Michael Gold1,2,3,4, Anneke Andriessen5,6, Alexandros Bader7, Red Alinsod8, Elizabeth Shane French9, Nathan Guerette10, Yegor Kolodchenko11, Michael Krychman12, Susan Murrmann13, Julene Samuels14. 1. Gold Skin Care Center, Nashville, TN, USA. 2. Tennessee Clinical Research Center, Nashville, TN, USA. 3. Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN, USA. 4. School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA. 5. Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. 6. Andriessen Consultants, Malden, The Netherlands. 7. Ob&Gyn, London - Dubai - Athens, London, UK. 8. Alinsod Red South Coast Urogynecology, Laguna Beach, CA, USA. 9. Women's health clinic, New Orleans, CA, USA. 10. Sciton, Palo Alto, CA, USA. 11. Association of Laser Medicine and Cosmetology, Cogerent Laser Clinics Group, Kyiv, Ukraine. 12. Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine Inc., Newport Beach, CA, USA. 13. iGYN, Memphis, TN, USA. 14. The Springs Medical Center, Louisville, KY, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The use of energy-based devices for the treatment of vaginal laxity, orgasmic dysfunction, and stress incontinence, such as minimally ablative fractional laser and radiofrequency, is gaining momentum. This review aims to answer clinical questions on the application of energy-based devices for feminine genital rejuvenation. METHODS: The target group includes physicians involved in esthetic medicine and feminine genital rejuvenation. A literature review was conducted on technologies in use for feminine rejuvenation to explore their safety, efficacy, tolerability, patient satisfaction, and clinical usability. A panel of physicians with clinical experience conducting these types of treatment reviewed and discussed the results of the literature search and gave clinical evidence-based recommendations. RESULTS: Energy-based devices may induce wound healing, stimulating new collagen, and elastin fiber formation. Radiofrequency treatment may also increase small nerve fiber density in the papillary dermis, improving nerve sensitivity, sexual function, including arousal and orgasmic dysfunction. Both minimally ablative fractional laser and radiofrequency has been shown to be effective when treating mild to moderate primary or secondary vulvovaginal laxity and associated secondary conditions. These treatments are reported to be safe, effective, and well tolerated with a rapid return to activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: As this is an evolving medical field, clinical evidence often lacks robustness. Studies and clinical experience suggest that feminine genital rejuvenation using energy-based devices seems an attractive option for patients with mild-to-moderate medical conditions. The treatment can be safely and effectively delivered by trained staff as part of the comprehensive care, that is, currently available to women.
INTRODUCTION: The use of energy-based devices for the treatment of vaginal laxity, orgasmic dysfunction, and stress incontinence, such as minimally ablative fractional laser and radiofrequency, is gaining momentum. This review aims to answer clinical questions on the application of energy-based devices for feminine genital rejuvenation. METHODS: The target group includes physicians involved in esthetic medicine and feminine genital rejuvenation. A literature review was conducted on technologies in use for feminine rejuvenation to explore their safety, efficacy, tolerability, patient satisfaction, and clinical usability. A panel of physicians with clinical experience conducting these types of treatment reviewed and discussed the results of the literature search and gave clinical evidence-based recommendations. RESULTS: Energy-based devices may induce wound healing, stimulating new collagen, and elastin fiber formation. Radiofrequency treatment may also increase small nerve fiber density in the papillary dermis, improving nerve sensitivity, sexual function, including arousal and orgasmic dysfunction. Both minimally ablative fractional laser and radiofrequency has been shown to be effective when treating mild to moderate primary or secondary vulvovaginal laxity and associated secondary conditions. These treatments are reported to be safe, effective, and well tolerated with a rapid return to activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: As this is an evolving medical field, clinical evidence often lacks robustness. Studies and clinical experience suggest that feminine genital rejuvenation using energy-based devices seems an attractive option for patients with mild-to-moderate medical conditions. The treatment can be safely and effectively delivered by trained staff as part of the comprehensive care, that is, currently available to women.