A painless Re-Juv

The normal physiological changes that take place in a woman’s body due to child birth, menopause or even the natural process of ageing and weight fluctuations, causes some changes to the vagina and the pelvic region in women. This can be noticed either as negative changes in the appearance of the vulvar region, or functionally, in the form of decreased perception of sexual pleasure, vaginal dryness, stress incontinence and so on.

For a long time, this could only be approached surgically. But, in the past few years, the non surgical options have started showing comparable results without the downtime and discomfort of surgery. This explains why so many more women are coming in and discovering an option that suits them, getting the procedure done without any of the fuss of surgery, and going on right after, to enjoy their rejuvenated sexuality!

PROCEDURE: Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation is carried out with an energy based device — a fractional laser treatment such as carbon dioxide laser treatment (CO2) treatment, or a radio–frequency device, which is able to tighten the vaginal canal, remodel the tissues of the vaginal wall, increase the lubrication of the vagina, and also rejuvenate the external genital region. The laser probe delivers the energy into the vaginal canal, in a simple, 15 minute procedure — which sets off the process of tissue remodeling leading to a tighter and more functional vaginal canal.

Informal surveys have shown that women find this aspect of their sexual well being, often ignored. These surveys also showed that most of them were very keen on having their sexual health needs addressed more professionally, with more options available to them. Vaginal rejuvenation lasers are currently available at a few select cosmetic dermatology, gynecology and plastic surgery clinics, but it is very common to see collaborative efforts among the three specialties for a more holistic outcome. 

WHO IS IT FOR: For a person who is facing her menopause, and with it the symptoms of dryness, the laser device can provide better lubrication and improve the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. For a mom who has just delivered and is getting back to her active sexual life, the treatments would focus more on managing the laxity of the vaginal canal, strengthening the pelvic floor, and restoring the anatomy of the external genitalia. For yet another person, there may be no specific need, but a desire to improve her and her partner’s sexual enjoyment. For a person suffering from stress incontinence, and the early signs of prolapse, this can be a major boost — to have their problem solved, non surgically.

COST: The costs depend on the treatment plan. It can start from Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000  per session for the lasers, going up depending on the need for PRP or fillers for external rejuvenation. 

— The writer Dr Renita Rajan is a chief cosmetic dermatologist.

Disclaimer: Always check with a cosmetic surgeon before going ahead with this procedure.