Cosmetic Dermatology

Noninvasive Vaginal Rejuvenation

Cutis. 2018 October;102(4):243-246

Vaginal rejuvenation procedures are designed to improve the aesthetic appearance and/or function of the female genitalia. The popularity of these techniques continues to increase as more patients seek to reverse the effects of aging, childbearing, and/or hormonal changes. Newer strategies focus on laser and radiofrequency (RF) devices, which have provided noninvasive options for treatment. In this article, we review the safety and efficacy data behind these modalities.

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Practice Points

Noninvasive vaginal rejuvenation represents a growing area of cosmetic dermatology.
Radiofrequency and ablative laser devices have demonstrated promising results in treating vaginal laxity and genitourinary syndrome of menopause, but US Food and Drug Administration approval has yet to be obtained.

References

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Vaginal rejuvenation encompasses a group of procedures that alter the vaginal anatomy to improve cosmesis or achieve more pleasurable sexual intercourse. External vaginal procedures are defined as those performed on the female genitalia outside of the vaginal introitus, with major structures including the labia majora, mons pubis, labia minora, clitoral hood, clitoral glans, and vaginal vestibule. Internal vaginal procedures are defined as those performed within the vagina, extending from the vaginal introitus to the cervix.

The prevalence of elective vaginal rejuvenation procedures has increased in recent years, a trend that may be attributed to greater exposure through the media, including reality television and pornography. In a survey of 482 women undergoing labiaplasty, nearly all had heard about rejuvenation procedures within the last 2.2 years, and 78% had received their information through the media.¹ Additionally, genital self-image can have a considerable effect on a woman’s sexual behavior and relationships. Genital dissatisfaction has been associated with decreased sexual activity, whereas positive genital self-image correlates with increased sexual desire and less sexual distress or depression.^2,3

Currently, the 2 primary applications of noninvasive vaginal rejuvenation are vaginal laxity and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Vaginal laxity occurs in premenopausal or postmenopausal women and is caused by aging, childbearing, or hormonal imbalances. These factors can lead to decreased friction within the vagina during intercourse, which in turn can decrease sexual pleasure. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, previously known as vulvovaginal atrophy, encompasses genital (eg, dryness, burning, irritation), sexual (eg, lack of lubrication, discomfort or pain, impaired function), and urinary (eg, urgency, dysuria, recurrent urinary tract infections) symptoms of menopause.⁴

Noninvasive procedures are designed to apply ablative or nonablative energy to the vaginal mucosa to tighten a lax upper vagina, also known as a wide vagina.⁵ A wide vagina has been defined as a widened vaginal diameter that interferes with sexual function and sensation.⁶ Decreased sexual sensation also may result from fibrosis or scarring of the vaginal mucosa after prior vaginal surgery, episiotomy, or tears during childbirth.⁷ The objective of rejuvenation procedures to treat the vaginal mucosa is to create increased frictional forces that may lead to increased sexual sensation.⁸ Although there are numerous reports of heightened sexual satisfaction after reduction of the vaginal diameter, a formal link between sexual pleasure and vaginal laxity has yet to be established.^8,9 At present, there are no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved energy-based devices to treat urinary incontinence or sexual function, and the FDA recently issued an alert cautioning patients on the current lack of safety and efficacy regulations.¹⁰

In this article we review the safety and efficacy data behind lasers and radiofrequency (RF) devices used in noninvasive vaginal rejuvenation procedures.

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Noninvasive Vaginal Rejuvenation

References

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