BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON IN RENO
ThermiVa® Vaginal Rejuvenation
What Is ThermiVa?
Aging tends to slacken tissues across our bodies. Our vaginal muscles and surrounding tissues aren’t immune. The problem is exacerbated, as you would expect, by childbirth. Unfortunately, this can lead to diminished sensation during intercourse, reduced sexual satisfaction, and it can impact our relationships.
At Advanced Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we now offer a solution — ThermiVa. ThermiVa is an in-office, non-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten and rejuvenate the vagina. Our new radio frequency system stimulates collagen production to tighten the labia and vagina for long-lasting results.*
What Is ThermiVa Vaginal Rejuvenation?
ThermiVa is a non-invasive, non-hormonal treatment that uses controlled radiofrequency energy to gently heat vaginal tissues, without discomfort or downtime. This heating triggers a tightening reaction that:
- Improves laxity of the labia and vagina.
- Improves sexual pleasure.
- Improves vaginal dryness.
- Improves mild to moderate urinary incontinence and urgency.
How Does ThermiVa Work?
When radiofrequency energy is delivered onto human skin, it penetrates the epidermis down into the skin’s second layer, the dermis. There the RF energy converts to heat. In the dermis, the presence of heat causes a cellular response in the dermal collagen. The collagen immediately remodels, as the molecules contract and tighten. Next, fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen, are stimulated to create new collagen. This is basically a “wound response,” where the body thinks it has been wounded. This response is to trigger an increase in collagen production at the “wound” location to heal the injury. Since collagen is the protein in the skin responsible for the skin’s overall support structure, the result is firmer, tighter skin.
As it does with skin all over the body, radiofrequency energy applied to the tissue and mucosa both inside and outside the vagina causes the same remodeling, tightening reaction. Plus, new collagen production is triggered, which further tightens these tissues for months afterward.
Beyond skin tightening, there is evidence that some patients may also experience an increase in clitoral sensitivity and the ability to attain orgasm after ThermiVa treatments.
Who is a Good Candidate For ThermiVa Vaginal Rejuvenation?
If you feel that you’ve lost some sensation during sex, if it seems that you’re drier than you used to be, or if you occasionally have urinary incontinence, ThermiVa could be a great procedure for you. Plus, as a side benefit, ThermiVa tightens and firms the labia.
ThermiVa can’t be performed on pregnant women or if there is an infection of any kind around the vaginal area.
If you have any of the following issues, you may be a good candidate for vaginal rejuvenation.
How is The ThermiVa Procedure Performed?
Your vaginal rejuvenation treatment is a very comfortable in-office treatment that does not require any anesthetic. A small s-shaped wand applicator is used to deliver the RF energy both to the interior walls of the vagina and to the external labia and other tissues. When the RF energy converts to heat, the feeling is similar to a “hot” massage. The procedure takes just 30 minutes. It is non-invasive, and there isn’t any downtime. Once delivered, the RF energy immediately begins tightening the interior and exterior tissues.
Is ThermiVa Painful?
The ThermiVa handpiece was designed with comfort in mind. The width of the active tip that delivers the radiofrequency energy is just 0.5 inches. Its shape is patterned after the natural curvature of the vaginal walls. Warm ultrasound gel is used during treatment. When the RF energy is delivered patients feel a gentle warming in the vagina, but the sensation is not painful.
Benefits Of Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation
- ThermiVa treats both loose vagina and labia majora. Other procedures can treat the labia only or vagina only, not both.
- It promotes new collagen to form tighter and softer skin.
- It restores normal tissue tone and function.
What is the Recovery Like From ThermiVa Treatment?
A ThermiVa treatment is non-invasive and not painful. Patients can return to normal activities immediately after their session. This includes exercise or sexual activity.
Do I Need More Than One ThermiVa Treatment?
Every woman’s personal situation is unique. Your body’s response to the radiofrequency energy varies, as well. Mild cases of urinary incontinence may require just a single treatment. More involved laxity or vaginal dryness will likely require a series of treatments. This is because changes need to occur at the cellular level, and new blood flow and collagen growth take weeks to months to regenerate to the degree the patient seeks.
Dr. Dahan recommends three 30-minute treatments spaced one month apart. Dr. Dahan will discuss this with you during your initial consultation to determine the best plan for you. ThermiVa may be combined with labiaplasty to achieve maximum results.
How Long Do ThermiVA Results Last?
The tightening effects of ThermiVa are immediate and continue to improve over the next three to four months after your appointment. ThermiVa results last around one year, but if you have a “touch-up” at one year, your results can expand to up to three years.
Are There Any Side Effects With ThermiVa?
Radio waves are all around us all the time. They are simply not concentrated as in a ThermiVa procedure. The only reactions to RF treatments are usually very mild swelling on the treated skin, redness, and some sensitivity, but these issues pass quickly. Otherwise, patients have no downtime and can return to their normal activities immediately.
Phillip Dahan, MD, FACS. All rights reserved.
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