What is laser vaginal rejuvenation?

Laser vaginal rejuvenation is a quick and painless procedure that uses laser technology to restore the vaginal wall.

Why is laser vaginal rejuvenation done?

The wall of the vagina can change for a number of reasons, leading to dryness, pain during intercourse, or simply a reduction in enjoyment. Some women experience vaginal dryness after the menopause, or find that the vagina becomes less elastic with age or after childbirth. This loss of elasticity might also result in repeated vaginal infections.

For women with vaginal dryness, oestrogen is commonly offered as a treatment option. This is not always effective, as well as being unsuitable for women who have had breast or ovarian cancer. In these situations, laser vaginal rejuvenation may be a preferable option.

What does laser vaginal rejuvenation involve?

Laser vaginal rejuvenation usually involves two courses of treatment which are four to six weeks apart, although some people will need more appointments.

The doctor will insert a small rod gently into the vagina. The rod is then pulled back slowly, and a laser beam makes tiny holes in the vaginal lining. The holes stimulate new blood flow and tissue growth in the vagina.

You won’t feel pain during the procedure, and usually the whole thing takes about 10 minutes. You don’t need to do anything to prepare for the treatment.

Laser vaginal rejuvenation aftercare

Some women report side effects of slight discomfort and swelling after the treatment, but these symptoms generally disappear after a few days.

Your doctor or nurse will advise you not to have sex or use a tampon for four to five days after the procedure to allow the vaginal wall to settle.

You should notice an improvement immediately, as well as continuous improvement over the next few months. Results last for about 18 months to two years, and most women will have a “maintenance” treatment every 12 to 18 months.

Alternatives to this treatment

Laser treatment is one type of vaginal rejuvenation, and is sometimes combined with:

• Labiaplasty, a more common procedure which involves reducing the length of the labia minora.
• Clitoral hood reduction, which often accompanies labiaplasty.
• Labia majorplasty, a procedure which reduces the size of the outer labia majora.
• Monsplasty, a procedure which reduces bulging of the mons.

If the primary motivation for laser treatment is to tighten the vagina, a surgical procedure known as vaginoplasty may be an alternative treatment option.