Fractional CO2 Laser: From Skin Rejuvenation to Vulvo-Vaginal Reshaping

Abstract

Background: The CO₂ laser has become the gold standard treatment in dermatologic surgery for the treatment of a large number of skin and mucosal lesions. The introduction of the fractional micro-ablative technology represented an integration to the ablative resurfacing technique, reducing the healing time and the side effects.

Objective: Vaginal rejuvenation performed with this technique is a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates internal tissues of the female lower genital tract to regenerate the mucosa, improving tissue trophism and restoring the correct functionality.

Methods: In our experience, 386 menopausal women affected with vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA) were treated with three section of fractional micro-ablative CO₂ laser.

Results: After three treatments, patients reported a complete improvement of the symptoms (59.94% dryness, 56.26% burn, sensation, 48.75% dyspareunia, 56.37% itch, 73.15% soreness, and 48.79% vaginal introitus pain).

Conclusions: Fractional micro-ablative CO₂ laser seems to reduce symptoms related to vaginal atrophy. The beneficial effects were reported just after the first session and confirmed 12 months after the last session.

Keywords: fractional micro-ablative laser CO2 technology; genitourinary syndrome; vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA); vulvo-vaginal rejuvenation.