Radiofrequency in the Female Genital Laxity - A Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of non-ablative radiofrequency capacitive (RF) in the treatment of sagging skin in the region of labia majora, and the influence on sexual function. Methods: The sample included 9 women with complaints of sagging skin in the labia majora, of which 7 had sexually active. The protocol consisted of 8 sessions of RF, with a temperature of 39 º C to 41 º C, 1x/week for up to 20 minutes. Evaluation tools, photographs taken before the first session and eight days after the last session, which were assessed by the patients themselves and by three health professionals (physiotherapist, dermatologist and gynecologist) were used. Sexual function was assessed by the FSFI questionnaire (Female Sexual Function Index). The age and BMI variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation and analyzed by Student's t test and the remaining variables were expressed as percentages and analyzed by McNemar test. Results: Regarding the clinical response of RF, all patients reported satisfaction with the treatment outcome. In assessing professionals, physiotherapists and gyecologist reported improvement in six (67%) patients and dermatologist mentioned improvement in eight (89%) of patients. With respect to sexual function, there was an increase in mean (SD) of 25.66 ± 5.7 to 27.30 ± 5.5, p = 0.38. Domains arousal and lubrication improved in 5 of 7 patients. Conclusion: RF seems to be an alternative non-invasive treatment for the treatment of skin sagging labia, however being a series of cases is necessary with a randomized evaluation of therapeutic response to long-term clinical trial.

Labial tissue rejuvenation and sexual function improvement using a novel noninvasive focused monopolar radio frequency device

“…Our results suggest that one or two treatments may be sufficient to achieve a very reasonable level of improvement in the treated conditions; however, some patients felt that they would benefit from more than four sessions. The FSFI changes exceeded the results achieved by previous studies (5,8), suggesting the investigated device is a highly efficient modality for treating impeded female sexual function.…”

“…In 2016, a prospective cohort study on 17 women was conducted in Croatia using a monopolar RF device for labial tissue tightening and improvement of labial laxity (5). The investigators reported an average "moderate change" regarding improvement in vulvar appearance.…”

Short time efficacy and safety of focused monopolar radiofrequency device for labial laxity improvement—noninvasive labia tissue tightening. A prospective cohort study

“…Our results may indicate that the model of wider area treatment of vulvar tissue, not introitus only that was discussed by Alisond RM as well, is more effective as tightening of labia majora, labia minora and perineum/vestibulum contributes to the positive perception of aesthetic improvement.…”

Physiotherapy in the Patient With Disorder of Sexual Development: Functionality and Aesthetics

“…A RF trata-se de uma onda eletromagnética e tem seu mecanismo de ação baseado na geração de calor nas camadas cutâneas, com retração imediata do colágeno existente e neocolanogênese ao longo do tempo13. Este recurso tem sido muito utilizado em pacientes com flacidez cutânea de face, tronco e membros, com melhora significativa do quadro 14 , e esta começando a ser utilizado também na região genital 15,16,17 . Um estudo piloto buscou avaliar a segurança da radiofrequência não ablativa em região de grandes lábios, no qual não foi verificado nenhum efeito adverso 17 .…”

“…Este recurso tem sido muito utilizado em pacientes com flacidez cutânea de face, tronco e membros, com melhora significativa do quadro 14 , e esta começando a ser utilizado também na região genital 15,16,17 . Um estudo piloto buscou avaliar a segurança da radiofrequência não ablativa em região de grandes lábios, no qual não foi verificado nenhum efeito adverso 17 . Os estudos que utilizam a radiofrequência não ablativa para frouxidão genital, possuem protocolos diferentes, que variam de acordo com o numero de sessões e o tempo de aplicação.…”