At West Coast Women’s Reproductive Center in Sherman Oaks, CA, we believe in a patient-first approach that puts you first. And that all starts with an honest, open discussion about the changes our bodies go through. While women are eager to seek treatment to ease the symptoms of menopause or find help with infertility concerns, the truth of the matter is that women are still shy about their vaginal health. However, modern science is ready to help, including with vaginal rejuvenation treatments so you can reclaim your confidence.
What Is Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Vaginal rejuvenation is an umbrella term that refers to any treatment that rejuvenates the function and structure of the vagina. Like other treatments, the primary goal of this rejuvenation is overall vaginal restoration. Rejuvenation of the vagina can help women restore a sense of self-esteem and self-confidence, both in and out of the bedroom. These treatments also have the added bonus of helping clothing fit better and alleviating discomfort during intercourse, among other benefits.
What Does It Treat?
In general, rejuvenation treatments for the vagina can treat a broad range of concerns. Rejuvenation treatments for the vagina can help correct both external and internal concerns, such as tightening tissue and muscles, lifting laxity, and improving symptoms of sexual dysfunction. That’s right–rejuvenation treatments can be both cosmetic and medical in nature. The most common issues treated by rejuvenation include:
- Improving the outward appearance of the vagina
- Lifting vaginal tissues
- Tightening vaginal muscles
- Reducing urinary incontinence
- Enhancing arousal and ability to reach climax
- Correcting vaginal dryness
- Treating vaginal laxity
What Are Common Treatments?
When you’re shopping around for rejuvenation treatments for the vagina, you will notice that there are several options for you to choose from. It can be confusing trying to figure out which treatment is right for you. But generally speaking, rejuvenation treatments of all types fall into two categories; surgical or non-surgical. For rejuvenating the vagina, the treatments for both categories can be invasive or non-invasive.
Surgical
Surgical treatments to rejuvenate the vagina are primarily concerned with correcting the outer appearance of the vagina, particularly the pubis mons and the labia. Surgical techniques frequently used to lift and tighten tissues of the vagina include labiaplasty, clitoral hood reduction, clitoral unhooding, and vaginal tightening. Surgical rejuvenation treatments are performed by plastic surgeons, involve longer downtime, and are typically reserved for patients who have more severe concerns.
Non-Surgical
Non-surgical treatments to rejuvenate the vagina are more flexible. Non-surgical treatments can address appearance-related concerns and function-related concerns both on the interior and exterior vagina. For example, energy-based treatments can both tighten vaginal tissue and also treat sexual dysfunction such as vaginal dryness. Non-surgical rejuvenation treatments include radiofrequency, ultrasound, PRP, and even dermal fillers.
If you aren’t sure which rejuvenation treatment is right for you, please contact us so that we may answer your questions. It’s okay to need guidance on which intimate health procedures and treatments are best suited to your needs. Our office uses effective Viveve treatments for vaginal rejuvenation, and we are always ready to discuss all your options with you.
How Do You Know If You Need Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Some women stumble across rejuvenation treatments for the vagina and start wondering if these are treatments that they need. How do you know one way or another? In all honesty, the decision to undergo any rejuvenation treatment is something that is up to the individual, but if you aren’t sure if you should even be considering treatments, then a guiding hand can be helpful. For the majority of patients, rejuvenation treatments stem from a decided need to correct a feminine health concern.
Common Feminine Health Concerns
Feminine health refers to any issue women may have with their most intimate areas, particularly the vagina. Over 80% of women experience at least one feminine health concern over their life span, including:
- Vaginal dryness
- Pelvic floor relaxation
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Sexual dysfunction
- Low libido
- Incontinence
- Change in vaginal tone or pigmentation
- Loss of vaginal sensitivity
- Stretched or misshapen labia
However, it is worth noting that by far the most common feminine health concern that has women considering rejuvenation treatments is vaginal laxity. Vaginal laxity refers to when the tissues and muscles in the vagina become lax, meaning the vagina itself has become weak and the vaginal tissues are thin.
What Causes Vaginal Laxity?
Vaginal laxity happens to most women at some point, but what causes vaginal laxity in the first place? There are a few culprits that are responsible for this frustrating condition, including:
Childbirth
Vaginal childbirth means that the tissues and muscles of the vagina stretch enough to accommodate the passage of a baby through the vaginal canal. Depending on the size of the baby you give birth to, this can mean that the structure of the vagina is forever altered. While the vagina is capable of stretching, it is not like a rubber band that can snap back into place. Although it is possible for the vagina to return to near-normal shape some time after childbirth, there are still many women who do not return to pre-childbirth tightness.
Aging
Over the lifetime, all the tissues in our body begin to grow lax as a natural consequence of aging. This is because the proteins in our skin that are responsible for supporting skin structure (collagen and elastin) begin to slow production after a certain point, leading to thinner and drier skin. The effects of aging are inevitable and unavoidable, and for women can cause a pervasive laxity within and outside the vagina.
Hormones
The final cause of vaginal laxity is low production of estrogen, a hormone that is associated with female secondary sex characteristics. A lower production of estrogen caused by menopause or other health conditions, such as recently being pregnant, can cause laxity in the muscles and tissues of the vagina. A general hormonal imbalance can also cause other feminine health concerns, such as sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
What to Expect With Viveve Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatments
At our clinic, we specialize in a non-surgical, minimally invasive rejuvenation treatment for the vagina called Viveve. This is an energy-based radiofrequency treatment with a growing reputation for producing fast, reliable relief for many feminine concerns, particularly vaginal laxity. There are a few things you can expect during your treatment with Viveve:
Consultation
Feminine rejuvenation treatments always begin with a comprehensive consultation to help determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. The consultation will be a time where we can discuss the treatment, your expectations for the treatment, and your overall health and appearance goals.
The consultation will likely include an examination of the vagina to survey the severity of your vaginal laxity and any other concerns you may have. We will also discuss your general health, current medications and supplements, your sexual activity, as well as if you are planning to be pregnant or are currently breastfeeding.
Pre-Treatment
Preparing for your treatment may involve the completion of certain exams, such as a pap smear, cervical screening, or a pelvic exam. Completing these exams helps us provide you with the safest, most comprehensive treatment possible. We will give you a list of pre-treatment instructions to help you prepare for your treatment. Some pre-treatment instructions may include:
- Cleanse the vagina morning of appointment
- Shave at least one day before your appointment
- Do not wax or use laser hair removal
- Drink at least 24 oz of water before appointment
- Urinate before treatment
- Do not use a douche
- Do not use any anti-inflammatory medications
Although Viveve is not a treatment that requires the use of local anesthesia, some patients still arrange for transportation after their appointment. We ask that patients please reschedule their treatment appointment if they are having a heavy cycle.
Treatment
Viveve treatment is performed in a private office and closely resembles a routine exam done by an OB-GYN. You will feel some mild sensation during the treatment, such as warmth, tingling, or cooling. The sensation will last only for the duration of the treatment. The treatment takes about 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
Post-Treatment
After your treatment is complete, we will provide a list of instructions for you to follow to guide you safely through recovery. The post-treatment instructions may include:
- Avoid intercourse for 24 hours
- Do not use a douche
- Do not use any anti-inflammatory medications
- Drink high volumes of water
- Wear breathable clothing
Recovery
The expected recovery time for this treatment is short. For most women, they are fully recovered from the treatment within 24 to 48 hours and may resume normal daily activities, including intercourse.
Results
The majority of patients notice results two to three days after treatment is complete. The first results you will notice will include an improved outward appearance, as well as a more supple structure of the vagina. Results continue for the next two to four weeks while collagen production continues to improve, meaning that most of your symptoms are eased about one month following treatment.
Will I Need Multiple Treatments?
Viveve only requires one treatment for patients to start reaping benefits. Unlike other energy-based rejuvenation treatments, you will not need multiple treatment appointments to begin noticing results. After one treatment with Viveve, patients will be able to enjoy an improved state of the vagina. Results for this treatment last 12 months on average.
Is This Treatment Safe?
Viveve is a very safe treatment. Similar to other radiofrequency treatments, Viveve works to stimulate the body’s natural regenerative abilities, meaning there are no synthetic chemicals being exposed to the body. Viveve has virtually zero risk of allergic reaction and negative side effects. Viveve is also approved for use on the majority of prospective patients.
Are You a Good Candidate for Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Most patients make good candidates for this treatment. As long as you are not currently pregnant, planning to be pregnant in the near future, and have passed all of your women’s health exams, you are likely an ideal candidate perfectly suited to this treatment. Regardless of age or sexual activity, this rejuvenation treatment can be used by most patients. You may be a qualified candidate if you want to:
- Improve vaginal laxity
- Decrease vaginal dryness
- Reduce urinary incontinence
- Stimulate vaginal sensitivity
- Boost your self-esteem
Renew Your Femininity With Vaginal Rejuvenation!
Being open about feminine health concerns is the first step to getting the treatment you need to feel like yourself again. It’s time to start talking about the state of our vaginas. If you want to renew your femininity with vaginal rejuvenation, contact West Coast Women’s Reproductive Center in Sherman Oaks, CA to schedule your consultation appointment. We look forward to helping you reclaim your feminine confidence!