ThermiVa® in Scottsdale & Phoenix, AZ

The non-surgical energy-based systems that are currently being used include the CO2 lasers (e.g. Monalisa Touch™ and Femilift™), erbium (e.g. Diva™) and radio frequency (e.g. ThermiVa®). The purpose of these machines is to “rejuvenate” the area using various different energy systems to increase blood flow, stimulate collagen production and hence improving the problems of vaginal dryness, incontinence, and help tighten the vagina.

Lasers such as the Monalisa Touch™ are fractionated laser devices, which create small “holes” in the vaginal lining. These small wounds stimulate the wound healing mechanism. This would, in turn, create more blood flow to the area and create more collagen and layers of cells including secretory cells which would improve the problems of vaginal dryness and enhance tightening.

The radio frequency devices such as ThermiVa® uses radiofrequency energy to penetrate the lining without causing any wounds but allows for regeneration. Histologic studies in which biopsies of the vaginal lining performed from ThermiVa® and laser patients showed changes within the lining of the vaginal wall with increased collagen, and an increase in cell layer all indicating improved blood flow and regeneration of the lining.

Some of the differences are: the size of the treating device (ThermiVa® is a smaller, slimmer device), ability to treat the external labia (ThermiVa®), time needed for treatment (Monalisa Touch™ is faster), and healing time after the treatment (2-3 days for Monalisa Touch™ vs. none for ThermiVa®). There are also some contraindications to either treatment option.

The recent introduction of two other radiofrequency devices into the market may suggest the possibility that radiofrequency technology is better suited for female rejuvenation purposes. To find the best solutions for your concerns, whether it may be ThermiVa®, MonalisaTouch™ or other options, seeing an experienced physician will be one of the best decisions you can make for yourself.

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Everyone is different, and the severity or extent of your condition can vary. The condition being treated i.e. improving vaginal laxity versus treating stress urinary incontinence is very different. Because of this variability among women, it is difficult to say exactly how many treatments you may need.

Women with mild urinary incontinence may need just one ThermiVa® treatment. However, someone with vaginal dryness for several years may need several treatments in order to get the tissues to heal where they may be satisfied with the outcome. It takes time for the changes to occur at a cellular level after the treatment. New blood flow, collagen growth takes weeks to months to regenerate. Thus, a series of treatments can augment the results.

The reason why many doctors are recommending 3 treatments is that the pilot ThermiVa® study was created with a protocol of 3 treatments. Based on this study, a significant improvement in sexual satisfaction and vaginal looseness was seen in women after three treatments.

Dr. Ong’s personal opinion on this is that physicians should treat the symptom or condition rather than be “sold” on the number of treatments. Some women may need less and some more. Some women may need adjunctive treatments such as hormonal creams, non-hormonal growth factors, or the O-shot™. Once the results are achieved, many women will need an additional treatment between 9-15 months since the environment being treated is constantly changing with time. The “cause” of the condition i.e. lack of estrogen or aging is a constant on-going factor.

The ThermiVa® handpiece was designed with comfort in mind. The width of the active tip that delivers the radiofrequency energy is just 0.5 inches. Its shape is patterned after the natural curvature of the vaginal walls. Warm ultrasound gel is used during ThermiVa® treatment. When the RF energy is delivered patients feel a gentle warming in the vagina, but the sensation is not painful.

A small s-shaped wand applicator is used to deliver the RF energy both to the interior walls of the vagina and to the external labia and other tissues. When the RF energy converts to heat, there is a slight feeling of “warmth”. There is minimal discomfort and no topical or local anesthetic is required.

A ThermiVa® procedure at Ong Institute takes just 30 minutes. It is non-invasive and there isn’t any downtime. Once delivered, the RF energy immediately begins tightening the interior and exterior tissues.

As we get older, our bodies change and this can impact our sex lives. If you feel as if you have lost some sensation during sex, if you feel as if you’ve become dryer than you used to be, and if you have occasional episodes of urinary incontinence, ThermiVa® could be an excellent procedure for you. A side benefit of the radiofrequency energy is that it tightens and firms the outer labia.

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ThermiVa® is completely non-invasive and not painful at all. You can return to your normal activities as soon as you leave our office.

No.

It can be a little messy but most of the time, as long as you are not on the heaviest day of your menstrual period, it is okay to have the ThermiVa® procedure performed. Some patients choose not to have the treatment due to mild discomfort and cramping from the menstrual cycle itself.

Yes. RF treatments with enhance the results of hormonal replacement therapies to improve vaginal tightness, improve moisture, and help with urine incontinence.

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ThermiVa’s radiofrequency energy delivers immediate results, and they continue to improve over the next three to four months after your session. Your results should last for about one year, but if you maintain your treatments at least once yearly, these results can expand for up to three years.