Tightening the intimate area

Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation using energy- and light-based machines has become an increasingly popular treatment at aesthetic clinics. Here we look at some leading systems on the market

Child-bearing, hormonal changes due to menopause, weight fluctuations C and the simple process of ageing leads to laxity in the female genitalia. Light- and energy-based devices can be used for skin tightening purposes in the area and to stimulate collagen.

Functional Magnetic Stimulation

Iskra Medical, a Slovenian medical company founded in 1992, invented the ground breaking technology known as Electromagnetic Stimulation – later renamed to Functional Magnetic Stimulation or FMS. The FMS propagates through clothing, skin and bone and penetrates deep into the muscle

fibres of the pelvic floor and lower back. An electrical field is created through induction, which depolarises the motor nerves and causes deep and constant muscular contractions which follow the exact parameters of the FMS treatment – as many as 50,000 contractions per 30-minute session. The strength and frequency of the contractions engender tightening, firming and strengthening of the area being targeted. Thus the Tesla FMS chair, distributed by Radiant Healthcare, has been specifically designed for vaginal rejuvenation. Tesla FMS treatments are carried out with the patient fully clothed and can be done twice a week for a course of four treatments, depending on the severity of the condition being treated. Treatments are also painless and can be carried out with or without the help of a therapist. There are no consumables required.

Feminine awakening

FemiLift from Alma Lasers is a versatile platform, enabling medical practitioners to treat various feminine indications quickly and effectively. Procedures are conducted in an outpatient setting and do not involve general anaesthesia or downtime. The FemiLift has a variety of hand pieces that get plugged onto Alma’s Pixel CO₂ device (option of a 30W or 70W device). Vaginal rejuvenation and laxity, vaginal dryness and labia tightening are just a few of the different indications that doctors will be able to treat using the Femilift. Says Nicola Steenkamp of Femilift distributor, Best Lasers: “The device can be safely used on all skin types with little to no side effects. FemiLift harnesses the power, precision and versatility of CO₂ laser technology to offer four energy delivery modes and a wide array of dedicated applicators. It boasts a global presence of doctors and specialists who use this device. At Best Lasers we have been privileged enough to expand the Femilift footprint into South Africa, Zimbabwe and Sub-Saharan African countries. We include full training, delivery and

installation. You will receive your certification and site licence with the purchase of this device.”

Fractional procedure

The Gynelase™ fractional CO2 laser vaginal rejuvenation procedure is a good alternative to surgery in less advanced pelvic floor dysfunction. This revolutionary platform combines the photothermal power of the CO2 laser with the delicacy needed in a so sensitive area as the inside of the vagina. A Gynelase™ procedure is easy to perform, painless, fast, subablative and minimally invasive. This bloodless treatment needs no hospitalisation, has no downtime, and requires no anaesthesia. Typically a patient will undergo two to three 15-minute treatments, six weeks apart to achieve the desired results. During the treatment, a sterilised applicator is moved along the vaginal wall in an outward motion. Laser energy is delivered 360° onto the vagina walls and on its circumference through a quick and precise application, covering the entire area. The laser energy is deposited in an orderly and completely homogenous way. As the laser impacts are fractional (i.e. a random dot matrix method and not a stamped method), it allows for healthy tissue between laser impacts, and thus a rapid recovery of the mucosa. The treatment achieves vaginal tissue contraction and tightening through the controlled and highly precise photothermal effect of the interaction of laser light with the tissue. This thermal effect causes a denaturalisation of collagen and the body reacts by producing more collagen (neocollagenesis) and in a greater measure than there was before.

Dual technologies

Introduced in 2012 to treat vulvovaginal conditions, MonaLisa Touch®, which runs on DEKA’s SmartXide Touch system, boasts a new bipolar RF Touch hand piece, making it possible to expand the treatable conditions. Naomi Olivier of Hitech Lasers explains that MonaLisa Touch® offers two technologies in one system, namely CO2 Laser and bipolar RF (radiofrequency). “The laser energy to the vaginal walls is provided in a fractional mode, meaning that only a small percentage of vaginal tissue is directly affected by the laser.

“The exclusive Hi-Scan V2LR fullangle applicator emits laser energy in a 360° manner, which ensures quick, perfect and even treatments that are easily duplicated over different sessions. With five different types of probes – including a 360° disposable probe – MonaLisa Touch can address the specific and/or anatomic needs of individual patients.” A single use hand piece, the RF Touch adds a complementary tightening treatment to the CO2 laser; a deeper stimulation of the connective vaginal mucosa, improving all the problems related to non-atrophic flabby tissues such as SUI and Vulvo-Vaginal laxity. MonaLisa Touch® is the only laser therapy fully recognised by International Scientific Community and supported by more than 50 international scientific publications.

A 360-degrees approach

The Ultra Femme 360™ is described by manufacturer, BTL, as a great option for women who desire non-surgical improvement of their intimate health. Says Branislav Sucansky of BTL South Africa: “The Ultra Femme 360™ provides a safe and effective treatment that can work wonders comfortably, with no downtime. It uses radiofrequency and ultrasound energy to gently heat the vaginal tissues, which increases blood flow, stimulates collagen and elastin production and causes the tissues to tighten. “This non-surgical treatment can be used to treat both the interior and exterior vaginal tissues for a complete rejuvenation of the vaginal area. The Intravaginal treatment takes eight minutes, while the external treatment is based on your specific needs, and usually takes less than 12 minutes.” He notes that the recommended number of treatment sessions is three, scheduled once a week. This treatment tightens and tones the vaginal tissues for an improvement in sexual pleasure and function, mild urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness and laxity, and cosmetic appearance.