Kristina M. Sogocio, MD

Thank you for your inquiry.

The short answer to your question is yes--LHR can indeed cause hyperpigmentation. This is often due to incorrect settings being used for the appropriate Skin tone/color (eg. higher risk in Fitz 4-6 skin types). Additionally, this can happen with older LHR devices. The newer technology, like DIolaze XL by InMode Aesthetics (available with their different devices), has a built-in cooling mechanism that helps to prevent over heating of the skin. The technology also targets the follicle very specifically if done with the correct settings for the appropriate skin tone.

Depending on the severity of the hyperpigmentation, your provider should recommend and/or prescribe a skin care product that can help address this as soon as possible (eg. Hydroquinone). Future treatments should be temporarily put on hold until the hyperpigmentation resolves. You should discuss the treatment settings with your provider to ensure that he/she used the appropriate settings and considers decreasing the energy settings to avoid any recurrences. With decreased energy setting(s), you may need more treatments to achieve your desired outcomes; but in the end, this will ensure your safety and minimize and/or avoid any hyperpigmentation recurrences.

Best of luck.

Hello--thank you for your inquiry. In response to your question, the short answer is "yes." Vaginal Rejuvenation is just that: for the vagina; treatments are not meant to target the cervix. Thus, having had the cervix removed does not affect your opportunities to treat your vaginal tissue. In addition, the external area outside the vagina (referred as the vulva, which also includes the labia) can be treated with some Vaginal Rejuvenation procedures. For example, the Morpheus 8V and Forma-V treatments (provided from the EmpowerRF platform by InMode Aesthetics) can effectively treat both the internal and external areas of the vagina. These treatments typically target concerns like: laxity, dryness, "looseness," pain with intercourse, incontinence, and loss of sensation. These treatments are well tolerated, and there is minimal to no downtime with these procedures, which can be done in the comfort of your provider's office. You should preferably find a gynecologist or provider who is very comfortable, knowledgeable, and experienced with the female anatomy and genitalia and these treatments.

On a side note, when you state "total hysterectomy," in layman's terms, that usually indicates that the ovaries were removed as well. If the ovaries were indeed removed, then the loss of estrogen will absolutely affect the quality of your tissue over time. Without estrogen replacement (either vaginally or systemically), your vaginal and vulvar tissue will become atrophic (eg. contracted, dry, easily irritated and traumatized with sexual activity). Additionally, Vaginal Rejuvenation treatments will be much less effective due to the inevitable changes in the quality of the tissue without estrogen replacement. If hormonal therapy is not a desired, or is a contraindicated option for you, invest in good quality vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and pre- and probiotics to help maintain the overall pH of the genital tissue. Also, be cautious of DHEA and testosterone only compounded creams, as they can cause potential clitormegaly that might be difficult to reverse. If you retain your ovaries, then hormonal therapy might not yet be needed until you transition into menopause. You can still use good quality vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and pre- and probiotics to help maintain the overall pH of the genital tissue, as this will only enhance the quality of your tissue and the overall Vaginal Rejuvenation treatment results.

Education is key!
Best of luck!

Thank you for your inquiry. You could try a combined SkinPen treatment (contraindicated in those with a stainless steel allergy) with a FORMA treatment (by InMode Aesthetics). The SkinPen has a maximum depth of treatment of 2.5 mm and the FORMA handpiece delivers RF energy with no needles. However, since you mention only having "minor" laxity, you could also do an extended series of just FORMA treatments at the neck (but you might as well include the face too!) for the tightening effect. My advice is limited as there are no pics to adequately evaluate your neck concerns.

Best of luck!

So sorry about your unfortunate experience with dermal filler. I'm not entirely sure the "fanning technique" with a HA filler was the appropriate approach for your lower face treatment; but since I do not know of any the original details regarding that encounter, I cannot comment further.

However, skin tightening can be achieved by either FORMA or Morpheus 8, or any RF-based treatment. Pics would be helpful to see the facial areas of concern. Additionally, a laser-based treatment would also be helpful with skin tightening.

Another consideration in addition to a heat-based therapy might be a series of Sculptra treatments--this injection is a collagen booster and NOT a filler. Make sure to find an experienced Aesthetic provider who can inject this appropriately and correctly! The effects of this treatment can last up to 2 years. Sculptra treatments can be used in combination with any heat based treatment (with the appropriate spacing of treatments between them).

Best of luck!

Thank you for sharing your photo and inquiry. From the photo you shared, I would strongly recommend a microneedling treatment. There is well established studies that show microneedling to be an effective approach to reduce and/or eliminate scarring/scars, improved overall texture, decrease pore size, and help reduce fine lines and superficial wrinkles. The SkinPen is a good introductory microneedling treatment that can target a skin depth up to 2.5mm. This treatment can be combined with either PRP and/or Exosomes to induce collagen production and utilize additional growth factors for enhance skin turnover and rejuvenate the skin. Microneedling with RF energy would be an even more effective approach for scar removal and improvement in overall texture and tightening. Morpheus 8 (standard tip or Resurfacing tip) is the industry standard for this type of procedure. With the addition of RF energy, there is more contracture of the skin (ie tightening) and more collagen induction. Morpheus 8 can also be paired with PRP and/or Exosomes--this combination would provide excellent outcomes. If you seek these treatments, please provide before and after photos--would love to see your results.
SkinPen (Crown Aesthetics) is a single hand-held instrument. Morpheus 8 is part of a larger platform device from the InMode collection (InMode is a very reputable manufacturer of multiple aesthetic devices). Make sure to find well established providers who offer these treatments--they are not to be done with anyone who does not have adequate experience and/or understanding of the procedures themselves or does not have a good understanding of how RF energy works.
Best of luck!