Nonsurgical aesthetic genital procedures

In recent years, there has been a rise in nonsurgical genital procedures – for both men and women. Such medical treatments are minimally invasive and not only boost confidence but can alleviate discomfort and even treat serious medical issues. The number of aesthetic treatments, as well as corrective surgeries, is on the rise, and these treatments are now becoming more and more common.

Nonsurgical Vaginal Rejuvenation

In the past, most surgical procedures were done out of necessity as repairs after obstetrical delivery, but in recent years, more and more women have started to seek out aesthetic treatments. Vaginal rejuvenation is a broad term that covers several corrective and aesthetic procedures which are meant to correct problems that can occur after giving birth and during the aging process. Several treatments fall into the category of vaginal rejuvenation, including non-surgical options. These procedures are targeted not only at tightening the inside of the woman’s vagina, but also at improving the appearance of the labia minora, and majora, and even amplifying the G-spot.

Radiofrequency (RF)

As estheticians, we are familiar with radiofrequency. Treatments using radiofrequency technology are widely used in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. Radiofrequency therapy has been proven to be effective in stimulating the tissue in the vaginal region, and enhancing the cellular structure of skin for increased elasticity and response. RF is a modality that produces a selective and controlled rise in tissue temperature from a high-frequency alternating current. The goal is to induce thermal damage to thus stimulate neocollagenesis in deep layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. After a series of treatments, the treated area appears firmer and tighter. The RF devices that are currently used by physicians treat vaginal laxity as well as stress incontinence and stretched-out labia minora.

One of the most popular devices for RF based vaginal rejuvenation is ThermiVa - a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure to tighten the labia and vagina. The procedure is extremely effective with a success rate of over 95%, and only takes 30 minutes per visit. Most patients require 3 sessions, and the typical cost for 3 sessions is $3,000.

During this procedure, the doctor uses a wand to perform the treatment. The width of the handpiece is about 0.5” with an active tip, the area that will gently heat the tissue via emission of radiofrequency energy. There is a warming sensation, but it is a comfortable heat and not painful. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the treatment.

Filler and Fat Transfer to the Labia Majora.

With age, the labia majora (the larger outer folds of the vulva) tend to lose volume, and the skin may start to have a sagging and deflated appearance. There non-surgical options for restoring the volume in the labia majora, include filler or fat injections. Fillers are the least invasive, since there is no need to harvest the patient’s own fat, hence this type of outpatient procedure had minimal downtime. The fillers used are comparable to those used for facial rejuvenation and consist mostly of Hyaluronic Acid. This type of vaginal rejuvenation is sometimes called the Labial Puff procedure, and the preferable filler is typically used is called Desirial and Desirial Plus. The manufacturer of the filler claims results may last up to one year, however a repeat of the procedure is advised after eight months. The cost of the procedure tends to range between $1500 - $4000 depending on the amount of filler used and the location of the provider.

G-spot Augmentation

The front wall of the vagina, some experts believe, holds the highly erotic G-spot, an especially sensitive stimulation site for female arousal and orgasm. The G-spot amplification/augmentation procedure involves injecting filler into the front wall of the vagina, increasing the G-spot’s size and amplifying sensation. The “G-shot” technique is painless and takes minutes. The treatment cost is around $1,200, and the enlargement effect lasts for up to four months as the filler slowly dissolves.

The O-shot

Another erogenous zone of the vulva is the clitoris, located at the anterior juncture of the labia minora. It contains numerous nerve endings, which account for its central role in tactile stimulation. The O-shot is an injection created by Dr. Charles Runels, the same doctor who pioneered the PRP (platelet-rich plasma) Vampire Facial. This trademarked procedure involves injecting the patient’s own plasma into the clitoris which aims to help those women who experience trouble reaching an orgasm.

Dr. Runels has done studies illustrating that PRP injections into the clitoris encourage stem cell growth and increase sensation, as well as repair nerve endings in that region. The latest published study included women suffering from female genital mutilation, and all participants who received the shot felt increased sensitivity and pleasure and reported being satisfied with their body image. The procedure is very quick and there is no downtime. The typical cost is around $1500.

Nonsurgical Penile Rejuvenation

The P-shot

Similar to the O-shot, the P-shot is PRP injected into the male organ, another procedure coined by Dr. Runels. This simple outpatient procedure claims to create stronger, firmer erections, improved sexual stamina, increased sensitivity, and improve the overall length and girth of the penis. A small amount of blood is drawn in the office at the time of the procedure, that blood is then spun in a specially designed centrifuge which separates the platelets and plasma from the rest of the blood. The platelets are isolated and then injected into the penis following a numbing - so there is no pain.

Penile Filler

This type of procedure is similar to everything we know about facial filler, and done with hyaluronic acid or biostimulatory fillers (which may stimulate collagen production over time). Most estheticians will recognize Juvéderm Voluma, as it is the currently preferred facial filler. This is the filler typically used in the penile region unless the patient opts for something more permanent. Voluma typically lasts up to two years, whereas Bellafill can last up to five years, but is a different type of filler – consisting of polymethyl methacrylate in Bovine collagen. The result with both options is a longer, more girthy appearance, as well as increased sensation. This is an outpatient procedure, and the filler typically settles within two weeks after injecting. There is a small risk of the filler migrating, but with proper patient care, that is minimized. Penile filler cost ranges between $10,000 - $20,000, depending on the amount of product used and the provider’s location.

These types of procedures not only improve the patient’s libido but do wonders on their self-esteem. As both women and men become more comfortable discussing these issues with their physicians, the number of treatments available will increase in the coming years.