As the feminine wellness trend continues to soar, medical spas are also showcasing a range of offerings that tackle gynecological issues incurred from aging, childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, and other health treatments using high-tech lasers, light, radiofrequency, electromagnetic fields, and more. Among them are:
- FemiLift by Alma Lasers: a minimally invasive outpatient solution that incorporates CO2 technology.
- MonaLisa Touch by Cynosure: a laser that delivers fractional CO2 laser energy to soft tissues.
- Emsella Chair by Nubodix: offers non-invasive electromagnetic stimulation of pelvic floor musculature for the purpose of rehabilitation of weak pelvic muscles and restoration of neuromuscular control for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women.
- Diva by Sciton: a laser with ablative and non-ablative wavelengths that offers an in-office, minimal downtime solution for women’s gynecological and and urology health.
- Thermiva by Thermi: a quick, non-invasive, non-ablative treatment delivering physician-controlled radiofrequency energy
A word of caution. Many of these offerings are purported to address issues like vaginal laxity, painful sex, urinary incontinence, and vaginal rejuvenation needs, with medical spa practitioners and clients flooding social media with glowing reviews and reports of positive results. Over the summer of 2018, however, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) sent a letter to seven companies (Alma Lasers, Venus Concept, BTL Industries, Cynosure, Inmode, Sciton, and Thermigen) warning them to stop marketing laser and energy-based devices and claiming they will treat conditions and symptoms related to menopause, urinary incontinence, or sexual function.
Though most of the devices have indeed been cleared for use for treatment of conditions like the destruction of abnormal or pre-cancerous cervical or vaginal tissue and genital warts, some of the more popular uses are off-label. While not technically illegal, the FDA wanted to quash what it deemed as potentially deceptive marketing. Those letters have since been addressed, according to a November update from the FDA, which stated, “The manufacturers contacted to date have responded with adequate corrections.”
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