There are two types of vaginal rejuvenation procedures: labiaplasty and ThermiVa. Both treatments have been shown to help women enhance the shape and size of female genitalia, reduce pain or pinching of physical tissue, and provide other long-lasting benefits. However, there are many differences between labiaplasty and ThermiVa. As such, it is important for a woman to understand the differences between these procedures to make the best-possible vaginal rejuvenation treatment decision.
Now, let’s take a look at surgical and laser vaginal rejuvenation, how both procedures work, and their pros and cons.
What is Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation (Labiaplasty)?
A labiaplasty is a surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment that involves the removal of excess labial tissue. It helps women improve the size and shape of the female genitalia, and the procedure makes it more comfortable for women to walk, sit, or engage in sexual intercourse.
Surgical vaginal rejuvenation is performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation or under general anesthesia. The surgery takes about one to two hours to complete, and it is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
Most patients can return home the same day a labiaplasty is performed. The total recovery time associated with a labiaplasty is about six weeks, and it varies depending on the patient. During the labiaplasty recovery period, patients may need to avoid strenuous exercise or sexual activity.
The patient satisfaction rate of labiaplasty surgery is greater than 90%, and the risks associated with surgical vaginal rejuvenation are minimal. Additionally, there are many reasons why a woman may choose to receive a labiaplasty, and these include:
- Labial asymmetry
- Difficulty wearing tight-fitting clothing
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse or physical activity
- Labial hypertrophy (enlarged labia)
Women sometimes choose to undergo a labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons, too. For example, if a woman is self-conscious about the female genitalia or wants to improve its appearance, a labiaplasty may be ideal.
The decision to undergo a labiaplasty may be difficult. Prior to treatment, a urologist meets with a woman to determine if she qualifies for surgical vaginal rejuvenation. If so, the urologist then outlines all aspects of a labiaplasty surgery and responds to a patient’s treatment concerns and questions.
What is Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation (ThermiVa)?
ThermiVa is a non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment. It may provide a viable labiaplasty alternative for women who want to avoid going under the knife.
A ThermiVa treatment involves the use of radio-frequency (RF) technology to promote natural collagen production and tissue rejuvenation. During a ThermiVa procedure, a specially designed handpiece is used to administer gentle thermal energy to the vaginal area. This handpiece features an active tip that heats the vaginal tissue via the emission of RF energy. It is carefully moved over the labia and inside the vagina and heats these areas in a controlled manner. As a result, the handpiece delivers a gentle sensation similar to a warm massage.
Following a ThermiVa procedure, women often see a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the vagina. Other benefits associated with ThermiVa treatments include:
- Tighter vagina
- Improved vaginal lubrication
- Enhanced sexual orgasms
- Improved urinary control
A typical ThermiVa session lasts about 30 minutes, and no anesthesia or incisions are required. Patients usually see immediate vaginal tissue tightening after their first ThermiVa session, and more significant results occur over the course of three to four months. To achieve the best-possible ThermiVa treatment results, patients may require at least three sessions over a period of three to four months.
Patients can receive ThermiVa as an outpatient procedure. There is no downtime, pain, or discomfort after a ThermiVa procedure. Instead, women can resume their everyday activities or engage in sex following a ThermiVa session.
ThermiVa helps increase the body’s collagen production in the treated area, and patients may enjoy up to two years of vaginal tissue tightening from treatment. Follow-up ThermiVa treatments may be needed after one to two years.
The ideal candidates for ThermiVa include women who experience vaginal dryness, lack of friction or sensation during sex, or painful intercourse. Although ThermiVa is not designed to treat female incontinence, patients who are dealing with mild stress incontinence sometimes report leaky bladder symptom improvements following ThermiVa treatments, too.
ThermiVa may also prove to be a great addition to a mommy makeover, which involves one or more procedures to help a woman address any post-pregnancy body concerns. A ThermiVa treatment can be administered approximately six weeks after a woman gives birth or between pregnancies.
Those who are interested in ThermiVa should find a skilled urologist to administer treatment. By doing so, a patient can work with a urologist who provides a personalized ThermiVa treatment plan.
Initially, a urologist requests a patient consultation to learn about a woman and her non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment goals. He or she then performs a physical examination, as well as evaluates a patient’s medical history. A urologist may also request specialized testing to determine if ThermiVa can help a patient achieve her desired results.
If a woman qualifies for ThermiVa, a urologist will explain how the procedure is performed. He or she allocates time and resources to help a patient prepare for ThermiVa treatments. That way, a patient can determine if ThermiVa is the right choice based on her individual needs.
Which Is Better: Labiaplasty or ThermiVa for Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Many women pursue labiaplasty and ThermiVa for vaginal rejuvenation, and both treatments offer safe, effective results. Yet the ideal vaginal rejuvenation procedure depends on the individual. In some instances, women prefer labiaplasty because the procedure usually requires just a few hours to complete and delivers long-lasting vaginal rejuvenation results. On the other hand, some women prefer ThermiVa because it offers no downtime, quick treatment sessions, and no surgery.
At Comprehensive Urology, our team of friendly, knowledgeable urologists is happy to teach patients about labiaplasty and ThermiVa. Our urologists meet with patients, learn about their vaginal rejuvenation goals, and develop custom treatment plans. We are committed to patient satisfaction, and we are happy to help patients determine if labiaplasty or ThermiVa is the best option to provide long-lasting vaginal rejuvenation. To find out more about our labiaplasty and ThermiVa treatments, please contact us today at (310) 499-2756 to schedule a consultation with one of our urologists.