Have you noticed increased vaginal dryness? Do you feel that your vaginal tissues aren’t as tight as they were when you were younger? Is sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful? Is incontinence starting to affect how you live your daily life? It may be surprising to learn that these physical changes are experienced by most women. Aging, hormone changes, genetics, overstretched vaginal tissue due to childbirth and stretching of vaginal tissue from sexual activity can cause these symptoms and negatively impact intimacy and your quality of life.
Your sexual health is an integral part of your overall health and wellbeing, and at Umansky Plastic Surgery we understand and we are here to help. While we cannot alter genetics or stop the natural aging process, we are proud to offer La Jolla patients a treatment with Viveve: a revolutionary, non-invasive, painless and highly effective procedure that restores vaginal tissue and gives our patients a new lease on life in just one treatment session.
What is Viveve?
Viveve strengthens and rejuvenates vaginal tissue by delivering cryogen-cooled monopolar radiofrequency (CMRF) energy to vaginal tissues. The Viveve device is inserted just inside the vaginal opening, and the tip delivers CMRF energy into the walls of the vagina. This energy heats the underlying tissue, activating the body’s natural healing response and stimulating collagen production. As the CMRF energy is being delivered to deeper layers of tissue within the vagina, the device simultaneously cools the delicate surface tissue of the vagina.
Viveve is safe, painless and low risk, but offers significant benefits. It is an effective, FDA-approved treatment that has been clinically proven to improve:
- Vaginal laxity
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal sensitivity
- Comfort during sexual intercourse
- Sexual climax
- Intimacy
- Incontinence
- Urinary leakage
- Overactive bladder
How Does Viveve Work?
The ultimate purpose of Viveve is to safely and effectively stimulate collagen production in the vagina. Collagen is the primary structural protein in skin and connective tissue, providing elasticity and strength while making these tissues feel supple and firm. Through the natural aging process, collagen production decreases. Just as the skin on our face loses its tightness and firmness, similar laxity occurs in the vagina. Diminished collagen production causes vaginal tissue to weaken, thereby causing loss of firmness, decreased structural flexibility, dryness, pain during sexual intercourse and incontinence.
The Viveve Procedure
Viveve is non-invasive and non-surgical; thus you will not need anesthesia or numbing medication. When you come in for your Viveve treatment, you will lay down, put your feet in stirrups and be able to simply relax during this pain-free procedure. The treatment area is cleaned, and a lubricant is applied to the tip of the instrument, which is similar to the size and shape of a toothbrush.
Next, the tip is inserted one to two inches into the vaginal opening. Once the instrument is in place, it is moved gently in a circular manner, treating the entire circumference of the vagina. Viveve works by emitting pulses of CMRF energy into the walls of the vagina while simultaneously cooling the surface tissues to prevent damage, so you may experience slight sensations of warming and cooling during the procedure, but neither should be uncomfortable or painful. After 30 to 45 minutes, your Viveve session is complete, and you are free to return to work or your normal activities.
Recovery and Downtime
There is no recovery or downtime with Viveve, and most La Jolla patients return to their normal activities immediately following their treatment. Some patients report mild swelling, redness and tingling in the vaginal area; however, these symptoms are usually mild and temporary and should not interfere with your daily life. The only caution is to avoid vaginal penetration for the next two days to allow the vaginal tissues time to recover. If at any time after your procedure you have questions or concerns, call Umansky Plastic Surgery so we can review your symptoms and determine if you should come in for a follow-up.
Viveve Results
Viveve works at the cellular level, so it may be a few weeks before you notice any changes. The treated vaginal tissue will remain the same for approximately seven to ten days after the Viveve procedure, after which time, collagen production will begin. Cell replacement and collagen production will be in full force one month after your Viveve treatment, and will continue the rebuilding process until approximately three months post-procedure.
Six to nine weeks after their procedure, most patients notice a dramatic improvement in vaginal sensitivity, tightness and lubrication, as well as a significant reduction in or complete elimination of urinary incontinence. Results last approximately one year, sometimes longer; however, your vaginal tissues will continue to age naturally, so when and if your symptoms return, retreatment is possible. Most patients are extremely satisfied with Viveve and feel that the procedure has improved not only their love life, but their overall quality of life.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Any woman who is experiencing vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, reduced arousal, difficulty climaxing, changes in their sexual function, urinary leakage, overactive bladder or incontinence can benefit from Viveve. While childbirth can overstretch vaginal tissues and supporting muscles, magnifying vaginal laxity and incontinence, all women get older, experience hormonal changes and have diminished collagen production that can negatively impact their vaginal function and sexual health.
In addition, because of the non-invasive nature of the procedure, Viveve is accessible to women with a wide range of medical conditions and chronic illnesses who may otherwise be unable to undergo more invasive treatments.
At Umansky Plastic Surgery, we understand that sexual discomfort and vaginal health are delicate topics for some patients. We are here to answer the questions that may be difficult for you to ask, so that you don’t have to suffer in silence.
We see sexual health as a real concern for many of our female patients, which is why we want to help restore function and confidence to your love life. Call us at 858-281-4560 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced team members. They will answer your intimate questions and recommend the best treatment plan to eliminate sexual discomfort, improve urinary incontinence and restore your sexual vitality.