In recent years, non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation has become increasingly popular among women seeking to improve their sexual health and overall quality of life. Thanks to advances in medical technology, there are now a variety of non-surgical treatment options available for addressing issues such as vaginal laxity, dryness, and discomfort. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation technologies on the market today, including:
- CO2 laser-based treatments: Femilift, Monalisa Touch, and Nu-V
- Radiofrequency-based treatments: Votiva, Thermiva, and Viveve
- Erbium:YAG and Nd:YAG-based treatments: IntimaLase and Juliet
We’ll compare these technologies in terms of how they work, their effectiveness, safety, recovery time and side effects, and cost, to help you determine which one might be the best choice for your needs.
- Introduction: The Growing Popularity of Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation
- CO2 Laser-Based Treatments: Femilift, Monalisa Touch, and Nu-V
- Radiofrequency-Based Treatments: Votiva, Thermiva, and Viveve
- Erbium:YAG and Nd:YAG-Based Treatments: IntimaLase and Juliet
- How Do These Technologies Work?
- Effectiveness: What Results Can You Expect?
- Safety: Are These Treatments Safe?
- Recovery Time and Side Effects
- How Long Do Results Last?
- Comparing Cost: What You Can Expect to Pay
- Which Treatment Is Right for You?
- Conclusion: Which Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation Technology Is the Best Choice?
Monalisa Touch
- Technology: CO2
- Effectiveness: Mild-moderate
- Recovery Time: Minimal downtime
- Results Last: 1-3 years
- Medical device approval: Yes
- Delivered by: Medical professionals
- Price: £1,500 to £3,500 per treatment
- Women led and delivery: No
Nu-V
- Technology: CO2
- Effectiveness: Mild-moderate
- Recovery Time: Minimal downtime
- Results Last: 1-3 years
- Medical device approval: Yes
- Delivered by: Medical professionals
- Price: £332 per treatment
- Women led and delivery: Yes
Femilift
- Technology: CO2
- Effectiveness: Mild-moderate
- Recovery Time: Minimal downtime
- Results Last: 1-3 years
- Medical device approval: Yes
- Delivered by: Medical professionals
- Price: £1,500 to £3,500 per treatment
- Women led and delivery: No
Votiva
- Technology: RF
- Effectiveness: Mild-moderate
- Recovery Time: Minimal downtime
- Results Last: 1-3 years
- Medical device approval: Yes
- Delivered by: Medical professionals
- Price: £1,500 to £3,500 per treatment
- Women led and delivery: No
Thermiva
- Technology: RF
- Effectiveness: Mild-moderate
- Recovery Time: Minimal downtime
- Results Last: 1-3 years
- Medical device approval: Yes
- Delivered by: Medical professionals
- Price: £1,500 to £3,500 per treatment
- Women led and delivery: No
Viveve
- Technology: RF
- Effectiveness: Mild-moderate
- Recovery Time: Minimal downtime
- Results Last: 1-3 years
- Medical device approval: Yes
- Delivered by: Medical professionals
- Price: £1,500 to £3,500 per treatment
- Women led and delivery: No
IntimaLase
- Technology: Erbium:YAG and Nd
- Effectiveness: Mild-moderate
- Recovery Time: Minimal downtime
- Results Last: 1-3 years
- Medical device approval: Yes
- Delivered by: Medical professionals
- Price: £1,500 to £3,500 per treatment
- Women led and delivery: No
Juliet
- Technology: Erbium:YAG and Nd
- Effectiveness: Mild-moderate
- Recovery Time: Minimal downtime
- Results Last: 1-3 years
- Medical device approval: Yes
- Delivered by: Medical professionals
- Price: £1,500 to £3,500 per treatment
- Women led and delivery: No
CO2 Laser-Based Treatments: Femilift, Monalisa Touch, and Nu-V
CO2 laser-based treatments work by delivering controlled thermal energy to the vaginal tissue, which stimulates collagen production and promotes tissue regeneration. Femilift, Monalisa Touch, and Nu-V are all examples of CO2 laser-based treatments for vaginal rejuvenation.
Nu-V is a non-invasive, painless treatment that uses a handheld device to deliver CO2 laser energy to the vaginal tissue. The procedure typically takes less than 10 minutes and requires no anesthesia or downtime. Many women report improved vaginal tightness, lubrication, and sexual sensation after undergoing Nu-V treatment. Nu-V is an exclusive technology used by The Womens Health Clinic which is led by women for women and all treatments must be delivered by medically qualified women.
Femilift is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a specially designed probe to deliver laser energy to the vaginal walls. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and requires no anesthesia or downtime. Many women report improved vaginal tightness, lubrication, and sexual sensation after undergoing Femilift treatment.
Monalisa Touch is another CO2 laser-based treatment that has gained popularity in recent years. Like Femilift, it works by stimulating collagen production and promoting tissue regeneration. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and requires no anesthesia or downtime. Some women report improved vaginal dryness, itching, and pain after undergoing Monalisa Touch treatment.
Radiofrequency-Based Treatments: Votiva, Thermiva, and Viveve
Radiofrequency-based treatments work by delivering thermal energy to the vaginal tissue, which stimulates collagen production and promotes tissue regeneration. Votiva, Thermiva, and Viveve are all examples of radiofrequency-based treatments for vaginal rejuvenation.
Votiva is a non-invasive treatment that uses a handheld device to deliver radiofrequency energy to the vaginal tissue. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and requires no anesthesia or downtime. Many women report improved vaginal tightness, lubrication, and sexual sensation after undergoing Votiva treatment.
Thermiva is another radiofrequency-based treatment that has gained popularity in recent years. Like Votiva, it works by stimulating collagen production and promoting tissue regeneration. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and requires no anesthesia or downtime. Some women report improved vaginal dryness, itching, and pain after undergoing Thermiva treatment.
Viveve is a non-invasive treatment that uses a specially designed probe to deliver radiofrequency energy to the vaginal tissue. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and requires no anesthesia or downtime. Many women report improved vaginal tightness, lubrication, and sexual sensation after undergoing Viveve treatment.
Erbium:YAG and Nd:
IntimaLase by Fotona is a non-invasive, laser-based treatment that uses Erbium:YAG laser technology to deliver controlled thermal energy to the vaginal tissue. This energy is absorbed by the vaginal tissue, causing collagen to contract and tighten, leading to increased firmness and elasticity of the vaginal walls. IntimaLase is a quick and painless procedure that can be completed in about 30 minutes, and patients can usually return to their normal activities immediately after the treatment.
Juliet by Cutera is another laser-based vaginal rejuvenation treatment that uses both Erbium:YAG and Nd:YAG laser technology to stimulate collagen production in the vaginal tissue. Juliet is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed in-office and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. The treatment involves the insertion of a small probe into the vaginal canal, which delivers controlled laser energy to the tissue. Juliet is a relatively painless procedure, and patients can usually resume their normal activities immediately after the treatment.
Others
There are other less used technoloiges in the Medical sector such as Femiwand and other LED based devices. These are more of a therapist led treatment. We are unable to comment on their efficiency. If you do consider using any of these technologies, we will advice you make sure that your practitioner is CQC Regulated and approved. This will ensure that you protect yourself from any risks as FDA has very rightly highlighted.
How Do These Technologies Work?
Each of these technologies works in a different way to achieve the goal of vaginal rejuvenation. CO2 laser treatments use laser energy to stimulate collagen production and tighten the vaginal tissue. Radiofrequency-based treatments use heat to stimulate collagen production, while erbium:YAG and Nd:YAG-based treatments use laser energy to stimulate collagen production and improve blood flow.
Effectiveness: What Results Can You Expect?
Overall, patients who undergo non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation report high satisfaction rates with the results. However, the effectiveness of each technology varies. CO2 laser treatments are effective at treating mild to moderate vaginal laxity and dryness, while radiofrequency-based treatments can also improve mild to moderate vaginal laxity and improve sexual function. Erbium:YAG and Nd:YAG-based treatments are effective for mild to moderate vaginal laxity, vaginal dryness, and mild stress urinary incontinence.
Safety: Are These Treatments Safe?
All of these technologies have been shown to be safe when performed by a qualified and experienced healthcare provider. The risk of complications is low, and side effects are typically mild and temporary.
Recovery Time and Side Effects
The recovery time and side effects vary depending on the technology used. CO2 laser treatments and radiofrequency-based treatments typically have minimal downtime and mild side effects such as swelling, redness, and mild discomfort. Erbium:YAG and Nd:YAG-based treatments may have slightly longer recovery times and more significant side effects such as bruising and discomfort.
How Long Do Results Last?
The duration of results varies depending on the technology used and the individual patient. Generally, the results of non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation last between 1-3 years, after which maintenance treatments may be required.
Comparing Cost:
What You Can Expect to Pay The cost of non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation varies depending on the technology used, the geographic location, and the healthcare provider. CO2 laser treatments and radiofrequency-based treatments typically cost between $2,500-$4,500 per treatment, while erbium:YAG and Nd:YAG-based treatments may cost more.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
The choice of technology for non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation depends on the individual patient’s goals and needs. Patients should consult with a qualified and experienced healthcare provider to determine which technology is right for them.
In conclusion, non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatments have gained popularity in recent years due to their minimally invasive nature and the ability to improve sexual function, vaginal laxity, and urinary incontinence. Femilift, MonaLisa Touch, and Nu-V are CO2 laser-based treatments, while Votiva, THERMIva, and Viveve use radiofrequency technology. IntimaLase and Juliet use Erbium:YAG and Nd:YAG laser technology. Each treatment has its own strengths and weaknesses, and patients should carefully consider their options and consult with a qualified medical professional to determine which treatment is right for them.
As women age, hormonal changes can lead to a loss of strength and elasticity in the muscles and connective tissues surrounding the vagina. This can result in vaginal laxity, which can negatively impact a woman’s sexual satisfaction, as well as cause symptoms such as painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, and urinary incontinence. Fortunately, non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation technologies such as CO2 laser, radiofrequency, and erbium:YAG and Nd:YAG-based treatments offer a safe and effective way to address these issues and restore vaginal health. By comparing the available options, women can make an informed decision about which technology is right for them and regain confidence in their intimate lives.
__
The question regarding efficacy and outcomes for vaginal rejuvenation is not merely to look at the device being used. This is to take a simplistic approach and often involves clinics/practitioners relying on one form of device in their tool box ( the one they have leased or bought and were sold well typically). Most of the energy based devices on the market work by either applying heat or mechanical damage to existing skin/collagen with the aim of creating a controlled injury and triggering a natural would healing pathway resulting in improvements in a variety of symptoms over a period of weeks and months. CO2 laser; in our view is the gold standard and has been used for decades in delivering results.
The prime goal for treatment is to manage outcomes and expectation for each individual patient, whilst delivering suitable tailored evidence based treatments, advice and support.
The keys to successful patient outcomes are not solely relain on the modality, and it is important that an holistic approach is taken to maximise appropriateness for the patients condition, and budget as well as to explore what the bigger picture is. Investigations and discussions involving such topics as lifestyle, menopause status, pregnancy and childbirth experiences, health, medications, mental well being, relationships, intimacy and sexual health give the practitioner a much bigger jigsaw puzzle than simply applying a device in a generic one size fits all fashion.
In the UK, there is no regulation for use of any devices and user qualifications. Energy based devices generally fall under the radar and are coupled with aesthetics, with no set syllabus for training, qualifications, servicing, even where they are to be used and who by and who on.
This is quite a quagmire for patients seeking treatment, as everyone will tell you in blogs, TikToks, Instagram etc , that their clinic is best, their device is best, their price is best.
When choosing a practitioner many women are looking for reassurance, a knowledgable and skilled practitioner, a caring and safe environment, excellent standards of cleanliness, a friendly listening and empathic port of call ( whether face to face, e-mail or phone). They want to know that the treatment will improve their presenting complaint, and that there will be no harm. Patients want to know and see the practitioner is qualified and has experience. If the “industry” is not regulated, then where does that reassurance come from? How can it be checked? Where do I go if I need more help? Who will be my voice if I need further help? Is my treatment specifically for me or does everyone get the same?
In 2018 the American regulator the FDA issued a warning about energy based devices being used vaginally and scared the wits out of anybody reading it, that there were serious risks. You may think that here at The Womens Health Clinic (TWHC) that we would have been just as alarmed. Quite the contrary, we agreed that regulation is the safest way to ensure a standardised approach is applied.
In the UK in 2010 lasers were de-regulated! The UK Regulatory Authority’s decision to de- regulate cosmetic lasers in 2008 was prompted by a review of the overall risk and benefits to patients.
The UK Department of Health’s stated “The levels of risk involved in the use of lasers/IPL equipment for non-surgical purposes leads us to believe that the current regulatory regime ( as of 2008) is not proportionate to the risk of harm to patients,”.
In the UK The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for the regulation of therapeutic products in the UK.
Our own response to this news was disbelief especially with the intimate nature of Nu-V Co2 laser treatment, being compared to laser hair removal or skin rejuvenation.
Our own journey with becoming registered with the Care Quality Commission for our regulated medical activities took us down some rabbit holes related to the Nu-V specifically.
On the one hand for non-medically trained practitioners in nail bars, salons, spas, even their own home, there is no regulation. We strongly believed that our standards for our clinics must be the highest they could be and go above and beyond the basic level of regulation in the aesthetics industry. We felt it is complete and utter madness to allow non-medical aesthetic professionals and therapists with very little knowledge of Women’s Health to be inserting laser heads inside the vagina. At TWHC we carefully select our nurses to ensure that they have specialist knowledge in Gynaecology, Urology, Sexual Health, Menopause, Midwifery and other Women’s Health areas.
The CQC took the decision that Nu-V in a CQC registered clinic, delivered by nurses/Drs with specific skills/qualifications relating to women’s health is a regulated activity, which is not the case for non medical practitioners.
This is where is is apparent that the type of device isn’t the important issue here isn’t it?!
TWHC is a chain of Female Nurse-led CQC registered clinics and all of our certificates, training, appraisals, are visible. You can see the nurse’s credentials on the website, you pick up the phone to be greeted by a nurse for a free 20 minute assessment ,not a salesperson, you have a minimum 45 minute face to face consultation before proceeding to treatment. We have strict clinical governance processes in place to ensure infection control is managed, electrical safety and health and safety are adhered to, and servicing is documented on every item in our clinic and so forth. This is key to the safe running of the clinic and the treatment.
The treatment itself is is very short and minimally invasive, but the background work is almost as, if not more, important. Every patient has a full pelvic floor and vaginal examination to help the nurse to tailor the treatment to their specific needs every time.
TWHC advocates a holistic approach to women’s health whereby it gathers a wide range of clinical data in relation to patients physical, sexual and mental wellbeing. During the consultation all such information along with the notes are carefully considered in accordance with our strict guidelines. Only appropriate patients are offered a Nu-V treatment and clearly given the choice to go back and consider options including alternative treatments outside Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation . This very important process is repeated at every consultation (face to face) and again; the patient is advised to go back and reconsider and embrace all other adjuvant therapies that may help.
Screening for female sexual dysfunction with validated questionnaires, a simple vaginal examination to identify vaginismus or pelvic floor abnormalities and education about of one’s own body structure, anatomy, and ageing process are prerequisites to treatment. Treatment is only carried out upon full consent process that clearly explains the treatment.
We feel that this approach is the only way that can guarantee all of the above and the most excellent levels of care and service delivery for every single patient who attends our clinic.