What's the difference between ThermiVa and CO2 fractional lasers for vaginal rejuvenation?

Dear Island_girl_808:This is a great question. 
ThermiVa is a radiofrequency device which works via bulk heating and the radiofrequency energy penetrates through the vaginal internal mucosa, the intermediate muscularis, and the outer adventitia. This means that it reaches all the layers of the vagina that are involved in sensation, lubrication, and muscle tone, and patients report improved sensation, lubrication, and laxity. When biopsies were performed after treatment to study the effects of treatment, an increase in collagen, elastic fibers, small nerves and blood vessels was found. It has also been effective in improving stress and urge incontinence in treated patients. It can be applied to both the internal vaginal walls and external labial tissues. 
Fractional CO2 devices create tiny wounds in the surface of the vagina, the mucosa. the laser energy does not reach the muscularis or adventitia. Patients have experienced improved lubrication. It claims to improve laxity in some patients as well, although the mechanism, given that it does not penetrate to muscle or fascia, would be unknown. It cannot be used to treat the vulva.
Some patients with more severe dryness, for example due to atrophic vaginitis, a common postmenopausal problem, have gotten worse after fractional CO2. There have been no serious side effects from more than 100,000 ThermiVa treatments.
There is no downtime with ThermiVa, and a few days of minor downtime with CO2. With CO2, there is a small risk of infection post-operatively.There are no comparative studies to show the duration of response after radio frequency vs CO2.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
All the best,   Dr. Clark

Our office specializes in non-invasive vaginal and labial tightening procedures. After reviewing data from the different vaginal tightening procedures using RF or laser, our office offers the ThermiVA treatment to help tighten the vulva, upper vault of the vagina, increase moisture content within the vagina, tighten the clitoral hood, and recontour the labia minora and labia majora.



The ThermiVa procedures represents an amazing treatment to redefine the contour of the inner and outer vulva. Patients typically need three treatments depending on the severity of the laxity. Our patients feel very little discomfort during the procedure and results continue to improve weeks after performing the ThermiVA treatment.



During your consultation, the benefits of ThermiVa can be discussed in comparison to a perineoplasty, vulvar tightening procedure, clitoral hood reduction, or labial recontour.



Best,

Dr. Karamanoukian

Realself100 Surgeon

ThermiVa is a radiofrequency device utilizing thermal (heat) energy to target cell growth. It’s comfortable and has absolutely no downtime. ThermiVa is FDA approved for vaginal and labia majora tightening. Many patients also report increased sensitivity, lubrication/moisture and stimulation, in addition to relief from incontinence, but it’s primary function is vaginal tightening. Based on what symptoms you would like to address, ThermiVa is likely the better option for you. MonaLisa Touch is a CO2 fractional laser that uses ablative techniques to revitalize the vaginal mucosa (tissue) to create more collagen. MonaLisa Touch is FDA approved to treat vaginal atrophy, including vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. MonaLisa Touch treats vaginal dryness, burning, discomfort and itching along with painful intercourse due to loss of elasticity.