Transcutaneous temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TTCRF) is an emerging modality for vulvovaginal rejuvenation. Still, the clinical experience with this modality is limited.
The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of TTCRF in improving female genital appearance, sexual function, and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Forty-eight patients complaining of sexual dysfunction (SD; n=41) and/or SUI (n=37) were included. Most patients had ≤3 TTCRF sessions. To evaluate the aesthetic results, photographs of the genital area taken before treatment were compared to those 6 weeks posttreatment in a blinded manner. Prior to treatment and 6 weeks after the final session, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was administered to participants complaining of SD and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) to those with complaints/symptoms of SUI. Preprocedure were compared to postprocedure scores using paired t-test.
Aesthetic improvement was noted in all patients. Preprocedure mean total FSFI score was 21.77, and the respective postprocedure, 25.79 (P < 0.00001). Most FSFI domains improved (pre- vs post-TTCRF mean score): sexual desire (2.99 to 3.54), arousal (3.14 to 3.83), orgasm (3.14 to 4.39), pain (4.41 to 5.04) (P < 0.00001 for all) and satisfaction (3.75 to 4.42; P=0.001). Mean preprocedure ICIQ-UI-SF score was 10.10 and decreased to 4.81 (P < 0.00001) postprocedure.
A substantial improvement in genital appearance was observed. Assessment based on validated instruments demonstrated significant improvements in sexual function and SUI. TTCRF is a safe and effective treatment for these conditions.
Aesthetic surgery journal. 2021 Apr 12 [Epub ahead of print]
Sejal Ajmera Desai, Zahaan Vakil, George Kroumpouzos
consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at the Indian Academy of Vaginal Aesthetics, Mumbai, India., Department of Internal Medicine, Seth GS Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India., Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.