Center for Pelvic Health and Wellness

Practice Information
26732 Crown Valley Pkwy., Ste. 327, Mission Viejo, California

This practice is not currently accepting consultations on RealSelf.

About the Practice

Doctors & Other Staff Members

Patricia Ann Wallace, MD
Board Certified Urogynecologist
5.0

1 Before & After Photos

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20 Answers

ThermiVa
Q My clinic is stating their ThermiVa procedure is a total of 26 min. Is that enough to get results internally and externally?
A

ThermiVa is a radiofrequency treatment that gently heats the skin and initiates collagen healing cascaded that results in more collagen elastin, blood flow, and nervous tissue in the area. For RF to effective need the skin temperature to be at 41 degrees celsius for 5 mins- as long as the area is covered well and brought to correct temperature- the treatment will be effective. For internal treatment for tightening 15 mins is typically enough. If someone has urinary leakage, that time may be spent on the anterior wall. For orgasm and labial treatment- again 10-15 mins is often enough. Thats why ThermiVa should be done by someone who approaches the treatment individually for each patient and by an expert in pelvic health and sexual medicine.

Answered by Dr. WallaceSeptember 28, 2021
ThermiVa
Q Am I a candidate for Thermiva, or is surgery the best option? I'm 35 and post three vaginal births. (photos)
A

ThermiVa is an excellent treatment for restoring the vagina canal, improving blood flow and sensitivity to clitoral area, and increasing elasticity and plumping of the canal. It will "tighten" the canal by restoring the tissue integrity.
Externally, ThermiVa can improve the appearance of the labia majora and perk those up.
The labia minora do not shrink significantly with ThermiVa.
So if you are concerned about the extra tissue in your labia minora- surgery is your best option.
I am a Urogynecologist who does ThermiVa and Labialplasty. You want to make sure your provider is an expert in the pelvic region.

Answered by Dr. WallaceSeptember 23, 2021
ThermiVa
Q Which treatment is the best for increasing sensitivity, restoring vaginal elasticity, strengthening the walls after birth?
A

First thing we must know is that Skin is Skin. The inside of the vagina has the same skin as the outside except for a keratinizing layer top layer. Laser uses light energy to bore tiny holes in the skin which stimulates new growth of collagen and new skin. It works well for atrophy but is limited by its applicator delivering energy to the canal. Burns are possible and need a topical anesthetic. Also it is not clear how many times you can laser the vagina without scarring. You also would not want to laser the clitoral area unless trying to ablate lesions. RF uses electrical energy to heat up the skin and can be individualized to body parts, vulva, clitoral area, perineum, and canal. There is no anesthesia required. RF penetrates a little deeper to break collagen bonds and start the collagen healing cascade. ThermiVa specifically had the first temperature controlled RF applicator. RF is very good for atrophy, but also can target the labia majora for deflation. clitoral area for increased blood flow and sensation, lateral to the urethra for stress incontinence, and vaginal opening for thinning and canal for restoring elasticity and plumping the walls.
I prefer RF and ThermiVa for those reasons.

Answered by Dr. WallaceSeptember 23, 2021
ThermiVa
Q I need help deciding on RF or laser for vaginal rejuvenation post menopause. Which have the best results?
A

First thing we must know is that Skin is Skin. The inside of the vagina has the same skin as the outside except for a keratinizing layer top layer.
Laser uses light energy to bore tiny holes in the skin which stimulates new growth of collagen and new skin. It works well for atrophy but is limited by its applicator delivering energy to the canal. Burns are possible and need a topical anesthetic. Also it is not clear how many times you can laser the vagina without scarring. You also would not want to laser the clitoral area unless trying to ablate lesions.
RF uses electrical energy to heat up the skin and can be individualized to body parts, vulva, clitoral area, perineum, and canal. There is no anesthesia required. RF penetrates a little deeper to break collagen bonds and start the collagen healing cascade. ThermiVa specifically had the first temperature controlled RF applicator. RF is very good for atrophy, but also can target the labia majora for deflation. clitoral area for increased blood flow and sensation, lateral to the urethra for stress incontinence, and vaginal opening for thinning.
I prefer RF and ThermiVa for those reasons.
As a Urogynecologist, I know when the urethral opening and near the urethra can be treated and not- most women will get transient swelling and may feel like a UTI, so I advise most non-urogyns to avoid this area.

Answered by Dr. WallaceSeptember 23, 2021
ThermiVa
Q How long after hysterectomy/oophorectomy with vaginal prolapse repair can you have ThermiVa treatment?
A

I am a Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeon- on average most women still have sutures in the vaginal tissue at 8 weeks sometimes 12 weeks. I would advise waiting until sutures are gone.

Answered by Dr. WallaceSeptember 23, 2021

Opening Hours

Monday8:00am - 5:00pmTuesday8:00am - 5:00pmWednesday8:00am - 5:00pmThursday8:00am - 5:00pmFriday9:00am - 1:00pmSaturdayClosedSundayClosed