Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation
Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation (LVR) and Vaginal Tightening
Like all other organs in our bodies, the vagina and vulva are not immune to the effects of time, especially during and after menopause. The female genital tract is particularly affected by declining oestrogen production. Almost 50% of women in their 40’s and beyond experience symptoms of genital atrophy which can significantly affect their sexual experience and quality of life. Fractionated CO2 laser vaginal rejuvenation (LVR) is a breakthrough non-surgical procedure for treating age-related vaginal atrophy (“atrophic vaginitis”). This is a safe, effective and long-lasting solution without the adverse side effects of drug therapies.
What is Vaginal Atrophy?
With age and declining oestrogen levels, the wall of the vagina loses collagen, becomes thinner and the natural elasticity and blood supply is reduced. The protective lining of the vagina loses hydration and thickness, causing a loss of lubrication and changes in the natural balance of the internal environment. This can result in symptoms such as:
- Loss of lubrication and dryness
- Vaginal itch and burning
- Recurrent thrush
- Uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse (Dyspareunia)
- Urinary urgency and incontinence
- Vaginal loosening / laxity
These symptoms can have a negative effect on your general well being and place stress on your intimate relationships.
In addition, younger women who have used the Pill for prolonged periods, breast-feeding mothers, women who experienced traumatic delivery, and patients with breast cancer may also suffer from these symptoms.
Key benefits of LVR:
- 15 minute procedure
- Minimal discomfort or pain
- No significant downtime
- Low risk and little side effects
- Suitable for almost all women
- Achieves long-lasting improvements
- Able to be used by certain patient groups who are unsuitable for HRT e.g. breast cancer patients
- Most patients experience noticeable improvements after just one treatment
FAQ’s
How does LVR work?
LVR is a fast and effective treatment that uses multiple tiny columns of Laser energy to stimulate collagen production and regeneration of normal vaginal tissue. It uses the same proven laser technology that has been used for the past 15 years to rejuvenate the sensitive skin of the face. The treatment takes around ten minutes and can be easily completed in a lunch break. A swab is inserted into the vagina to dry the inside. After it is removed the laser probe is then inserted and you will feel a low grade vibration and warmth inside the vaginal canal which is virtually painless for most women. This process lasts around 10 minutes. The probe is then removed and the treatment is complete. In as little as 30 days after treatment, the regeneration of new tissue in the vaginal wall starts to build a naturally stronger, tighter structure and the protective mucosa recovers volume, hydration and elasticity.
Is there any downtime?
A small number of women (less than 5%) report mild discomfort in the first 24 hours after treatment but mostly there is no discomfort to be experienced at all. There is no significant downtime after the treatment and you can return to normal daily activities immediately. You should, however, refrain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours and from vaginal intercourse for 5 days.
How many treatments are required?
Most patients feel an improvement after the first treatment, however, the full benefits of LVR are usually achieved after 3 treatments, each spaced 1 month apart.
Are the results permanent?
All the changes obtained by the LVR treatment are long lasting. As the natural ageing process continues, top-up treatments can be repeated as required (a single top-up treatment may be necessary every 6-18 months depending on hormonal and other factors).
What does it cost?
Initial consultations with Dr Csilla are $200, which is partially rebatable by Medicare.
Pre-purchasing a package of 3 treatments is $1650 (i.e. $550 each).
If you are paying for treatments individually, the initial consultation (about 30 minutes) is $200, the first laser treatment is $900, the second treatment is $800 and the third treatment is $660 (ie. $2560 for 3 treatments incl. the consultation).
Subsequent treatments (after 3 initial treatments) are $660.
Do I need a referral for LVR?
Most of our patients are referred by their gynaecologist or women’s health professional. You don’t need a referral, however, it is a requirement that you have had a PAP smear and vaginal examination by your healthcare specialist in the past 12 months.
Scientific publications for LVR
Publications
Microscopic and ultrastructural modifications of postmenopausal atrophic vaginal mucosa after fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment.
Nicola Zerbinati, Maurizio Serati, Massimo Origoni, Massimo Candiani, Tommaso Iannitti, Stefano Salvatore, Francesco Marotta & Alberto Calligaro. Lasers Med Sci, Published online 20 November 2014 – Springer Verlag
Microablative fractional CO2 laser improves dyspareunia related to vulvovaginal atrophy: a pilot study
Stefano Salvatore, Umberto Leone Roberti Maggiore, Massimo Origoni, Marta Parma, Lavinia Quaranta, Filomena Sileo, Alice Cola, Ilaria Baini, Simone Ferrero, Massimo Candiani, Nicola Zerbinati. Journal of Endometriosis 2014; 6(3): 150 – 156
Sexual function after fractional microablative CO2 laser in women with vulvovaginal atrophy.
Salvatore S, Nappi RE, Parma M, Chionna R, Lagona F, Zerbinati N, Ferrero S, Origoni M, Candiani M, Leone Roberti Maggiore U. Climacteric. 2015 Apr;18(2):219-25.
Vulvo-vaginal atrophy: a new treatment modality using thermo-ablative fractional CO2 laser.
Perino A, Calligaro A, Forlani F, Tiberio C, Cucinella G, Svelato A, Saitta S, Calagna G. Maturitas. 2015 Mar;80(3):296-301.
The final word on LVR by Dr Csilla
I understand a woman’s needs and concerns regarding intimacy with your partner as you age. For women with vaginal laxity and symptoms of atrophic vaginitis, LVR offers a long-lasting solution and an alternative to creams and hormone medications. This is a quick and virtually painless procedure. My aim is to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. I have an all female staff and my assistant, nurse Fay, is a trained midwife. You can be assured of privacy and sensitivity at our clinic.
Why have Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation at Brisbane’s Elysium Skin Centre?
Dr Csilla is a laser specialist with 4 years of dermatology training and more than 20 years’ experience in laser therapy. She is a fellow of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia and receives laser referrals from Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons and Gynaecologists. Dr Csilla has an all-female staff and her assistant, nurse Fay, is a trained midwife. You can be assured of privacy and sensitivity at our clinic.