RADIOFREQUENCY IN THE FEMALE GENITAL LAXITY - A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of non-ablative radiofrequency capacitive (RF) in the treatment of sagging skin in the region of labia majora, and the influence on sexual function. Methods: The sample included 9 women with complaints of sagging skin in the labia majora, of which 7 had sexually active. The protocol consisted of 8 sessions of RF, with a temperature of 39 º C to 41 º C, 1x/week for up to 20 minutes. Evaluation tools, photographs taken before the first session and eight days after the last session, which were assessed by the patients themselves and by three health professionals (physiotherapist, dermatologist and gynecologist) were used. Sexual function was assessed by the FSFI questionnaire (Female Sexual Function Index). The age and BMI variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation and analyzed by Student’s t test and the remaining variables were expressed as percentages and analyzed by McNemar test. Results: Regarding the clinical response of RF, all patients reported satisfaction with the treatment outcome. In assessing professionals, physiotherapists and gyecologist reported improvement in six (67%) patients and dermatologist mentioned improvement in eight (89%) of patients. With respect to sexual function, there was an increase in mean (SD) of 25.66 ± 5.7 to 27.30 ± 5.5, p = 0.38. Domains arousal and lubrication improved in 5 of 7 patients. Conclusion: RF seems to be an alternative non-invasive treatment for the treatment of skin sagging labia, however being a series of cases is necessary with a randomized evaluation of therapeutic response to long term clinical trial.