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What is Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation? Gynaecologist Explains
- Dr Hala Medical Aesthetics
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
Written by Dr Hala Mahfoud, Consultant Gynaecologist, MRCOG, DipGum, MFSRH
Heard of laser vaginal rejuvenation but not quite sure what it actually does, or if it’s safe? Wondering if it’s just a gimmick, or an intimate wellness treatment that could genuinely help?
These are questions that I hear often in my clinic, especially as laser vaginal rejuvenation becomes more popular. In this article I'll explain what laser vaginal rejuvenation is, and how it works.
By the end, you'll have a better idea around vaginal rejuvenation and if it's right for you.
Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Summary
Laser vaginal rejuvenation is a non-surgical alternative for treating vaginal laxity, dryness, and stress urinary incontinence.
Surgical procedures are still better for some people, such as those with extreme vaginal laxity, atrophy, or uterine prolapse.
The treatment works by heating the vaginal walls using laser energy. This leads to increased collagen production to tighten the vagina, and improved cell function to improve intimate health.
Laser vaginal rejuvenation is best for symptoms such as vaginal laxity, mild vaginal dryness, or stress urinary incontinence. These can often begin because of menopause, pregnancy or childbirth, or as we age.
Symptoms improve from one session, but most people are recommended a full course of 4.
Laser vaginal rejuvenation is safe, but there are a few side effects such as temporary discharge and discomfort.
What is Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation?
Laser vaginal rejuvenation, such as FemiLift fractional CO2 laser, is a non-surgical alternative to surgical vaginal tightening. It is minimally invasive, unlike surgery, and uses laser energy instead of cuts and stitches.
Enhance natural lubrication, as quite an effective vaginal hydration treatment. However, with that said, other intimate treatments like Desirial are actually better for this.
Reduce symptoms of vaginal dryness or discomfort, for improved vaginal health and sexual health.
Support urinary control, making FemiLift laser an option as treatment for mild stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
This doesn't necessarily mean non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation is always the best option though. It has limitations in how much it can improve vaginal laxity (looseness), and can't treat prolapse or severe SUI. So, for some people surgery is simply a better treatment option.
How Does the Treatment Work?
The idea behind laser vaginal rejuvenation is quite simple. The laser treatment increases collagen production and cell function of the vaginal tissue:
A small laser handpiece is gently inserted into the vaginal canal during treatment.
The laser probe then delivers high energy to the vaginal walls, heating the tissue.
The body then triggers its natural healing response, increasing collagen production as we mentioned earlier. The gentle heating also activates cells of the vaginal mucosa for improved function.
The collagen increase in the vaginal walls leads to tightening, and at the bladder neck leads to improved SUI. Improving cellular function leads to a healthier, hydrated, and naturally lubricated vagina.
It’s quite similar in principle to how laser skin tightening works, but tailored to the delicate vaginal tissue.
Most clients report a warm sensation during treatment, which can be a little uncomfortable.
Who Is Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation For?
This treatment is most commonly chosen by women who are struggling with:
Post-Childbirth Changes
Pregnancy and childbirth can have lasting effects on your vagina and intimate health. Many women report dealing with vaginal dryness after pregnancy, and laxity after multiple pregnancies. Furthermore, breastfeeding can also cause vaginal dryness.
For non-nursing mothers, laser vaginal rejuvenation can be excellent for tightening and improving vaginal health.
Symptoms of Menopause
Oestrogen reduction occurs throughout perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. This change in oestrogen levels, and a few other hormones, is actually what causes symptoms such as:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Brain fog
Skin dryness and thinning, which occurs body wide.
Hair thinning and loss
Dryness and thinning in and around the vagina can affect quality of life, not just sexual activity. For example, I've seen clients that have had pain and discomfort even just walking because of vaginal dryness.
Laser rejuvenation can help with the thinning to tighten the vagina and improve intimacy. But it might not be best for severe dryness. Instead I would actually recommend Desirial treatment, for a much more powerful hydrating result.
Plus, you can combine both laser rejuvenation and Desirial for a 360 result.
Lack of Sensation During Sex
Lack of feeling during sex could be because of vaginal laxity, or "looseness". But, it's important to consider the nuance here.
To be blunt; lack of sensation could be down to the size of your partner's penis, and I have seen this before. I have assessed clients in clinic for laser rejuvenation and found they have a perfectly healthy vagina. If there's no need for you to have vaginal tightening, don't feel pressured to or that you have to.
Options for male enhancement are available, such as filler. I would not recommend or perform laser vaginal rejuvenation if it is not needed.
Mild Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
With menopause, aging, or childbirth can also come SUI. This is where you leak urine during activity, or even coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
Often your first recommendation is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. You can do this with daily exercises called Kegel exercises or pelvic floor exercises, and I'd recommend them too. If you're still experiencing SUI, then it might be worth considering laser rejuvenation.
However if you have quite severe SUI, laser rejuvenation may not be for you. It has limits in treating SUI, and so it might be better to consider surgery instead.
Also, we need to rule out urge incontinence first. Unlike SUI leaking urine, urge incontinence is the uncontrollable feeling of needing to urinate. Unfortunately laser treatment won't help with urge incontinence; surgery or medication will be better.
What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
Clients usually start feeling an improvement after just one session of treatment. But, for most I typically recommend a course of 4 treatments for optimal results. You'll have the first 3 sessions monthly, and the 4th is a maintenance session 12 months later.
Benefits build over time as well as with repeated sessions, and can include:
Improved vaginal tightness and tone.
Less vaginal dryness and irritation. Though, I would recommend Desirial first if vaginal dryness is your main concern.
Better control over bladder leaks.
Improved sexual sensation, and daily life.
As well as an improved sense of self, and self-confidence. While these changes are a normal part of life and aging, it doesn't mean you just have to live with them.
Is It Safe?
Yes! When performed by trained professionals, laser vaginal rejuvenation is safe. In fact, it's probably quite a lot safer than alternatives such as surgery. But, there are a few side effects to be aware of:
Vaginal discharge, potentially with spotting, which is normal after treatment. This can happen as soon as the day of your treatment, and continue for up to a week.
Discomfort in the vagina after treatment, often described as a dull ache. This does not happen to everybody, and usually only lasts 1 or 2 days if so.
Your risk of infection is increased during recovery after treatment. So, it's important to follow aftercare advice to avoid infection.
I always begin with a confidential consultation to ensure the treatment is suitable, safe, and aligned with your goals.
Final Thoughts: Is Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Right for You?
If you’re feeling out of touch with your body after childbirth, menopause, or simply over time: you are not alone. And you’re not without options.
Laser vaginal rejuvenation can help restore intimate health, function, and confidence, without the need for surgery.
Of course it isn't the best option for everybody. Whilst I hope this article helps you to understand a little better if it's right for you, I'm here to listen. That's why my consultation and analysis is free of charge. You deserve to have the information and guidance you need before committing financially.
Want to book your free consultation and assessment? Tap the button below to book now.
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