What are female genital radiofrequency and laser treatments?

Are RF and laser treatments painful?

Both RF and laser treatment heat up the tissues, but they are well tolerated. They can be performed in a clinic setting, often by a nurse or physician's assistant under the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Will I need anesthesia during or after the RF or laser treatment?

RF treatments are done without anesthesia. Laser treatment of the vaginal canal may be done without anesthesia, but external treatment is typically done with topical anesthesia.

Will I need pain pills afterward?

There is typically minimal to no tenderness after RF or laser treatment. Typically patients don't need post-treatment medications.

What should I expect after a treatment?

Patients sometimes experience vaginal discharge for a few days after treatment. Depending upon the device used, patients may be instructed to refrain from intercourse and tampons for one to four days after treatment.

Will I notice results right away?

Heating the tissues affects the cells producing collagen, so the tightening effect may take a month. Tightening of the labia majora with RF can be apparent immediately. Laser treatments result in a more superficial treatment with injury to the epithelium, which takes several days to heal.