed such barriers in communication.
Genital radiofrequency (RF) is an energy-based treatment method applied to the vagina and external genitalia. It can be applied for both aesthetic and functional purposes.
Genital radiofrequency treatments can be applied for different reasons. Indications mostly overlap with the indications of vaginal lasers. Both are energy-based technologies.
Genital radiofrequency treatments are primarily performed for urinary incontinence and vaginal rejuvenation.
If we summarize the most common indications of genital radiofrequency treatments;
In some women, the mons pubis or labia majora (big lips) may be larger than normal. The cambered appearance of this region can affect women psychologically. Surgical mons pubis reduction operations are called “monsplasty” or “mons reduction”.
However, mons and big lips can be reduced without surgery with radiofrequency devices. Radiofrequency devices can heat and melt the excess fat in the mons pubis and labia majora due to their deep penetration properties and make these areas shrink (lipolysis).
Vaginal radiofrequency devices are also used to treat menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea),endometriosis, and chronic abdominal pains, in addition to vaginal tightening and urinary incontinence treatments.
Vaginal tightening and rejuvenation of the external genital area can be provided by vaginal laser and genital radiofrequency devices.
In vaginal radiofrequency, vaginal administration is done by inserting an instrument similar to an ultrasound probe into the vagina. On the other hand, external application is performed via round (like a coin) heads. Both are completely painless and do not require anesthesia.
Prior to vaginal rejuvenation with genital radiofrequency, a speculum is inserted into the vagina, and vaginal discharges are cleaned with a dry gauze cloth. The cap of the device, on which the protective cover is put on, is inserted into the vagina by applying some ultrasound gel on it.
By constantly moving the head back and forth, right and left inside the vagina, the four walls of the vagina are scanned equally for 5 minutes each. Thus, the rejuvenation of the entire vagina is completed in an average of 20 minutes.
In those with urinary incontinence problems, more applications are made to the front wall. The increase in intra-tissue temperature during the procedure can be monitored with the temperature indicator of the device. Temperatures of 40 degrees and above can be felt by the patient.
During the treatment, the temperature is increased to 44-45 degrees. During the vaginal tightening procedure with genital radiofrequency, patients do not experience sensations other than slight warming.
In patients who want beautification, smoothing, and wrinkle treatment in the external genital area, it is performed as an external application for a total of 10 minutes, 5 minutes on each lip area, using different caps. This application can also be performed in the same session as vaginal rejuvenation. Thus, the treatment of the entire vulvovaginal area will be completed in a total of 30 minutes.
In cases of sexual pleasure, sexual desire and orgasm problems, the entire external genitalia and vagina are scanned, predominantly around the clitoris, vaginal entrance, and anterior vaginal wall. In all internal and external genital applications, a gel is applied to the application probe to provide lubricity.
As with other energy-based treatments, genital radiofrequency treatments reduce the problem of sexual pain and have positive effects on sexual pleasure, desire, arousal, and lubrication.
Non-surgical rejuvenation of the vagina with radiofrequency, that is, rejuvenation treatment, is mainly performed for vaginal tightening and urinary incontinence treatment. Vaginal rejuvenation with radiofrequency takes an average of 20 minutes.
To obtain the best results from the radiofrequency vaginal rejuvenation treatment, it is recommended to be repeated in 4-6 sessions with an interval of 2 weeks.
Treatment of the wrinkles in external genital area with radiofrequency takes 10 minutes on average. The application of the radiofrequency device to the anterior vaginal wall and clitoris area also increases blood flow and facilitates orgasm function.
For the best results, it is recommended to repeat the genital radiofrequency procedure for 3-6 sessions with an interval of 2-4 weeks. After the treatment, rejuvenation in the tissue, reduction of sagging and wrinkles can be observed.
“Vulvo-vaginal rejuvenation” is the rejuvenation of both the inner and outer genital area with energy-based treatments. Genital radiofrequency treatments can be applied inside the vagina and on the external genital area, called “vulva”, in the same session. Thus, after 30 minutes of vulvovaginal rejuvenation, the entire genital area will be treated.
No, it is highly comfortable and painless. You can return to normal life immediately after the procedure of genital radiofrequency. There is no prohibition of sexual intercourse after the procedure or restrictions on daily movements.
Radiofrequency, just like the vaginal laser, is a technology that creates a thermal (heating) effect on the tissue. The name 'radio-frequency' comes from being in the same wave frequency range as radio and TV. The energy produced is a non-ionizing electromagnetic current with a frequency between 3 kHz and 300 GHz.
The encounter of the current with resistance in the tissue is called 'impedance'. Thus, heat is generated, and electric current is transformed into thermal energy. The higher the impedance and electric current in the target tissue, the higher the energy produced. Tissues with high impedance, such as subcutaneous adipose tissue, produce more energy and have deeper thermal effects.
Unlike laser light, there is neither refraction (diffraction) of light in the tissue nor absorption by the chromophore in radiofrequency technologies. Therefore, they can be applied to all skin types.
It has also been shown in different studies that radiofrequency can be used in narrowing the vaginal canal. It also has application areas such as increasing sexual pleasure, facilitating orgasm function, and symptomatic treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
In a study conducted by Red Alinsod, significant improvements were found in vaginal laxity, sexual satisfaction, atrophy (thinning of the skin),orgasm problems, and urinary incontinence after genital RF treatment.
Tadir et al. have shown that new 'elastin' formation after genital RF treatment will help treat vaginal laxity. In the same study, an increase in 'glycogen' content was also shown histopathologically.
In a study conducted in 2016, monopolar genital RF application was applied to the vagina and vulva three times at intervals of one month to 25 women aged between 21 and 65, who had orgasm problems, and in subsequent interviews, it was observed that the time to reach orgasm in patients was shortened by 50%.
Genital radiofrequency devices are also used to treat vaginal dryness in patients whose use of estrogen is prohibited during menopause, symptomatic treatment of genital lichen sclerosus disease, and vulvar vestibulitis.
Unlike laser, radiofrequency does not have a color-lightening property in the genital area. One of the advantages is that most of these devices can be portable. In addition, its easily manipulated heads provide convenience to the practitioner. Due to the thinness of the caps, they can be easily tolerated by the patients.
Monopolar (unipolar) radiofrequency technologies for skin rejuvenation have been widely applied in cosmetic dermatology for years. Monopolar radiofrequency devices are also generally used in cosmetic gynecology. However, especially in recent years, bipolar (two-pole) and tripolar (three-pole) devices have also been produced.
Bipolar radiofrequency and laser were produced together in the MonaLisa Touch SmartXide device.
It is normal to have clear vaginal discharge in the first few days after vaginal tightening treatment with radiofrequency. Other than that, not many complaints are observed. The process is referred to as a completely secure 'lunchtime procedure'.
Immediately after the application, it is possible to return to social life without the need for rest. Since it is a non-ablative (without destructive effects) application, there is no harm in having sexual intercourse on the same day. The desired tightening, vaginal wetting, and pleasure effect begin approximately three weeks after the procedure. To increase effectiveness, pelvic floor muscle exercises are also recommended in addition to radiofrequency treatment.
Expected situations and things to be done after genital radiofrequency treatment are given to our patients in writing.
Hera Clinics in Turkey are tertiary medical centers specifically on female genital aesthetics. Genital radiofrequency treatments can be performed with monopolar RF devices in our Istanbul clinics in Turkey. Genital radiofrequency treatment costs in our Istanbul (Nisantasi) clinic vary according to the application method, application area, and the number of sessions.
It would be helpful to text to our clinic’s WhatsApp nr +90 530 763 34 00 in Turkey.
In this section, you will find some of the hands-on aesthetic genital surgery (cosmetic gynecology) courses, trainings and meetings given by Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ.
Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ, MDCosmetic Gynecologist & Sexual Therapist
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