ProFractional® Laser for Vulvar Restoration
The external female genital area, called the vulva, is one of the most delicate and sensitive parts of a woman’s body. Ongoing discomfort in this area affects many aspects of life and is difficult to ignore. Dr. Mareeni Stanislaus, a board-certified OB-GYN, successfully treats physical symptoms related to lichen sclerosus and other vulvar skin conditions. She offers ProFractional laser therapy at her practice in Templeton to help women gain relief when conventional treatments don’t work.
Stanislaus Integrative Wellness provides a variety of feminine wellness treatments for women from Paso Robles, Atascadero, Morro Bay, and throughout San Luis Obispo County. For a personalized consultation, call us at (805) 434-3000 or email reception@stanislausobgyn.com.
What is lichen sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosis is a rare condition that is most common in women after menopause and girls before puberty. It affects the labia, vaginal opening, perineum, and anal area causing any combination of the following symptoms:
- Mild to severe itching
- White patches
- Thin, shiny skin
- Pain during intercourse
- Tearing and bleeding
Lichen sclerosus is not an infection and is not contagious. While its cause is not completely understood, lichen sclerosus may result from:
- Friction or trauma such as sexual intercourse without proper lubrication, thong underwear, sexual abuse, bicycle and horseback riding, or waxing
- Autoimmune disorders
- Hormone imbalances
- Family history of the condition
How is lichen sclerosus treated?
This condition is typically treated with a topical steroid cream that must be applied consistently and can cause side effects if used over an extended period. ProFractional laser therapy can be an effective solution that may require just a single treatment. This treatment for lichen sclerosus is a specialty of Dr. Stanislaus that is not offered by many doctors. She also uses ProFractional to treat episiotomy pain and vaginal atrophy.
During a private consultation, Dr. Stanislaus or one of her experienced nurse practitioners will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and discuss your symptoms and the treatments you’ve tried so far. If lichen sclerosus is suspected, a skin biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
How does the ProFractional laser help?
ProFractional is an ablative fractional erbium YAG laser. It emits tiny micro beams of laser energy that damage pinpoint areas of the skin while leaving alternating areas untreated. Heat from the laser vaporizes skin at the surface and stimulates collagen production in the deeper layers. The result is smoother, firmer, more elastic skin.
What other nonsurgical gynecologic treatments are available?
As a board-certified OB-GYN, Dr. Stanislaus is dedicated to helping women gain relief from conditions that many doctors don’t address. She offers a variety of proven-effective nonsurgical treatments for rejuvenating the vulva and vagina:
- diVa® uses Hybrid Fractional Laser (HFL) technology to rejuvenate the vaginal wall and deeper tissues.
- ThermiVa® uses controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy to rejuvenate the vagina and the inner and outer labia.
- Viveve uses RF energy to treat vaginal laxity, urinary incontinence, and decreased lubrication.
- CO2Lift V is a CO2 gel applied at home to rejuvenate the vagina and labia.
- O-Shot® uses rejuvenating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) taken from the patient’s blood to improve blood flow to the vaginal and vulvar areas.
Our experienced team will help you decide whether any of these treatments would be beneficial to you during your personal consultation.
What should I expect during a ProFractional treatment?
ProFractional treatments for lichen sclerosus are performed in our office and take just minutes to complete. A nurse practitioner will apply a topical numbing cream to the affected areas to minimize any discomfort. Pro-Nox™, a medication similar to laughing gas, is available if desired to control anxiety and discomfort.
Is there downtime after ProFractional?
Treated areas will be tender for a few days. Patients are typically ready to return to regular activities in 3 to 4 days, including sexual activity.
When will I notice the results?
Patients typically need 1 to 5 treatments spaced about a month apart to resolve lichen sclerosus. Full results are attained approximately 3 months after the last treatment after new tissues have regenerated and collagen has been replenished.
Because there is no cure for lichen sclerosus, patients usually need maintenance treatments once a year.
What is my next step?
Let Stanislaus Integrative Wellness in Templeton enhance your vaginal health and wellness. To learn more about ProFractional laser therapy and other gynecologic treatments, call our office at (805) 434-3000 to request a consultation.