By Kathleen M Marc, MD, FACOG
What is Regenerative Medicine? It is using the power of your own body to enhance and regenerate tissue. In gynecology it can be used to enhance and regenerate breast tissue. It can be used to restore vaginal laxity after childbirth. It can be used to treat GSM, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause including vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, decreased sexual function, urinary frequency and stress incontinence.
Signs of the aging breast include color becoming more gray because of loss of blood flow, the shape of the breast becoming collapsed and droopy, decreased sensation after breast feeding, implants or other surgery, inverted nipples and crepe-paper skin in the cleavage area. The Vampire Breast lift can improve these changes by using PRP, platelet-rich plasma, derived from your own body, in combination with a small amount of hyaluronic acid filler.
The regenerative power of your own body can also be stimulated by energy devices such as radiofrequency. ThermiVa is a non-surgical radiofrequency device that encourages new collagen formation, blood supply and moisture. It is a non-invasive solution for changes in the labia and vagina that happen after childbirth or after menopause. ThermiVa improves sexual function, increases sensitivity and improves sexual satisfaction. ThermiVa creates a mild heat injury under the surface of the vaginal and vulvar tissues that stimulates the body to produce collagen and new blood vessels which can then tighten the labial tissues to reduce sag, improve moisture which reduces vaginal dryness and painful intercourse and stimulate nerve growth which improves sexual function.
The O-Shot is another regenerative procedure that can be performed alone or in combination with ThermiVa. O-Shot is an in-office procedure where the patient’s blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge to isolate the red blood cells from the clear plasma. The red cells are discarded and the plasma is treated with a special process to activate the plasma, which contains a high concentration of platelets (PRP- platelet-rich plasma) Then, using a very tiny needle, the PRP is injected back into the clitoris and lower vagina into the area most important for sexual response. When the PRP is injected, the body sees it as an injury and calls forth 7 different growth factors as well as the patient’s own stem cells to start the healing cascade which causes collagen production, the production of small blood vessels, and stimulates nerves. The O-Shot can help with decreased libido, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, vaginal dryness and resulting painful intercourse, lichen sclerosis and lichen planus. It improves sexual response. The combination of ThermiVa and O-shot seems to have additive benefits in alleviating these symptoms.
CarboxyTherapy is the latest addition to regenerative medicine for the face and body. CO2Lift is the first clinically proven topical application of a carboxy gel. It results in higher tissue oxygenation and the development of new blood vessels. It increases hydration 117% and showed a 26% increase in elastin after 4 weeks of use. When used after energy treatments, such as TherniVa, it speeds healing and improves outcomes. A special kit for CO2Lift V (for the vagina) has a syringe to place the gel in the vagina overnight. When the gel is applied carbon dioxide is absorbed into the tissue creating a deficiency in oxygen. In response the capillaries expand to allow more blood flow.
More oxygen and nutrients are then supplied to the tissue, which helps to regenerate tissue. This may help Genitourinary Syndrome of menopause, is great for new mothers, women who have had chemotherapy, and women with a history of breast cancer who can’t take estrogen. CO2LiftV is another powerful tool in the armamentarium of regenerative treatments.
It’s very exciting to have a variety of non-invasive, non-surgical treatments available to help women improve such a variety of symptoms which can improve their lives.
Aesthetic Treatment Centers
As a leader in the industry, ATC always offers the latest technology in skin and body care. By combining their expertise through industry leaders, innovative procedures, and cutting-edge products, you will always receive remarkable results within the serene, inviting atmosphere of Aesthetic Treatment Centers.
Kathleen M Marc, MD, FACOG
Medical Director
Clinical Instructor Harvard Medical School
Associate Professor Tufts University School of Medicine
Aesthetic Treatment Centers
720 Goodlette-Frank Road, Suite 300
Naples FL 34102
To find out more about their procedures and expertise, please call 239-322-3790 for an appointment, or visit them online at atcnaples.com.