RF-based devices for vaginal rejuvenation

RF-based devices for vaginal rejuvenation

Review Article / International Journal ofWomen's Dermatology 2 (2016) 85–88

Vaginal rejuvenation using energy-based devices / Cheryl Karcher, MD, Neil Sadick,MD

The Protégé Intima (BTL Aesthetics) and Pelleve (Ellman International) devices use RF heat energy to induce collagen regeneration and remodeling. Clinical research shows that 3~4 treatments a month is recommended. [Hamori, 2014]

The ReVive (Viora) uses bipolar RF operating at three different frequencies (0.8Mhz, 1.7Mhz, 2.45Mhz). Treatment is applied to external genitalia and for vaginal tightening. The device provides accurate energy transmission, a wide scope of effects, and high energy transmission. It has electrodes that operate at 130J/cm3 at a pulse duration of 200ms and are cooled to 6°C. A clinical study subjected 14 healthy women in their 50s to an average of 5.6 30-minute treatments without anesthesia at intervals of 2-3 weeks. Nine (64%) of the participants were satisfied with the results and no side effects were reported. [Steven et al., 2014]

The Viveve (Viveve Medical) uses monopolar RF with a 6Mhz cooling system utilizing the patented Thermage® technique. The first clinical trial involving 24 women (ages 25~44) showed that 75-90J/cm2 of energy was transferred to the mucosa layer. Evaluations were made for ten days at the first, third and sixth months. After the first month of treatment 67% of the participants were satisfied with their vaginal tightening and 87% six months after. No side effects were reported. [Millheiser et al., 2010] A second clinical trial involving 30 pre-menopausal women (ages 21~52) showed that a 30-minute treatment of 90J/cm2 energy improved sexual functions after six months. The effects were reported to last for 12 months. [Sekiguchi et al.,2013]

The ThermiVa (ThermiAesthetics) uses RF (0.45Mhz) with a temperature control sensor that enables monitoring of temperature change in the patient’s tissues during treatment. In one clinical study, 23 women (ages 26~58, average age 43.6, average childbirth of 2) received 5-minute treatments in each part of the body for vaginal relaxation, sexual dysfunction, and urinary stress caused by stress. The temperature increase was 40~45°C, treatment area 4~9cm, and treatment duration approximately 30 minutes. Three treatments were made at 4~6 week intervals. All patients felt a change immediately after the first treatment. Overall satisfaction was high, however this treatment scored an average of 3 out of 7 for vaginal relaxation. Reduced urinary inconsistence was observed and, significantly, no side effects were reported. [Alinsod, 2015]

Discussion

RF energy is not absorbed in melanin, which makes it applicable to all skin types. Safety, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction have already been proved. Among them, monopolar RF has been used for urinary inconsistence caused by stress and recently has been used for vaginal tightening. RF treatment requires no anesthesia and the satisfaction level of patients is high due to the warm feeling. However, although it has instant effects, it is not long-lasting, so the treatments are seen as a skincare therapy.

Our company’s Ultra VERA stimulates the fibromuscular layer with the HIFU mechanism to induce collagen generation and tissue regeneration. Therefore, safe treatment to deep layers is possible without causing damage to the mucosa, or the need for surgery. Furthermore, it is well-received by patients as it has long-lasting effects rather than instant effects. It is also effective for the treatment of urinary inconsistence.