FemiLift by Alma is a fractional CO2 laser platform designed for gynecologic applications and feminine wellness treatments. In plain English, it is a laser very much like those used for facial skin resurfacing but with an applicator designed for vaginal use. The device delivers laser energy to the vagina in a 360-degree pattern with the intent of increasing collagen activity over time, hopefully tightening the vagina without surgery.
Patients express interest in FemiLift for a variety of reasons, but that doesn’t mean FemiLift will treat their concerns. The procedure has limitations, which we’ll discuss in just a minute. But common reasons women seek this treatment include:
Patients are often skeptical of FemiLIft, and we get it. We’re going to give it to you straight. FemiLift is intended to create a response in vaginal tissue, but it does not mechanically tighten the vaginal walls the way surgery would. The hope is that heat stimulation will encourage your vaginal tissue to produce more collagen, which can have a tightening effect in this area just as it does on facial skin.
Several studies indicate that the treatment is effective for multiple vaginal issues, while others are less optimistic. FemiLift is fairly new when compared to more established clinical procedures, so long-term data is lacking. Long story short, we can’t promise you a tighter vagina without surgery. But patients have reported improvement in:
Results vary, and outcomes of this procedure aren’t as predictable as other treatment outcomes.
Before your treatment session begins, Dr. Bennett will review your symptoms, goals, medical history, medications, and previous gynecologic procedures with you. She may recommend a full gynecological exam that includes cervical screening prior to beginning treatment. During treatment, a thin probe covered in a disposable, sterile, single-use sleeve is placed into the vaginal canal. The probe rotates throughout the treatment session to ensure 360-degree laser energy delivery. While the treatment itself takes about 10 minutes, your appointment will be longer than that to allow for ample discussion and prep with Dr. Bennett.
FemiLift recovery is generally a breeze. You leave the office when your treatment is complete, and most women experience very few side effects. A little bleeding or watery discharge is normal, as is some swelling. Dr. Bennett may limit your exercise for the first 24 to 48 hours. She may also tell you to avoid intercourse and tampons for the first few days or a week, but the exact amount of time will depend on the intensity of your treatment.
Experiences and results vary from one patient to the next, but you shouldn’t expect an immediate result. It’s common for patients to undergo a series of three sessions spaced approximately four weeks apart, but Dr. Bennett may suggest a different schedule for you. Whether you have one session or several, the goal of FemiLift is a gradual change based on increased collagen production by the vaginal skin. Results do vary, so we can’t make any promises about specific results. There is enough clinical and anecdotal evidence, however, to suggest that many women find the procedure worthwhile.
Unfortunately, this is another factor with lots of variables. Some FemiLift patients report that their results lasted only six to 12 months. Others experienced longer-lasting effects. At this moment, there isn’t enough clinical data to give you a good time range. The duration of results depends on:
FemiLift is generally considered a safe, low-risk procedure. But it is still a medical procedure, and they all come with some risk of complications. Although rare when working with a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Bennett, possible complications include:
Treatment prices vary based on your needs, number of treatment sessions you require, and treatment intensity, among other factors. We will discuss a more specific estimate with you once we’ve evaluated you. At our Mia Aesthetics Atlanta office, FemiLift pricing starts at:
Sometimes a single session is enough. If Dr. Bennett recommends multiple sessions, however, we encourage you to take advantage of the price break offered by our 3-session package.
Mia Aesthetics does not accept patients under the age of 18. Aside from that, your candidacy is based on your medical history, anatomy, symptoms, reproductive status, and treatment goals rather than your age.
Most women are able to have FemiLift treatments even with an IUD. You should disclose your IUD to Dr. Bennett, however, so she can adjust your treatment if she feels it necessary.
Typically, yes. A hysterectomy does not automatically disqualify you from FemiLift treatment. Far more important are your reasons for treatment, healing ability, anatomy, medical history, and any ongoing gynecologic issues.
There is no set time you must wait, but usually more time is better. Your body and hormones need time to heal and resettle after childbirth and once you discontinue breastfeeding. This process can take several months, so patience is encouraged. Dr. Bennett will likely request a complete postpartum evaluation before considering FemiLift treatment for you.
You can get a FemiLift before you’re done having children, but it may make more financial sense to wait until you’re done expanding your family. Future pregnancies and vaginal deliveries can alter vaginal tissue and negatively impact the results of your FemiLift. Future pregnancies and births are perfectly safe for you and your baby after treatment but could undo your FemiLift improvements.
There is no reason you can’t have FemiLift during perimenopause or menopause, but it may not be the best treatment option. Vaginal dryness, irritation, discomfort, and tissue changes can all result from menopause but may have other underlying causes. This means other, and perhaps better, treatment options may be available to you. Dr. Bennett can discuss all of your options with you.
No! FemiLift uses a laser to stimulate collagen production in vaginal skin without incisions or surgery. Surgical vaginal tightening is a far more invasive procedure, but one that physically modifies your anatomy for a substantial change. Labiaplasty doesn’t impact the vagina at all. Instead, it trims and reshapes the labia to eliminate the discomfort large labia can cause and create a more visually appealing result.
Most women tell us that the treatment is not painful, although they do report feeling the probe along with the sensation of warmth. Some report a mild stinging sensation. You should not, however, feel pain or a burning sensation. If you do, alert Dr. Bennett immediately. The skin in and around your genitals has a very different type of sensitivity than other skin. We’re not saying that we’ll be lighting candles and playing Barry White, but the sensation is sometimes quite tolerable.