No change after 1st session of ThermiVa, is it too early to see results?

ThermiVa is much hyped and little researched; most of the so-called "miracle results" are anecdotal and, to be honest with you, I am beginning to see many women who have had ThermiVa  performed for vaginal tightening ("vaginal rejuvenation") and labial work and for a month or 2 were happy but after a few months were very unhappy- they had wasted their money, at an average cost of $2500-$3000 for a treatment package, taken in by docs & so-called "Med-Spas" who had spent a lot of money on a "new toy" that then they could have patients coming back annually (at $2500+) to "re-do."  Frequently, ThermiVa treatments are performed by "physician extenders," a euphemism for Medical Assistants of variable training that just "stick the wand in & hit the power button..." 

While ThermiVa will probably help minor urinary leakage, it takes 3 treatments and lasts only 12-18 months (generously) & will need to be repeated. ThermiVa will also shrink enlarged labia majora and sometims very modestly shrink inner labia minora. But- what would you rather do: spend $2500-$3000 each year (having to come into the office 3 times per year for the short "sessions"), or have a labiaplasty one time, spending $4500-$6000 to once and for all and forever truly remodel your labia? Most truly experienced genital plastic/cosmetic surgery specialists will operate in their offices under "local " anesthesia- no need to go to hospital or surgicenter & be "...put under." If your prospective surgeon only operates in a hospital or surgicenter under general anesthesia, odds are that (s)he is not so experienced.

SO- HOW TO YOU SEPARATE THE WHEAT FROM THE CHAFF, when choosing procedure and practitioner. First, a disclaimer: I am an experienced surgeon, but I also use RF (radiofrequency) machines and laser (FemiLift.) Ask your practitioner if he or she utilizes ALL OPTIONS. Do not be taken in by docs that are not trained to offer surgical reduction of labia minora or majora, or docs who have not been specially trained to perform a full pelvic floor surgical vaginal tightening (vaginoplasty; vaginal rejuvenation.) "If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail..." You don't want to be that nail! If all you have is a MACHINE (whether Thermi or a laser...) you need to pay for that (they cost $65000-90,000), so you need to use it...on everyone! Choose only those practitioners who can offer you a CHOICE.
Unfortunately, I find that many docs do not properly evaluate patients , treat everyone the same, and "..just stick the wand in ..." WHY did you specifically decide on ThermiVa? WHY did your physician decide on Thermi (at a very high price) rather than less expensive alternatives. Why don't you write back to us stating your presenting "complaints" and exactly WHY your doc recommended ThermiVa for YOU? Are you pre- or post-menopausal? Was this inner vaginal dryness, or vaginal dryness with sex? Had you first tried intra-vaginal bioidentical estradiol or estriol, or intra-vaginal DHEA? What about intra-vaginal lubricators such as Replens, Luvena, etc.? Re: "..How long does it take..," if ThermiVa was used on you for the right reasons, you should begin to see changes a couple weeks after the first treatment, but it will take a while to see real changes. I would suggest you discuss your situation directly with your doc, have the second treatment if appropriate. If, 3 weeks after the second therapy session you see NO positive changes, you may consider quitting. But, ask your doc your specific questions!Best,Michael P Goodman, MDDavis, CA, USA

Thanks for your question. Some patients report incredible changes right after Thermiva and others don't. It can take some time for you to see effects, and it won't be until after the third session that the full effects will be seen. Thermiva promotes collagen production and blood flow to the vagina and the effects take some time and are cumulative. Wait a little bit and see. Best of luck.

Full results are seen 3 months after the third treatment. I would encourage you to have your next two treatments performed- as this is the recommended protocol. In my practice about 50% see improvement after the first treatment.
Cheers!