Radiofrequency Treatment of Labia Minora and Majora: A Minimally Invasive Approach to Vulva Restoration

Labiaplasty has rapidly increased in popularity over the past 5 years.Traditional labiaplasty is associated with potential complications, such as dehiscence, hematoma, flap necrosis, narrowed introitus, pain, and asymmetry. Minimally invasive techniques such as radiofrequency (RF) have emerged as viable alternatives to traditional labiaplasty through a temperature-controlled bipolar mechanism to heat tissues to target temperatures of 40°C–45°C. This controlled energy delivery leads to an inflammatory cascade initiating neocollagenesis, angiogenesis, and elastogenesis over the coming 3–4 months. A single surgeon series of labia minora and majora treatment by RF (InMode, Lake Forrest, Calif.) was reviewed between April 2018–October 2018. Demographic data were collected as well grade of hypertrophy (pre/posttreatment), number of vaginal deliveries, and reason for treatment. Procedural parameters were recorded, including internal/external temperatures, total energy used, and time of treatment. All adverse events were recorded. Objective and subjective data points were obtained in the form of patient surveys and photographic evaluation by lay persons as well as plastic surgeons objective to the treatment. Ten consecutive patients were treated with bipolar RF (InMode, Lake Forrest, Calif.) between April 2018–October 2018. Mean age was 44 (29–54). Average number of pregnancies was 2 (STD 1.1). Three patients were treated for aesthetic concerns, 3 for functional complaints, and 4 desired improvement in both. Overall graded improvement in labia size/contour was +50% (STD ±15.3). Patient satisfaction scale data demonstrated 9.5/10 (±1.7). All patients (10/10) stated that they would undergo treatment again. In all cases, the surgeon observed tightening of the clitoral hood, introitus, forchett, as well as improved distribution of dark pigmentation of the labia minora. There were no significant complications and no need for additional procedures. Average recovery time was 14 days (STD 2.2). Treatment of labia hyperplasia and laxity with bipolar RF may potentially fill a treatment gap of women seeking aesthetic and functional improvements without surgical labiaplasty. A powered prospective randomized double-blinded study is needed to further elucidate the role of this technology.