Dr Hichem Bensmail
Specialists in aesthetic medicine, Laboratoires VIVACY is the only company to offer an innovative injectable hyaluronic acid-based solution to help women improve their intimate health. Let’s focus more on this unique treatment!
When we talk about vaginal rejuvenation, what does it actually mean?
Dr Bensmail: The concept of vaginal rejuvenation is just the tip of the iceberg. Overall, we try to restore the vagina, meaning we should talk more about vaginal restoration than true rejuvenation. Even if we heal tissue that behaves like the tissue of a 15 or 20-year younger woman, rejuvenation would still imply that we are reversing an aging process, as the aging process is constant. This means that we need to maintain and renew the treatments we do. First, we restore something and then we maintain it to avoid any further discomfort.
When it comes to aesthetic gynaecology, what are the advantages of hyaluronic acid injections versus lipofi lling?
Dr Bensmail : When volume needs to be restored, particularly to the labia majora, there are 2 types of techniques and therefore 2 products that can be used for volume restoration. Either a fat autografting is performed (lipofilling or microfat), or hyaluronic acid with highly hygroscopic properties is injected to produce a volumising effect. The advantage of hyaluronic acid is that the product is ready to use. You just have to treat the area you want to treat directly. The procedures are quicker, less invasive and the results are generally equivalent. However, hyaluronic acid injections may require additional injection sessions, more frequently than fat injections.
What happens during a procedure and how long does the hyaluronic acid last?
Dr Bensmail: Depending on the indication, the product is injected into the area to be treated: either in the vulval vestibule (the entrance to the vagina and vestibule), in the labia majora or intravaginally. The procedure involves an injection of hyaluronic acid subcutaneously, under the mucous membrane, with a local or topical anaesthetic. The product is spread evenly in the treated area so that it remains in place as long as possible. It is a resorbable product, so its efficacy lasts between 9 months to 1 year. The more touch-up sessions done, the more the procedures can be spaced out: i.e. between the first and second injection, it is often necessary to wait 1 year. The third injection can be done 1.5 or even 2 years after the second one.
Which hyaluronic acid product do you use?
Dr Bensmail: In my practice, I use Desirial® from Laboratoires VIVACY. The advantage of this product is that it has a gynaecological indication. To my knowledge, it is the only one to date. It is a proven product, which does not have any major side effects, apart from some minor temporary irritations. Small quantities are injected in the intimate area. To treat atrophy, we inject 1ml – 2ml. Therefore, there is no major risk, unwanted reaction, risk of vascular complications or hematomas because these are very superficial areas, so it is a very safe procedure.
Have you noticed an increase in demand for this type of treatment or is it still a taboo subject? Dr Bensmail: Both are true. I think that more patients bypass their regular doctor. They have more access to information, generally through social media, health magazines: access is easier. If they look hard enough, they fi nd the right information and book a treatment. However, it remains a taboo subject, even if it is a problem that affects a large number of patients: it is estimated that more than 1 in 2 women during menopause suffer from vaginal dryness. However, the number of patients who consult for this reason is still low. There is a lack of information for both doctors and patients. Many doctors either do not know or underestimate the benefits of this treatment.
Dr Hichem Bensmail: Dr Hichem Bensmail is a globally renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist based in Bordeaux, France. He specialises in both aesthetic gynaecology and urogynaecology. He is an international speaker and clinical trainer. He has published multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals to clarify the use and efficacy of current and evolving gynaecology surgical techniques and treatments.
More informations: hichembensmail.com
