What is Femilift?
Femilift is a non-surgical CO2 fractional laser treatment for various common feminine issues, such as Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), vaginal laxity, vaginal dryness, recurring vaginal and urinary infections – what is generally referred to as the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause or GSM. It helps alleviate these symptoms whether they were caused by menopause, hormone deficiency related to cancer therapy or childbirth and aging.
How does it work?
Vaginal tissue is made up of collagen fibres which give it strength and flexibility – just like the skin on your face or the rest of your body,.
FemiLift uses CO2 laser technology to gently heat vaginal tissue, contracting existing fibres and stimulating the formation of new collagen. It works by sending a the equivalent of tiny shards of light to a certain depth in the tissue. The micro-damage in creates from the heat prompts a healing response that helps improve the functionality of the entire vaginal area – normalising blood flow, increasing lubrication, boosting immune resistance and restoring the strength and elasticity of the vaginal walls.
What is the treatment like?
FemiLift is a quick and easy treatment. It takes about 30-40 minutes and can be done in clinic and requires no preparation or anaesthetic.
A small device is inserted into the vagina. At certain points it emits the fractionated laser light. The process is repeated 2-3 times. It may feel warm and the strength of the laser can be reduced or increased depending on how well it is tolerated.
– meaning a doctors office – rather than a hospital. There are very little to none side-effects and practically no downtime. This means you can resume your everyday life immediately after the procedure. Doctors would usually recommend avoiding sex for about 48 hours after the treatment.
What areas are treated?
Femilift treats the entire length of the vagina and the entrance to the vagina. A different attachment on the machine can treat the external genitalia for tightening and rejuvenation of the labia majora.
How many treatments are needed?
It is usually recommended to have 3 treatments around one month apart – depending on the severity of the symptoms being treated.
It may need to be repeated every year or so for maintenance.
Is there any downtime?
No, there is no downtime. There may be a sensation of warmth afterwards but that should subside quickly.
Is it safe?
Femilift is a FDA approved Pixel CO2 laser that has been used in external skin care for many years. It is CE approved in the EU, which means it is a safe device.
The vaginal treatment is relatively new and is not yet FDA approved for use inside the vagina. Research is showing it is effective but there are is little about its long term safety as it has only been used in this region for the last few years.
As with any laser treatment here is a risk of burning the tissue but this is extremely rare.
Who is it suitable for?
Femilift is suitable for addressing:
- post childbirth vaginal laxity
- stress urinary incontinence
- vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy and the painful sex associated with them
- repeated urinary and vaginal infections associated with menopause and aging
Are there contraindications?
You can not have Femilift if:
- you are pregnant
- have active herpes or other vaginal infections
- have uncontrolled diabetes
- have unexplained bleeding or a menstruating
- have had a recent abnormal pap smear
- have a gynaecological cancer
- have a vaginal injury
How much does it cost?
You should expect to pay upwards of £1200 per treatment.
Is it worth it?
Femilift says clinical data it funded shows that more than 93% of women treated had improvements of vaginal laxity and in stress urinary incontinence. Only 3% showed no improvement.
Stress Urinary Incontinence and vaginal atrophy can have a significant effect women’s self-confidence, relationships and quality of life and Femilift appears to offer a way to improve all of those.
In the end this is a personal decision.
Who performs Femilift?
Femilift should only be performed by medical practitioners who have been trained to use the Pixel CO2 device.
Doctors on Harley Street Emporium who perform Femilift include:
Dr Unnati Desai
