Up to 3-year Follow-up of Patients with Vaginal Relaxation Syndrome Participating in Laser Vaginal Tightening

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 1000 patients treated since then. After 3 years of performing laser treatments, a telephone follow up of 60 patients was 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 significant improvement of stress urinary incontinence and prolapse. Adverse effects were limited to mild and transient edema and a tolerable heating sensation in a 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 two treatments are sufficient for obtaining a long-lasting improvement of vaginal relaxation syndrome, and a follow-up evaluation visit 8 months after the second 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.