ormaV, also known as Forma Votiva, is the innovative handpiece we use to treat Vaginal Laxity, Diastasis Recti and Urinary Incontinence.
Vaginal laxity and atrophy are caused mainly by ageing and vaginal childbirth, which lead to a loss of strength and flexibility within the vaginal wall. As a result, women may experience vaginal, pelvic, sexual and urinary symptoms that significantly affect their quality of life.
FormaV offers state-of-the-art feminine care for therapeutic use to treat sexual and urinary dysfunction or an adjunct to Kegel exercises (tightening the pelvic floor muscles to increase muscle tone).
Vaginal Laxity affects:
Forma Votiva combines fractional and bipolar radiofrequency (RF) technologies, providing uniform volumetric deep heating for vaginal tissue remodelling with real-time control of surface temperature.
With the deep heating, vaginal tissues are triggered into thermal remodelling. The heat stimulates the body to produce more collagen and elastin. This process, in turn, restores the elasticity and firmness of the vaginal area.
FormaV is an effective treatment as:
Acquiring the optimal therapeutic temperature for collagen contraction (38-42°C), FormaV can also be used outside genitalia (labia majora, labia minora and clitoris) the skin and tissue contraction of the clitoria.
Many women notice a difference in the way they look feel after just one session. However, depending on each situation, we usually recommend 2-3 sessions to see full results. With each treatment, you will experience a marginal improvement in the tightening of your vaginal tissues. You can resume daily routine activities after the treatment without feeling any pain or discomfort.
At Nuffield Therapeutics, our FormaV treatments start from $238 per session. Contact us to make an appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
FormaV works by inducing sub-necrotic heating over the treatment area of up to 4mm deep, where the process of tissue remodelling, collagen stimulation and revascularisation is initiated.
How does Bipolar RF from Monopolar RF energy?
The monopolar type uses a single electrode tip within the vagina and delivers energy to the space between the vagina and the gel pad. In monopolar, energy is dispersed through the skin to the whole body,
In the bipolar type, both tips are placed within the vagina wall lining. Electrical current is passed between the two electrodes. For the bipolar type, the depth of treatment is approximately half of the distance between the two electrodes.
While monopolar RF can technically stimulate deeper depths of tissue allowing better results, its problems lie in temperature control as it is poorer and the risk of burns is higher compared to bipolar treatment. In monopolar RF, frequent occurrence of ‘hot spot can make the procedure painful and increase the risk of burns’. In FormaV the bipolar system, there is a real-time temperature sensor, which feedbacks automatically and cuts off the energy when the target temperature of 42 degrees is achieved. In such a system, the risk of burns is minimal.
How do these technologies compare?
Comparing co2 and RF technology, co2 laser is limited by the FDA to the penetration depth of only three-quarters of 1mm. This targets only the external layers of the mucosa. The microscopic breakage of the lining increases contamination risk, especially when in the most system the applicator is reused.
Comparing this to FormaV, RF energy is able to penetrate deeper to 4mm, reaching the muscular layer of the pelvic floor. Hence results are expected to be better results as more fibres are stimulated. It also has shown some improvement in stress urinary incontinence.
• Avoid very hot water for at least 2 days after treatment
• Avoid mechanical contact (including intercourse) for the next 2 days after treatment
• Avoid any chemicals which can irritate the area, which vaginal wash.
The risk of bleeding or infection is very low. However, if you experience excessive swelling, redness, pain, abnormal vaginal discharge or any other unusual symptoms, you should contact your physician immediately.
Generally they are very safe procedures with minimal downtime. However rare but serious complications like vaginal or vulvar scarring may result from energy-based treatments. This can cause life-long pain and it is therefore very important that you choose to do your treatment in a centre where FDA-approved machines are used by an experienced practitioner.
Tissue inflammation is initiated and immediate tightening can be felt as quickly as during the treatment itself.
So, all it takes is 1 session. The results will slowly peak at 4 weeks post-procedure where the collagen stimulation process and tissue remodelling of the treated area are complete.
For most treatments, it is advisable for about 3 sessions every 4 weeks for the best results. The results can be maintained with a repeat treatment once every 6 months.
As the vagina tissue is not sensitive to heat, the procedure is generally very well tolerated. However, when there is pain, it may be a worrying sign and you should let the physician know.
The targeted treatment area is inside so not necessary but if treatment involves the external genitalia, shaving is generally preferred.
Since we use radiofrequency energy, it may not be necessary.