What is the FemiLift Procedure? All You Need To Know

Pelvic health concerns are very common among women, yet many suffer in silence. It is estimated that one in four women will experience a pelvic health issue in their lifetime, with that number rising to one in two for those over 65.¹ Conditions such as stress urinary incontinence (SUI), vaginal atrophy, laxity from childbirth, and sexual problems like decreased libido or anorgasmia affect not only physical health but emotional well-being.² Traditionally, the treatment options for these conditions were limited to invasive surgeries or hormone-based medications, both of which carry their own set of risks and side effects.³

Fortunately, there are newer procedures which are minimally invasive and very effective in addressing these intimate concerns. Among these groundbreaking treatments is the FemiLift procedure, a CO₂ laser-based technology that offers a safe option for restoring vaginal wellness. FemiLift provides relief from various pelvic health concerns, including laxity, dryness, and mild urinary incontinence, without the need for surgery or lengthy recovery times.

How Does FemiLift Work?

The FemiLift procedure uses fractional CO₂ laser technology, which works by inducing controlled micro-injuries to the vaginal mucosal epithelium. The laser’s energy stimulates tissue repair, remodelling, and production of new collagen, helping restore the structure and function of the vaginal wall.⁴ Hence the FemiLift laser treatment promotes neocollagenesis (formation of new collagen), which is key to rejuvenating the vaginal wall.

Research suggests that fractional CO₂ laser treatment can thicken the vaginal lining and improve the structure of surrounding tissue. Studies have also shown that laser energy stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production, thereby contributing to the restoration of vaginal tissue structure.^4,5,6

In summary, the FemiLift procedure operates on the principle of laser-induced tissue remodelling, promoting collagen production and improving the overall health of the vaginal wall. A process that is similar to how lasers are used in skin rejuvenation therapies. This offers a non-surgical, minimally invasive option for women seeking relief from vaginal laxity, dryness, and other pelvic health issues.

Key Purpose & Benefits of FemiLift

The FemiLift procedure addresses various women’s health concerns. Its primary purpose is to improve vaginal health and function, particularly for those experiencing issues related to ageing, childbirth, and menopause.

The following are the benefits of this procedure:

1. Minimally-Invasive and Painless: FemiLift is a non-surgical, minimally procedure that requires no incisions or sutures. It involves minimal discomfort, often described as a warming sensation, and does not require anesthesia.
2. Quick and Convenient: The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and takes about 15-30 minutes. There is no need for hospitalization, and women can return to their daily activities immediately after treatment.
3. No Downtime: One key advantage of FemiLift is that it offers significant improvements without the downtime associated with more invasive treatments. There is no need for an extended recovery period, allowing women to resume their normal routines quickly.
4. Improved Vaginal Lubrication and Elasticity: By stimulating collagen production and rejuvenating vaginal tissues, FemiLift helps restore natural moisture and elasticity of the vaginal walls, reducing dryness and discomfort.
5. Enhanced Sexual Satisfaction: FemiLift helps improve vaginal tone and elasticity, which can lead to enhanced sensation and a more satisfying sexual experience.
6. Effective for Stress Urinary Incontinence: FemiLift has been shown to help with mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence by strengthening the pelvic floor and vaginal tissues, and reducing accidental urine leakage during physical activities.
7. Long-Lasting Results: While some women may require more than one session for optimal results, many report long-lasting benefits after their treatment.
8. Proven Safe: The FemiLift procedure has been clinically studied and is widely used by healthcare professionals as a safe and effective option for women.

The FemiLift Procedure: What to Expect Before, During & After

Before The Procedure

Preparing for the FemiLift procedure is a straightforward process that begins with an initial consultation and continues through some simple pre-treatment steps. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect before your FemiLift treatment.

Consultation

The first step is a consultation with a healthcare provider experienced in performing FemiLift. This is an essential part of the process and allows you to determine whether the procedure is right for you. During this appointment, your provider will ask about your overall health, medical history, and any symptoms you are currently experiencing. This is an opportunity to talk about any vaginal discomfort, sexual health concerns, or incontinence problems that are affecting your quality of life.

Next, your provider will conduct a pelvic examination to assess the condition of your vaginal tissues. This helps to determine whether FemiLift is suitable for you and rule out any contraindications, such as active infections.

If the FemiLift treatment is suitable for you, your provider will explain how the procedure works, the technology behind it, and what benefits you can expect. They will also discuss any potential risks or side effects, although these are typically minimal with this treatment.

Your provider will create a personalised treatment plan based on your medical history, symptoms, and goals. For optimal results, this may involve a series of treatment sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart, though individual plans may vary.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

In the days before your FemiLift procedure, your provider will give you some simple pre-treatment guidelines to follow. These are designed to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and reduce the risk of irritation.

• Avoid Vaginal Products: You may be advised to avoid using tampons, vaginal creams, or douches for at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. This helps ensure that the vaginal canal is free from any products or irritants that could interfere with the laser treatment.
• Reschedule if Menstruating: If your procedure date falls during your menstrual cycle, it is generally recommended to reschedule, as the procedure is not typically performed during menstruation.
• Shaving and Hygiene: You may be asked to ensure proper hygiene before the procedure, including trimming or shaving the pubic area for cleanliness and access to the vaginal canal.
• Stay Hydrated: Keeping yourself well-hydrated in the days before your procedure can help improve tissue health and aid the recovery process after treatment.

What To Expect During The Procedure

Here is a step-by-step guide on what to expect during the procedure:

Arrival and Preparation

Upon arrival at the clinic, you’ll be escorted to a private treatment room where the procedure will be performed. Since the FemiLift is minimally-invasive, no special surgical attire is required. You’ll change into a gown, similar to what you would wear for a regular gynaecological exam.

Positioning

Once prepared, you will lie down on an exam table in a position similar to a routine pelvic exam, with your legs supported by stirrups (Lithotomy position). Your comfort is a priority, and the staff will ensure you are relaxed before starting the procedure.

Insertion of the FemiLift Applicator

The FemiLift procedure uses a specially designed, sterile, single-use laser probe. Before insertion, the probe is prepared and calibrated to ensure accurate laser settings tailored to your treatment plan. The probe is small and ergonomically designed to ensure no or minimal discomfort during insertion. Once ready, the physician or provider will gently insert the laser probe into the vaginal canal. No anesthesia is required, and this is another benefit of the FemiLift procedure.

Laser Treatment Delivery

Once the probe is in place, the fractional CO2 laser is activated. This laser delivers energy into the vaginal tissues in controlled pulses. The laser energy creates microthermal zones within the vaginal mucosa, stimulating collagen production and tissue regeneration.

During the laser pulses, you may feel a gentle warming sensation or a mild tingling. Most patients find it comfortable and tolerable without the need for any numbing or pain management. The laser energy is precisely controlled to ensure it only targets the necessary areas without causing damage to surrounding tissues.

Controlled Rotation and Pulsing

The provider will rotate the laser probe systematically within the vaginal canal to ensure the entire area is treated evenly. The treatment is delivered in a series of short, controlled pulses, and each pulse only lasts a fraction of a second.

Duration

The actual laser treatment typically takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. The applicator is designed to treat small sections of the vaginal wall at a time, ensuring a thorough and even application of the laser energy.

Temperature Monitoring: The device has built-in cooling mechanisms to ensure the temperature remains comfortable. This helps prevent overheating of the tissue and keeps the procedure safe.

End of Procedure

After the laser treatment is completed, the provider will ensure you are comfortable and give you a few moments to rest if needed. Since the procedure involves no cutting, stitches, or incisions, there’s no need for a lengthy recovery process on-site.

What to Expect after the Procedure

Immediate Post-Treatment Experience

Mild Discomfort or Warm Sensation: Immediately after the FemiLift procedure, most women experience minimal to no discomfort. You may feel a slight warmth or tingling sensation in the vaginal area, but this typically subsides within a few hours.

Mild Swelling: Some women report a small amount of swelling or puffiness in the vaginal area. This is a normal response as the tissue begins to heal and regenerate. It should resolve within 24-48 hours.

Increased Vaginal Discharge: It’s common to experience a mild increase in vaginal discharge post-treatment. This is due to the natural tissue repair process as the laser treatment stimulates cell renewal and collagen production. The discharge is typically clear or slightly pinkish and should clear within a few days.

Post-Treatment Care

Avoid Intercourse and Vaginal Products: Avoid intercourse for about 2-3 days after the procedure to allow the tissues to heal. Refrain from using tampons or douching for the same period to prevent irritation to the treated tissue.

Maintain Hygiene: Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. Use mild soap and water when cleaning the area, and avoid any harsh products or chemicals. Wearing loose, breathable clothing is also recommended to minimise friction and irritation.

Resuming Daily Activities

One of the biggest advantages of FemiLift is the no downtime. You can return to normal daily activities immediately after the procedure. There’s no need for bed rest, and you can even go back to work if you feel comfortable doing so.

Avoid Strenuous Activities: While you can resume most of your normal activities, it’s advisable to avoid heavy exercise, such as intense workouts or lifting heavy objects, for about 48 hours after the procedure. This allows the tissue to heal without additional strain or stress. Although rare, if you notice any unusual symptoms such as significant pain, prolonged bleeding, or signs of infection (such as foul-smelling discharge or fever), contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What are the Expected Results?

Within a few days of the procedure, some women begin to notice enhanced vaginal lubrication during sexual activity and less discomfort or dryness during daily activities. Women who undergo FemiLift to address symptoms of stress urinary incontinence may start to experience some relief within the first few weeks, as it’s common to notice a reduction in mild leakage, especially during activities like coughing or exercising.

The most significant results occur over the course of 2-3 months as the deeper layers of the vaginal tissue heal and regenerate, leading to increased vaginal tightness, improved lubrication and enhanced sexual satisfaction.

Follow-Up Treatments

For the best results, most patients undergo a series of 3 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. Your provider will discuss your personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms and goals. Each session helps build on the previous treatment, ensuring long-lasting effects.

Depending on your individual case, you may choose to have maintenance treatments every 12-18 months to prolong the benefits of FemiLift. This is especially important for women undergoing hormonal changes, such as those related to menopause, as these changes can continue to impact vaginal health over time.

Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Should Avoid It?

As with any medical procedure, there are certain groups of people for whom it is suitable and others who may need to avoid it. 

Who is FemiLift Suitable For?

FemiLift is suitable for a wide range of women who are looking for a non-surgical option to improve their vaginal health and restore comfort. The ideal candidates for FemiLift include:

1. Women Experiencing Vaginal Laxity

• Vaginal laxity (loosening of the vaginal walls) is a common issue after childbirth or with ageing. FemiLift is an excellent option for women looking to improve vaginal tone and tightness without surgery. The CO² laser technology stimulates collagen production, which helps firm and tighten the vaginal tissues.

2. Post-Menopausal Women

• Post-menopausal women often experience symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, thinning of the vaginal walls, itching, burning, and painful intercourse. FemiLift helps rejuvenate vaginal tissues, improve moisture levels, and alleviate discomfort.

3. Women with Mild to Moderate Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

• FemiLift is suitable for women experiencing mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence, which involves leakage during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercise. By tightening the vaginal tissues, the treatment helps improve support for the bladder, reducing urinary leakage.

4. Women Seeking Enhanced Sexual Satisfaction

• For women experiencing decreased sexual satisfaction due to vaginal dryness, laxity, or atrophy, FemiLift can help improve sexual function. By enhancing vaginal moisture, tone, and elasticity, it can increase sensitivity and make intercourse more comfortable and enjoyable.

Who Should Avoid FemiLift?

While FemiLift is safe for most women, there are certain groups for whom the treatment may not be suitable. Women with specific medical conditions or in certain life stages should avoid this procedure or delay it until cleared by their healthcare provider. These groups include:

1. Pregnant Women

FemiLift is not recommended for pregnant women due to the changes in pelvic tissues during pregnancy and the potential risks of laser treatments during this time. The procedure should be postponed until after childbirth and once your healthcare provider confirms it is safe.

2. Women with Active Vaginal Infections

Women with active vaginal or pelvic infections, such as vaginal yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, should avoid FemiLift until the infection is fully treated. Performing the procedure in the presence of an infection could worsen symptoms or interfere with the healing process.

3. Women with Severe Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Women experiencing severe pelvic organ prolapse (a condition where the pelvic organs, such as the bladder or uterus, descend into or outside the vaginal canal) may not be ideal candidates for FemiLift. These cases may require more extensive surgical interventions rather than laser treatment.

4. Women with Certain Autoimmune Disorders

Women with autoimmune disorders that affect the skin, such as scleroderma or lupus, may need to avoid laser treatments like FemiLift, as these conditions can affect how well the skin and tissues respond to the laser and heal afterward.

6. Women with Uncontrolled Diabetes

Women with uncontrolled diabetes may not be suitable candidates for FemiLift, as this condition can affect wound healing and increase the risk of complications. It’s important to have blood sugar levels well-managed before considering this or any other procedure.

7. Women on Certain Medications

Women taking medications that affect healing, such as immunosuppressive drugs or blood thinners, should consult with their healthcare provider before considering FemiLift. These medications can interfere with the body’s natural healing process after the laser treatment.

Thermiva® Vs. FemiLift

ThermiVa® and FemiLift are two of the leading minimally-invasive vaginal rejuvenation treatments designed to address a variety of feminine health concerns.  While both procedures use advanced technologies to stimulate collagen production and enhance vaginal health, they operate using different energy sources and techniques.

ThermiVa® uses controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat the tissues inside and around the vaginal canal. As the tissues heat, there is stimulation of collagen production, improvement in blood flow, and enhancement of vaginal lubrication.

FemiLift uses a fractional CO2 laser, which delivers precise laser energy to the vaginal tissues. The laser creates controlled micro-injuries in the mucosal lining, triggering the body’s natural healing response. This stimulates collagen production and the regeneration of healthy tissue, tightening and strengthening the vaginal walls.

They are both considered safe and effective for tissue tightening and restoring elasticity hence choosing between the two depends on individual concerns, physicians preference and treatment goals. A consultation with a healthcare provider can help determine which option is best suited to your needs.

Choose The Right Specialist For Your FemiLift Treatment

The Femilift procedure is an innovative, non-surgical solution for women seeking vaginal rejuvenation and improved pelvic health. It offers a quick, minimally invasive approach to enhancing vaginal tone, improving lubrication, and providing relief from mild urinary incontinence. With its minimal downtime and high success rates, Femilift is quickly becoming a preferred option for women looking to regain their confidence and comfort in intimate health.

Experience the transformative power of FemiLift at Alinea Labiaplasty NYC. Restore vaginal health and enhance intimacy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

References 

1. Nygaard I, Barber MD, Burgio KL, Kenton K, Meikle S, Schaffer J, Spino C, Whitehead WE, Wu J, Brody DJ, Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. Prevalence of symptomatic pelvic floor disorders in US women. Jama. 2008;300(11):1311-6.
2. Pauls RN, Fellner AN, Davila GW. Vaginal laxity: a poorly understood quality of life problem; a survey of physician members of the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA). International urogynecology journal. 2012;23:1435-48.
3. Karcher C, Sadick N. Vaginal rejuvenation using energy-based devices. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2016;2(3):85-8.
4. Preti M, Vieira-Baptista P, Digesu GA, Bretschneider CE, Damaser M, Demirkesen O, Heller DS, Mangir N, Marchitelli C, Mourad S, Moyal-Barracco M, Peremateu S, Tailor V, Tarcan T, De EJB, Stockdale CK. The Clinical Role of LASER for Vulvar and Vaginal Treatments in Gynecology and Female Urology: An ICS/ISSVD Best Practice Consensus Document. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2019;23(2):151-160. doi: 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000462. PMID: 30789385; PMCID: PMC6462818..
5. Gaspar A, Addamo G, Brandi H. Vaginal Fractional CO 2 Laser: A Minimally Invasive Option for Vaginal Rejuvenation. Am J Cosmet Surg. 2011;28(3):156–162
6. Zerbinati N, Serati M, Origoni M, et al. Microscopic and ultrastructural modifications of postmenopausal atrophic vaginal mucosa after fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment. Lasers Med Sci. 2015;30(1):429–436.