Hyaluronic Acid and Radiofrequency in Patients with Urogenital Atrophy and Vaginal Laxity

Abstract

Vaginal laxity (VL) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), as well as aesthetic changes in the vulvar skin, often occur together and cause physical, psychological, and functional problems for women and their partners. The current study evaluated the efficacy of a nonsurgical radiofrequency device (RF) procedure combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) injection into the skin of the labia majora on clinical, histological, and aesthetic levels. Twenty women with GSM and VL, aged between 36 and 72 (mean age 53.4), were treated with bipolar RF SECTUM, vaginal and vulvar application, as well as with a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection into the skin of the labia majora. The Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire (VLQ), Vaginal Health Index (VHI), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to examine the clinical effects of the operations. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale was utilized to measure patient satisfaction. On a histochemical level, the concentrations of elastin and collagen in the vaginal wall and vulvar skin were examined. Results: There was significantly higher patient satisfaction and a considerable clinical improvement across all areas of analysis. On the histochemical level, elastin and collagen fiber concentration increased after the treatment protocol both in the vulvar skin and in the vaginal wall: elastin in the vaginal wall, 11.4%, and in the vulvar skin, 61%; collagen in the vaginal wall, 26%, and in the vulvar skin, 27%. The current study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of this nonsurgical RF procedure combined with a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection into the skin of the labia majora on clinical, histochemical, and aesthetic levels.

Effects of Dermal Fillers on Vaginal Laxity and Female Sexual Function: A Minimally Invasive Procedure for Vaginal Rejuvenation

“…A study was performed to treat females with vaginal laxity, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and vulvar cosmetic problems, through a non-surgical radiofrequency method paired with an injection of HA into the labia majora skin. 12 The therapy considerably improved clinical results, as seen by better scores on the Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire (VLQ), Vaginal Health Index (VHI), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), including 20 females with ages ranging from 36-72 years (mean age: 53.4). 12 These 20 patients reported of sexual discomfort in the form of dyspareunia.…”

“…12 The therapy considerably improved clinical results, as seen by better scores on the Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire (VLQ), Vaginal Health Index (VHI), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), including 20 females with ages ranging from 36-72 years (mean age: 53.4). 12 These 20 patients reported of sexual discomfort in the form of dyspareunia. Histological study showed greater levels of elastin and collagen in the vulvar skin and vaginal wall following the surgery (vulvar skin: elastin 61%, collagen 27%).…”

“…These results demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of this radiofrequency and HA combination therapy, providing a viable approach to resolving the physiological, psychological, and cosmetic issues frequently connected to genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal laxity, and vulvar health. 12 The many uses of HA in the field of cosmetology have been explored in research, which highlighted its critical function in both non-invasive skincare through topical preparations and injectable procedures, such as dermal fillers. It also discusses the less important, but still significant functions, of HA in oral supplementation and vaginal preparations.…”

Bipolar Radiofrequency and Non-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Plus Calcium Hydroxyapatite in the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence

“…Recently, there has been a considerable interest in the application of radiofrequency as a therapeutic approach for vaginal laxity and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) [35][36][37][38][39][40][41]. In a similar manner, the existing literature indicates that the use of radiofrequency for the treatment of mild to moderate SUI exhibits promising results, with a negligible likelihood of adverse events [22,36,[42][43][44].…”

Radiofrequency in Cosmetic Gynecology, Literature Review 2018-2023

“…Over this duration, RF devices have evolved to enhance controlled and localized treatment delivery as their ease of use allows reach to specific and targeted depths within tissue layers. Given that cosmetic gynecology patients often raise concerns about precision, RF application in gynecology has been designed to offer precise tissue remodeling and rejuvenation for the treatment of vaginal laxity, stress incontinence, and vulval tightening [1]. RF is non-ablative, making it suitable for varying skin tones and avoiding hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation [2].…”