What should be checked before intimate aesthetic treatment ?
The skin and mucous membranes of the treated area must be healthy at the time of treatment.
Significant irritation, an active genital or urinary infection, a herpes outbreak, a wound or an unexplained lesion justify postponing the procedure and, if necessary, investigating the cause.
Itching, burning, unusual discharge, bleeding or pain should not be regarded as merely an aesthetic problem.
Aesthetic treatment must not be performed on an area with an active undiagnosed condition.
Which medicines should be reported before treatment ?
All current treatments must be reported, particularly anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines and medicines that may affect clotting or healing.
These treatments may, in particular, increase the risk of bruising or bleeding after an injection.
However, they must never be stopped on your own initiative to undergo an aesthetic procedure. The decision depends on the medicine, its indication and the planned treatment.
Allergies and any history of reactions to an injectable product must also be specified.
Should a history of genital herpes be reported ?
Yes. A history of genital herpes must be reported before treatment of the intimate area.
A procedure that breaks the skin or causes local inflammation may promote reactivation in some people.
The approach depends on the type of treatment and the frequency of recurrences. An active outbreak requires postponement of the procedure until it has healed.
Is hair removal necessary before intimate aesthetic treatment ?
No. Routine hair removal is not necessary before intimate aesthetic treatment : instructions depend on the area treated and the planned technique.
When hair removal or shaving is necessary, it is preferable to avoid doing so immediately before the session. Waxing, shaving or laser hair removal may cause redness, small skin lesions or folliculitis, which may lead to treatment being deferred if the skin is irritated.
Preparation instructions are therefore specified before the session according to the planned treatment.
Can intimate treatment be performed during menstruation ?
Whether intimate aesthetic treatment can be performed during menstruation depends on the area treated. A labia majora injection can be performed during menstruation, whereas intravaginal treatment, such as vaginal laser treatment, is generally postponed until it has ended.
For external vulval treatments, menstruation is not a contraindication if the area has no irritation, inflammation or infection.
For vaginal laser treatment or another treatment performed inside the vagina, it is preferable to wait until menstruation has ended. Bleeding may interfere with examination of the mucosa and performance of the treatment.
Menstruation therefore does not automatically require external vulval treatment to be postponed. Intravaginal treatments, however, are performed outside the menstrual period.
Can you have sexual intercourse after intimate aesthetic treatment ?
Sexual intercourse should generally be avoided for several days after intimate aesthetic treatment to allow tissue healing and avoid irritating the treated area.
After a labia majora injection, it is generally recommended to wait approximately 5 to 7 days. Friction may increase swelling, tenderness or discomfort after the injection.
After vaginal laser treatment, the waiting period depends on the type of laser used and treatment intensity. Intercourse can resume when the mucosa has healed sufficiently and there is no longer pain or irritation, following the instructions given after the session.
The waiting period before resuming sexual intercourse therefore depends on the treatment performed and tissue healing.
When can exercise resume after a labia majora injection ?
After a labia majora injection, it is generally preferable to avoid exercise for 24 to 48 hours.
Running, cycling, horse riding and activities causing friction or significant pressure on the intimate area may require a longer break of 5 to 7 days if swelling or tenderness persists.
Walking and simple everyday activities can resume immediately if they cause no discomfort.
Resumption should be gradual and should not increase pain or swelling.
Can you use a swimming pool, sauna or steam room after treatment ?
Swimming pools and baths are not recommended to avoid immersing the injection sites before they have closed completely. Showering is possible from the day of treatment, with gentle washing and without rubbing the injected area.
Saunas and steam rooms must also be avoided for at least 48 hours. Heat causes vasodilation, which may increase swelling and bruising.
After laser treatment or another treatment that breaks the skin or mucosa, the waiting period is longer. Swimming pools, baths, saunas and steam rooms must be avoided until the area has healed completely, generally for 7 to 10 days.
What hygiene measures should be followed after intimate aesthetic treatment ?
After intimate aesthetic treatment, gentle washing is enough to keep the area clean. There is no need to disinfect it or wash it repeatedly.
Perfumed products, intimate deodorants, scrubs and products likely to irritate the area must be avoided during healing.
Limiting friction during the first few days is also advisable. If there is swelling, comfortable underwear and clothing that does not compress the area are preferable.
Repeated application of topical products does not speed recovery and may, on the contrary, irritate recently treated tissues.
Which precautions are actually important before and after intimate treatment ?
Before intimate aesthetic treatment, the area must be healthy : a genital or urinary infection, a herpes outbreak, a wound, significant irritation or an undiagnosed lesion requires postponing the session. Anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines, allergies, a history of herpes and previous intimate treatments must be reported to the doctor.
After hyaluronic acid injections into the labia majora, it is recommended to avoid intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours, swimming pools, baths, saunas and steam rooms for 48 hours, and sexual intercourse for approximately 3 to 7 days. Activities causing direct pressure or significant friction, such as cycling or horse riding, should resume once swelling and tenderness have disappeared.
After laser treatment or treatment that breaks the skin or mucosa, sexual intercourse, swimming pools, baths, saunas and steam rooms must be avoided until the area has healed completely. The waiting period depends on the technique and treatment intensity.
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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