What is ThermiVa?
ThermiVa is a non-surgical, no downtime procedure that uses radio-frequency technology to tighten female external genital skin and the vagina. It can also improve urinary stress incontinence, dryness, and sensitivity issues.
ThermiVa works by tightening collagen through gentle heating over a sustained period of time. Using a device that delivers radio-frequency energy, we heat the collagen layer of the skin and vaginal tissues to the temperature at which the collagen contracts. To do so safely, thermal sensors are incorporated into the device to precisely control the temperature of the tissues being treated. Changes are induced within the collagen which result in tissue tightening without causing damage to the skin’s surface or to the vaginal lining.
When collagen in the genital skin tightens, the effects can be dramatic. Gynecologists and dermatologists who administer this treatment have found it extremely effective for a wide range of issues.
What Does ThermiVa Treat?
Stress Incontinence
For women who have given birth, this procedure can tighten stretched tissues and improve intimacy.
Stress incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine that occurs with laughing, coughing, straining, or bouncing. Over time, the bladder can change position and shift backward toward the vagina. This can occur from injury sustained during childbirth, but can also be part of the aging process. ThermiVa treatment can tighten the urethra and the neck of the bladder back up against the internal surface of the pubic bone. This repositioning of the urinary structures back toward normal can improve or eliminate urinary stress incontinence.
Genital Dryness and Loss of Sensitivity
For women who experience vaginal dryness from menopausal onset or hormonal changes, ThermiVa works to stimulate lubrication. Female lubrication isn’t related to glandular secretion, but rather blood vessels and blood flow in the vaginal wall which diminishes with loss of hormonal stimulation. The radiofrequency induced heat stimulates the return of new blood vessels. As new blood vessels appear under the surface of the vaginal wall, moisture production increases. This increase in lubrication improves the sexual experience.
Also, patients regenerate new nerve endings in treated tissues after ThermiVa. Many women report increased sensitivity — not just vaginally but also in the clitoral area. Orgasmic quality and intensity can be enhanced. Occasionally, women who have not previously been able to reach orgasm can achieve this experience.
The benefits of ThermiVa seem too good to be true, yet patients (and their partners) are continually pleased with their results from this procedure.
What are the Alternative Treatments?
ThermiVa is the first in its kind of technology for female rejuvenation. It provides a non-invasive means of manipulating and repairing tissue with energy.
However, the CO2 laser can also be used for female rejuvenation, but can produce a few days of downtime following the procedure. Patients considering any type of female rejuvenation procedure should discuss which option is best for their specific needs with their provider.
What Should You Expect During Treatment?
During the procedure, a small probe the diameter of your little finger is inserted into the vagina and rubbed over the skin of the external genitalia. No incision is necessary and overall discomfort is minimal. The patient will feel heat and maybe an occasional twinge. The procedure takes 20-30 minutes and requires no downtime. Women can typically come in for the procedure on their lunch break and return to work that afternoon.
After treatment, tightening results are often immediate, but optimal remodeling occurs in a staged process. We recommended a series of three treatments about one month apart. Like other collagen remodeling procedures, full results develop over the course of six months after the last treatment. If the patient wants further tightening after six months, they can work with their provider to create a plan for maintenance treatments.
ThermiVa FAQ’s
Who are the best candidates?
While ThermiVa can be used for many types of patients, the ideal candidates for this procedure are women who:
- Experience stress incontinence
- Have stretched tissue from childbirth
- Struggle with itchiness or dryness from a loss of lubrication in the vaginal area
What does recovery look like?
One of the biggest benefits of ThermiVa is that there’s no downtime for patients. Most often, patients will come in for treatment in-between daily appointments or even on their lunch break.
How many sessions will I need?
In order to obtain optimal results, patients are recommended to have a set of three sessions at least one month apart. Six months after your last session, your doctor will work with you to develop an additional treatment plan if further results are desired or needed.
When will I see results?
Patients often see results immediately, but optimal results can take up to six months due to the extended process of collagen remodeling.
Is it safe?
This procedure is both effective and safe when performed by properly trained and appropriately supervised health care professionals. There are very few potential side effects and no required downtime. For patients uncomfortable with invasive or aggressive procedures, this is an effective alternative option.
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