What questions are asked during an intimate aesthetic medicine consultation ?
The initial questions clarify what bothers the patient, how long the change has been present and what result she wishes to achieve.
In particular, the doctor seeks to establish whether the change is recent or gradual, whether it appeared after pregnancy, a weight change, with age or at menopause, and whether it is accompanied by discomfort.
Gynaecological history, current treatments, allergies, previous procedures and any injections or laser sessions already performed in the intimate area are also investigated.
This information helps explain the context of the request.
What medical history should be reported before intimate aesthetic treatment ?
Medical, gynaecological and surgical history must be reported before intimate aesthetic treatment because it may change the indication or the conditions under which treatment can be performed.
During the consultation, the doctor checks in particular current treatments, known allergies, a history of infection or genital herpes, clotting disorders and procedures already performed in the intimate area.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding must also be reported. Non-essential aesthetic treatments are generally postponed during these periods.
Previous intimate aesthetic treatments, particularly injections, should also be specified to establish which products were used and when they were administered.
Which intimate concerns and symptoms should be described to the doctor ?
Yes. Describing the concern precisely helps establish whether the request is purely aesthetic, functional or associated with symptoms requiring medical assessment.
The patient can specify what she wishes to change, but also the circumstances in which discomfort occurs : at rest, with tight clothing, during sport or during sexual intercourse. This information allows its actual impact on everyday life to be assessed.
It is also important to report dryness, itching, burning or pain because these symptoms do not necessarily fall within the scope of aesthetic treatment.
The aim is therefore not merely to describe the appearance of the intimate area, but to explain the nature and circumstances of the discomfort in practical terms.
Is an examination of the intimate area necessary during the consultation ?
Yes, when treatment of the intimate area is considered, an examination is generally necessary to assess the anatomy and check that the proposed treatment genuinely corresponds to the change observed.
The examination assesses labia majora volume, their symmetry, tissue condition and the precise area concerned by the request.
It is particularly important for understanding the origin of an anatomical change. More exposed labia minora may, for example, reflect their own anatomy or a loss of labia majora volume making them more visible. Treatment will differ between these two situations.
How does the doctor distinguish an aesthetic problem from a gynaecological problem ?
The presence of pain, burning, itching, unusual discharge, bleeding or a lesion must prompt investigation of a medical cause before any aesthetic treatment.
Dryness may, in particular, be associated with menopausal hormonal changes. Irritation may have an infectious or dermatological origin. Pain during intercourse can also have several causes.
In these situations, proceeding directly with aesthetic treatment could fail to address the actual problem.
An unexplained symptom must be diagnosed before aesthetic correction is considered.
When is a labia majora injection indicated ?
A hyaluronic acid injection may be considered when the request concerns volume loss or volume asymmetry of the labia majora.
The examination assesses the amount of volume lost, symmetry and the relationship between the labia majora and labia minora.
The desired aim is then defined with the patient. An injection can restore the contours of the labia majora, but does not reduce the size of the labia minora or treat a gynaecological condition.
What information is provided before intimate aesthetic treatment ?
The patient must know the expected result, its limitations, recovery effects, risks and expected duration of effect before deciding to undergo treatment.
The doctor also explains the proposed technique, possible alternatives and situations in which no treatment is indicated.
For an injection, possible recovery effects such as swelling, tenderness or bruising must be discussed. Complications, even rare ones, must also be explained.
The consultation serves as much to determine what treatment can improve as to clarify what it cannot correct.
Can intimate aesthetic treatment be performed at the first consultation ?
Yes, some intimate aesthetic treatments can be performed at the first consultation, but only if the indication is clear and no contraindication is identified.
In some situations, treatment must be deferred. A reflection period, further investigations or a gynaecological opinion may be necessary when a symptom first requires investigation.
The presence of an infection, a suspicious lesion or another contraindication also requires treatment to be postponed.
The first consultation therefore serves above all to determine whether the requested treatment is indicated and can be performed under appropriate conditions.
How should you prepare for an intimate aesthetic medicine consultation ?
It is useful to know the problem you wish to improve, when it began and any associated symptoms.
The patient can prepare a list of her treatments, medical history and any procedures or injections already performed in the intimate area.
If she has details of a previously injected product, these may also be useful.
Article written by Dr Valeria Romano
Dr Valeria Romano supports each patient with a comprehensive approach to the aesthetics of the face, body and intimate areas, and to skin and hair quality. Every treatment is based on a personalised medical assessment.
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