RenovaLase is a non-invasive Er: YAG laser therapy to address symptoms of vaginal atrophy. It is based on the non-ablative photothermal treatment of the vaginal canal. Several clinical studies reveal that it is an efficient, easy-to-use, quick and safe procedure that reduces the need for long-term oestrogen administration.
Even so, many females in this city-state remain conservative about this condition until they speak to their doctors. If you’re among the few who prefer to do your research beforehand, here’s what you need to know about this laser treatment.
What is Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis, occurs when your body starts to produce less oestrogen, leading to the thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls. This condition often occurs after you hit menopause.
For many females, vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful but also leads to distressing urinary symptoms. Because of that, doctors use the term “genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)” to describe vaginal atrophy and its accompanying symptoms. Fortunately, there are simple yet effective treatments for GSM.
What causes Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)?
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is mainly caused by hormonal changes, especially when your body experiences a drop in female sex hormones in the lead-up to menopause, affecting the genitals and urinary tract.
For instance, oestrogen helps lubricate the vagina, and reduced oestrogen levels can cause the vagina to become dry, itchy, and tight. After menopause, oestrogen levels continue to be very low.
GSM can also occur due to other reasons, such as:
- Primary ovarian insufficiency causes the ovaries to stop functioning as they normally do before age 40.
- Surgically induced menopause involves the removal of ovaries in a procedure known as oophorectomy.
- Postpartum and breastfeeding-related hormone imbalances
- Medical treatment, such as cancer, can affect the function of the ovaries or cause sudden hormonal shifts.
- Medications, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists or aromatase inhibitors
Symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
According to a 2020 data overview, most females with GSM report symptoms in their perimenopause and the early postmenopausal period, with vaginal dryness as one of the most common symptoms.
Others include:
- Vaginal burns, itch or irritation
- Reduced vagina lubrication
- Decrease elasticity of the vagina
- Impaired sexual function
- Pain during penetrative intercourse
- Pain during urination
- Greater sense of urgency and frequency in urination
- Increased risk of the vaginal, urinary tract, and bladder infections
You do not need to have all these symptoms to meet the criteria for a GSM diagnosis. Consult your doctor as soon as you experience any of the symptoms above to prevent your condition from worsening.
How does Fotona RenovaLase help with Vaginal Atrophy?
Fotona RenovaLase can help treat vaginal atrophy using laser-induced controlled mild heating of the vaginal tissue to stimulate angiogenesis, fibroblast activity and new collagen formation without causing thermal or ablative damage.
Using Er: YAG non-ablative laser helps to increase the epithelial thickness of the vaginal walls, as well as vascularization of the lamina propria, along with a reduction of the symptoms above, such as dryness, itching, and irritation.
It is a non-invasive laser treatment performed by doctors to ensure proper heating control while providing the best comfort for the patient. Fotona RenovaLase is also suitable for patients with oestrogen-dependent cancer (such as endometrial cancer, breast cancer, etc.) or with a family background of such cancers.
What is the treatment process like?
The Fotona RenovaLase laser treatment for vaginal atrophy is a non-invasive procedure involving gentle heating of the vaginal tissue without causing thermal or ablative damage to the skin. Aside from the pulses that gently deliver laser light to the tissue, the laser operates at an optimal infrared wavelength of 2.94 µm, which coincides with the skin’s maximum absorption level.
Price/Cost of Treatment for Vaginal Atrophy – Fotona RenovaLase in Singapore
At SL Aesthetic Clinic, we offer the Fotona RenovaLase treatment (including pap smear) starting from $1000+ per session. Prices are subject to prevailing GST. For prices on multiple sessions, speak to our doctor to learn more.
FAQ
Yes it is a safe and relatively quick procedure. Fotona IntimaLase is FDA-approved for stress urinary incontinence. It is also effective in vaginal tightening.
Anyone who has given birth vaginally or natural birth or women looking to tighten or maintain their intimate parts. Those with stress urinary incontinence and prolapse can also benefit from this.
The Fotona IntimaLase treatment is unsuitable in the following circumstances:
- Patients with unrealistic expectations looking to return to how they looked/felt when they were younger
- Patients with a tendency to form keloid and hypertrophic scars
- Prior ionising radiation to the area to be treated
- Patients who have had vaginal or cervical surgeries or cancers
- Patients with abnormal pap smear results
- Pregnant women
- Patients taking photosensitive drugs, or with injury or a vaginal infection
- Patients with an undiagnosed vaginal bleeding or active menstruation
There is mild discomfort and very rarely some mild swelling.
Patients can go back to their normal active lifestyles after 1-3 days. Usually normal daily activity is fine. There is very minimal downtime. We advise abstaining from penetrative sexual activity 72 hours after treatment.
During the recovery period, there may be some mild discomfort, a warm sensation and very rarely mild swelling which will resolve in a few days.
Usually for severe cases of Vaginal Relaxation Syndrome, 2 treatments initially once month apart and subsequently yearly maintenance. Most patients do well after one treatment and follow up after 8 months to see if another session is needed. The effects can last 12-16 months.
SL Aesthetic Clinic is one of the few clinics that offer Fotona IntimaLase. The procedure is performed by 2 female doctors, Dr Sue Ho, and Dr Charlene Goh, who have both tried and tested the treatments on themselves and a roster of female volunteers to satisfactory results.
Patients need to have pap smear done first before the treatment. The female doctors at SL Aesthetic Clinic are also equipped to do the pap smear. Pap smear results must be normal, urine culture negative and the vaginal canal free of injuries and bleeding. This should be done preferably 1 week after menstruation.
Before the laser treatment, the patient’s vagina must be cleansed thoroughly at home.
No special post-treatment instructions are needed. Patients are only advised to avoid sexual activities for a period of 72 hours after each of the treatment sessions. We also recommended to do a follow up check 2 days after treatment.
Before the laser treatment, the patient’s vagina must be cleansed thoroughly at home.
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