Vulvar Microneedling with PRP or Polynucleotides
Supporting Healthier Vulvar Tissue
We spend a lot of time talking about taking care of the skin on our face—but the vulvar tissue also changes with age, hormonal changes, childbirth and menopause.
The tissue may become thinner, drier, less elastic or more sensitive. Some women notice irritation or discomfort. Others simply feel that the tissue does not look or feel as healthy as it once did.
Vulvar microneedling is a regenerative treatment designed to support the health and quality of the external vulvar tissue.
At Cobb Wellness and Aesthetics, microneedling may be combined with your own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or with polynucleotides, depending upon your individual needs and goals.
What Happens to Vulvar Tissue as We Age?
Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining healthy genital tissue.
As estrogen levels decline—particularly during perimenopause and menopause—the vulvar and vaginal tissues can undergo changes in:
- Hydration
- Collagen and elastin
- Tissue thickness
- Circulation
- Elasticity
- Sensitivity and comfort
These changes are part of what we call Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).
Hormone therapy, including local vaginal estrogen when appropriate, remains an important treatment for many women. But regenerative treatments may provide another way to support the health of the tissue.
I don’t look at these treatments as necessarily replacing one another.
Often, the best approach is to improve the overall environment of the tissue.
How Does Vulvar Microneedling Work?
Microneedling creates controlled microscopic channels in the superficial tissue.
This controlled stimulation initiates the body’s normal wound-healing response and may encourage remodeling of collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix.
We can then combine microneedling with regenerative products intended to further support that healing response.
PRP — Your Own Growth Factors
Platelet-rich plasma is prepared from a small amount of your own blood.
Platelets contain growth factors and signaling molecules involved in tissue repair, vascular support and wound healing.
PRP has been used in regenerative medicine for many years, including treatments for the skin, hair and intimate tissues.
Polynucleotides — Supporting Tissue Repair
Polynucleotides are another regenerative option.
Rather than adding volume like a traditional cosmetic filler, polynucleotides are used as biostimulatory treatments intended to support tissue quality, hydration and repair.
Early clinical research using injectable polynucleotide-based treatments in postmenopausal vulvovaginal tissue has reported improvements in measures of tissue health and symptoms such as dryness and discomfort.
Research in this area is still evolving.
What Are We Trying to Improve?
The goal isn’t simply to make the vulva “look younger.”
The goal is healthier tissue.
Depending upon the individual patient, treatment may be considered to support:
- Vulvar hydration
- Skin texture and quality
- Tissue resilience
- Collagen remodeling
- Elasticity
- Circulation and healing
- Comfort of the external vulvar tissue
Every woman’s anatomy, hormonal environment and symptoms are different. An evaluation helps us determine whether vulvar microneedling—or another treatment—makes sense for you.
What to Expect
Vulvar microneedling is performed in the office after applying a topical numbing medication to make the treatment more comfortable. Microneedling creates tiny controlled channels in the tissue and may be combined with PRP or polynucleotides to further support tissue repair and remodeling.
You may experience temporary redness, sensitivity or mild swelling following treatment. We will provide specific instructions for caring for the area while it heals.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Regenerative change happens gradually. We generally recommend a series of 4 treatments, spaced 3 weeks apart, allowing time for healing and tissue remodeling between treatments.
Your treatment plan may vary depending on the condition of your tissue, hormonal status, symptoms and individual goals.
Vulvar Microneedling vs. the O-Shot
These treatments are related, but they are not the same procedure.
The O-Shot® uses PRP injections placed in specific areas involved in urinary and sexual function.
Vulvar microneedling focuses primarily on the health and quality of the external vulvar tissue.
For some women, one treatment may be appropriate. For others, vulvar microneedling may be combined with the O shot.
Intimate Wellness Is About More Than Sexual Function
Your consultation gives us an opportunity to discuss what you are experiencing, examine the tissue when appropriate, and determine which treatment options make the most sense for you.
Have questions?
We are happy to talk with you privately about your concerns and the options available for improving vulvar and intimate health.
Schedule a consultation or contact Cobb Wellness and Aesthetics to learn more.