Vaginal Relaxation Syndrome (VRS) is defined as a laxity of the vaginal wall due to changes in connective tissue, usually associated with the normal aging process. Laser vaginal tightening with non-ablative, minimally invasive Er:YAG laser using the IntimaLase® protocol has been performed in our practice since 2011, with over 900 patients treated since then. After 3 years of performing laser treatments, a telephone follow up of 103 patients has been performed to overview the results and to evaluate the long-term efficacy of laser vaginal tightening. Telephone interviews were obtained asking patients to answer the LVT questionnaire and self-assess the efficacy of the IntimaLase® laser vaginal tightening treatment, based on 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36-month follow-ups. According to the patients' evaluation of the results, the average duration of effect after the therapy was 16 months, with a significant improvement of stress urinary incontinence and prolapse. Adverse effects were limited to mild and transient edema and a tolerable heating sensation in few cases. Further, results also showed that 83.33% of participants would be willing to repeat the therapy. From our observation we can suggest that one treatment is sufficient for obtaining a long-lasting improvement of vaginal relaxation syndrome, and a follow-up evaluation visit 8 months after the first treatment would be recommended, followed by a maintenance session if needed. The vast majority of patients find the concept of IntimaLase® therapy appealing and the brief and painless ambulatory procedure motivates them to comply with a yearly maintenance.
Key words: Vaginal Relaxation Syndrome, Er:YAG laser, non-ablative treatment, Laser Vaginal Tightening.
Article: J. LA&HA, Vol. 2016, OnlineFirst Received: April 19, 2016; Accepted: May 13, 2016
