Votiva
What to Expect After a Votiva Procedure
November 12, 2024
Votiva
Many women turn to Votiva as a versatile, pain-free, non-surgical treatment to improve the functional and cosmetic health of one of their body’s most intimate areas.
Votiva is appealing here for many reasons, but especially because it’s quick and non-invasive. Just three sessions of Votiva vaginal rejuvenation can be enough to overcome years’ worth of problems related to dryness, incontinence, laxity, and even physical pain and discomfort — not to mention the psychological burdens from each.
Yet that doesn’t mean you won’t feel nervous or have questions before a Votiva treatment — especially when it comes to day-of expectations and your aftercare.
You’ve done the research. You’ve consulted with experts like Dr. Fred and the specialists at Cornerstone. You’ve chosen what’s right for you. Let’s walk through exactly what to expect after a Votiva vaginal rejuvenation treatment.
Main Takeaways:
- Votiva is pain-free, using gentle heat radiofrequency to increase blood flow to targeted vaginal areas.
- One Votiva treatment session on average takes less than 30 minutes.
- Recovery is minimal, carrying few risks and side effects. Most women experience minor warming and sensitivity.
- At-home care aims to reduce any post-treatment tenderness or swelling, namely including using regular over-the-counter NSIADs and cold compresses.
- You can expect to see desired vaginal improvements typically after 3-4 sessions, again with few risks after and between treatments.
- Just 1-2 Votiva procedures a year should maintain results long term.
What to Expect After Your Votiva Treatment at Cornerstone
It’s completely normal to feel anxious for your Votiva appointment, especially if you’ve never received any kind of radiofrequency-based bodily treatments. Yet aftercare is simple and straightforward.
In-house care at Cornerstone:
Immediately following a Votiva treatment, you’ll experience several aftercare steps, each for your comfort and recovery:
- A cooling topical gel is applied to soothe the treated areas, helping reduce warmth or mild discomfort you may feel.
- A brief consultation with your treatment team ensures you understand aftercare instructions and have a chance to ask any questions.
- Sanitary napkins will often be provided in case of any light spotting, which is perfectly normal and typically only lasts a few hours post-treatment.
- Fred and the team will discuss any activity restrictions specific to your lifestyle. This includes a timeline before returning to heavy exercise, hot baths, or sexual activity. On average, you only need to refrain from these things for a few days.
- You may receive a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and, under special circumstances, plan any additional complementary treatments. It all depends on your needs and full desired results.
When leaving Cornerstone:
- You may notice minimal swelling or redness might in and around the treatment area — this is perfectly normal. Fred and the team will check that you’re absolutely comfortable before you leave our clinic.
- It’s recommended to wear or bring a change of loose, soft clothing. This ensures your comfort and helps avoid friction in the treated area.
- You’ll be encouraged to stay hydrated and possibly given recommendations for topical moisturizers to help aid recovery.
It’s important to remember that Votiva treatments use radiofrequency energy which gently and painlessly heats vaginal tissue, including inside the vaginal canal as well as the labia majora and labia minora. This may be the first time you’ve experienced this kind of treatment modality, but rest assured Votiva is clinically researched, FDA approved, safe, and non-invasive (meaning non-surgical).
What’s more, Dr. Fred and his medical nursing team have performed hundreds of Votiva rejuvenation procedures. Every procedure is supervised by Dr. Fred and centers your absolute care and comfort.
At-Home Care Following a Votiva Treatment
Proper at-home care is essential for quick, smooth healing, plus to make sure you experience your treatment’s full results.
Every patient receives personalized at-home care instructions. Though in general, you can expect at-home care to include the following.
- Avoid sexual activity for 3-5 days to allow tissues to heal without irritation or strain.
- Refrain from using tampons for at least 3-5 days. This allows internal tissue to health while avoiding unnecessary friction and internal pressure.
- Take lukewarm showers. Avoid hot baths or soaking in tubs for about a week.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing, including comfortable undergarments, to prevent friction and keep the area cool. It is generally recommended to avoid thongs for a few days after your treatment.
- Apply any doctor-recommended soothing ointments if needed to ease discomfort or dry sensations.
- Stay hydrated to support healing and tissue hydration from the inside out.
- Use cold compresses, wrapped in a soft cloth, for short periods if swelling is bothersome. Swelling is usually only present within the first few hours after your session.
- Gently pat instead of rubbing or itching the treatment area, as needed.
- Keep the area clean and generally avoid harsh or strong chemical body treatments, washes, lubricants, or perfumed products around the vaginal area.
- Avoid heavy exercise for about 48-72 hours to prevent added pressure or overheating.
- Listen to your body, and prioritize rest. Overexertion may slow down your healing.
How Common Is Post-Treatment Pain and Sensitivity?
Remember symptoms are minor, expected, and temporary, and in fact are often a good sign. This is simply your body’s way of signaling its response to the rejuvenation process.
Post-Votiva, the vast majority of women report very mild, manageable discomfort. The most common side effects after a session include minor swelling or tenderness around the treated area, which usually subsides within 1-3 days.
You may also find your internal vaginal canal and labia minora (the inner folds surrounding the vagina) feel more sensitive during this same time. Mild labial itching is also not uncommon, but these sensations should not cause too much concern and typically resolve within 48 hours.
What Other Side Effects Should I Expect After Votiva?
While Votiva is a low risk outpatient treatment, you might experience some temporary symptoms. These are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days.
- Mild swelling. Swelling will be localized, meaning it only occurs right around the area that was treated. Swelling typically subsides within 24-72 hours.
- Redness and warmth. This sensation can last up to a few days but fades quickly.
- Light spotting. Light spotting is normal for the first 24-48 hours, particularly for Voitva treatments inside the vaginal canal.
- Increased sensitivity. Common for 2-3 days, especially in the vaginal canal.
- Dryness, tingling, or mild itching. This can occur for several days as tissues in and around the vagina rejuvenate.
Tips for Post-Session Pain and Swelling Relief
Keep in mind the following at-home practices that provide relief for the vast majority of post-treatment symptoms:
- Applying cold compresses for 10-15 minutes at a time to ease any swelling. However, avoid applying cold packs directly on bare skin. Make sure to wrap a cloth or fabric around the compress.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen if needed, but follow your doctor’s advice and dosage instructions.
- Rest with your legs elevated to reduce pressure and encourage blood flow, which helps promote healing.
- Use gentle, doctor-approved moisturizers and topical ointments to keep tissues comfortable and hydrated.
- Wear cotton underwear to ensure airflow and avoid irritation during healing.
Full Recovery Timeline and Results
The overwhelming majority of women who get Votiva recover fully within 3-5 days.
Within that week, initial tenderness fades, and any minor swelling or redness should be gone within a week. From there, both the cosmetic as well as the functional benefits of Votiva should be underway.
For lasting results, most women will need between 3-4 Votiva treatments spaced at least one week apart. This is considered your onset treatment package. Once that initial package is complete, a maintenance Votiva session performed only 1-2/year should maintain results.
Understand Votiva Treatments in South Jersey, Jersey Shore, Linwood, Tom’s River
Ready to finally feel comfortable and confident again when it comes to your vaginal health?
Schedule your free Votiva consultation with Cornerstone Plastic Surgery. With over 25 years of expertise, Dr. Coville and the team are here to understand your definition of beauty and bring it to reality.