Childbirth, hormonal fluctuations, and the aging process take their toll on a woman’s body in more ways than one. We’re all familiar with the creases that start to form around the eyes and the skin that starts to sag in spots, but changes take place in the vaginal area, as well. Although it’s not often talked about, many women start to notice vaginal dryness, incontinence, and a decline in sexual satisfaction. Viveve, a non-surgical treatment offered at Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates in Chico, CA, can resolve those vaginal issues with one single, painless appointment with no anesthesia and no downtime.
How Does Viveve work?
Viveve uses cryogen-cooled radiofrequency to deeply heat and cool tissue in the vaginal area: a process that stimulates collagen production and restores firmness and elasticity. During your treatment, a smooth, small instrument will be inserted about an inch or two into the vagina. This device will emit pulses of energy that will stimulate natural collagen production. Appointments generally last anywhere from 30 minutes to a little over an hour, and patients can return to their normal schedules immediately afterward. Some patients even schedule this treatment during their lunch hour.
What Does the Treatment Feel Like?
Patients may experience warm and cool sensations during the treatment, but there is no discomfort and no downtime. You won’t even need to use a topical numbing cream.
What Happens After Treatment?
We recommend that patients refrain from sexual activity for 48 hours after treatment to allow the vaginal tissue to begin healing and producing collagen. Many women start to notice some improvement within the first few weeks, with more complete results appearing within six to twelve weeks.
Is This Treatment Permanent?
This is not considered a permanent treatment, in part because the vaginal area will continue to age along with the rest of the body. The treatment is long-lasting, though. A single radiofrequency treatment generally lasts for about a year, and sometimes longer, and patients can seek additional treatments once the efficacy of the first one has worn off.
Why Is a Treatment Like This Necessary?
The vagina area, like other parts of the body, can become weaker and less elasticity with age. The childbearing process can also stretch out the muscles in this area, leaving them loose. As the vagina weakens, several conditions can develop that interrupt comfort in daily life as well as in intimate relationships. Vaginal dryness and itching, more frequent urination, and a decline in sexual satisfaction are all conditions that can develop as the vaginal area ages, particularly during perimenopause and menopause.
What Are the Benefits of Viveve?
There are a number of benefits associated with undergoing this radiofrequency treatment, from getting rid of vaginal itching and burning to improved sexual satisfaction.
More Natural Lubrication
As a woman’s estrogen levels decline after menopause, the vaginal walls begin to thin and natural lubrication declines. The rejuvenating effect of collagen production can strengthen the area and improve lubrication. Dryness, itching, and other discomforts will fade away.
Strength and Tightness
The muscle tone in your vagina will be firmer, tighter, and more resilient after treatment. Many women can feel the difference. Tampons will no longer slip out of place. And women who sometimes experience gaseous sensations as air passes through the vaginal area will see that problem resolved as well. This usually happens when air gets caught in the loose part of the vagina, but this radiofrequency treatment takes care of that looseness.
Fewer Bladder Leaks
By tightening and strengthening the vaginal area, this treatment minimizes bladder leaks and the need to wear moisture-absorbing pads. If you have a tendency to leak a little when you cough, squat, or sneeze, or if you usually need to empty your bladder before strenuous exercise, Viveve Treatment may be able to help.
Improved Sexual Satisfaction
Most patients find that the vaginal tightening associated with this treatment increases friction and sexual satisfaction. They have an easier time climaxing, and intercourse is no longer painful because of vaginal dryness. Once you’ve had undergone a radiofrequency vaginal treatment, intimate time with your partner will once again be something to look forward to. You’ll feel more youthful and vital, and you’ll experience a boost in your self-confidence.
What Other Treatment Options Do I Have?
Vaginal laxity, or vaginal looseness, can sometimes be treated with surgery, although not every patient is interested in a surgical option. Vaginal treatments that rely on lasers or radiofrequency are a newer option, but patients are increasingly turning to them because of their convenience and because of the little downtime they require. Laser treatments work much like a radiofrequency treatment in that they stimulate collagen production for an overall rejuvenation and strengthening of the vaginal tissue.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most women who experience dryness, itching, incontinence, a loss of sexual satisfaction, and other symptoms associated with looseness in the vagina can be considered for this treatment. Women who are in perimenopause, menopause, or who have born children are among the most likely to seek this treatment. Patients who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding generally are not candidates. The best way to find out if this treatment is for you is to talk with your medical provider about the symptoms you are experiencing.
Get Started Today
Are you ready to jumpstart your love life and put frustrating vaginal itching, burning, and bladder leaks behind you? This radiofrequency-based vaginal treatment can help you resolve those intimate concerns in one easy appointment at our clinic. Call Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates in Chico, CA and schedule a Viveve consultation today.