Which side effects are common after intimate aesthetic treatment ?
Side effects depend on the treatment performed. After hyaluronic acid injections into the labia majora, the most common are swelling, bruising and tenderness. After intimate laser treatment, they mainly include redness, a sensation of heat, oedema and temporary irritation of the treated area.
After hyaluronic acid injections into the labia majora, swelling frequently appears in the first few hours. It may be accompanied by tenderness, redness at the injection sites and bruising. Oedema may differ between the two sides : volume and symmetry should therefore not be assessed immediately after the session.
After intimate laser treatment, the treated tissues may show redness, swelling and a sensation of heat or mild burning. Watery or slightly pink discharge may also occur during the first few days. Recovery effects depend on the type of laser, the area treated and the energy delivered.
Is there a risk of infection after an intimate injection ?
Yes. Infection is possible after an intimate injection because every injection passes through the skin and creates an entry point for microorganisms. However, this risk remains uncommon.
The vulval area naturally has microbial flora and is close to the urinary tract and anal region. Following aseptic procedures during injection and hygiene instructions after the session is therefore essential.
Spreading redness, increasing pain, local warmth, discharge or fever may be signs of infection and require medical advice.
If an infection in the intimate area is already present before the session, the injection must be postponed until it has healed.
Is a vascular complication possible after a labia majora injection ?
A vascular complication after hyaluronic acid injections into the labia majora is possible, but remains exceptional. The risk is greatly reduced when the injection is performed by an experienced doctor with a thorough knowledge of the region's vascular anatomy and using an appropriate cannula.
A complication can occur if the product is injected into a vessel or if a quantity of product exerts sufficient compression to disrupt local circulation. Using a blunt-tipped cannula reduces the risk of vascular penetration compared with a needle.
Warning signs are intense or unusual pain, persistent pallor, purplish discolouration or an abnormal change in the skin's appearance. These differ from the swelling, tenderness or bruising that may normally occur after injection.
A vascular complication must be identified and managed immediately to avoid tissue ischaemia and necrosis. Anatomical knowledge, choice of injection plane, use of an appropriate cannula and the doctor's experience are the main factors in reducing this risk.
Can hyaluronic acid form nodules in the intimate area ?
Yes. Nodules or areas of induration may appear after a hyaluronic acid injection in the intimate area.
When a nodule appears soon after injection, it may be associated with an accumulation or uneven distribution of the product. When it appears later, an inflammatory reaction or infection may be responsible.
Identifying the origin of the nodule is important because treatment depends on its cause.
A persistent, painful or red nodule, or one appearing some time after injection, must be examined by a doctor before any manipulation or further injection.
Can you have an allergic reaction to an injected product ?
A hypersensitivity reaction is possible after injection, but severe allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid are rare.
The reaction may involve the hyaluronic acid itself or another component of the product used.
A history of allergies and reactions following previous injections must therefore be reported before treatment.
Sudden swelling associated with breathing difficulties or systemic signs constitutes a medical emergency.
Can intimate treatments cause persistent pain ?
Mild pain or tenderness during the first few days may occur after a labia majora injection or laser treatment. However, significant pain that increases or persists beyond the usual recovery period is not normal.
After a hyaluronic acid injection, the area may be tender because of the passage of the cannula, swelling and temporary tissue tension. This discomfort should gradually decrease. Intense or increasing pain should prompt investigation, particularly for infection, an inflammatory reaction or, more rarely, a vascular complication.
After intimate laser treatment, a sensation of heat, mild burning or irritation may be felt after the session. It should also gradually subside. Persistent pain may, in particular, suggest a burn or injury to the skin or mucosa and requires examination.
Pain that intensifies, prevents usual activities or is accompanied by increasing swelling, significant redness, fever, discharge or a change in skin colour should prompt immediate contact with the doctor.
What are the risks of laser treatment and radiofrequency in the intimate area ?
After intimate laser or radiofrequency treatment, redness, swelling, a sensation of heat or temporary irritation may appear.
More rarely, excessive energy or inappropriate settings may cause a burn, mucosal injury, a scar or persistent pain. The risk depends on the technology used, the area treated and the settings delivered.
Significant or increasing pain, a visible burn, unusual bleeding or poor healing require medical advice.
Can intimate treatments alter sensitivity or sexual function ?
Intimate aesthetic treatments are not intended to directly increase pleasure, sensitivity or orgasm.
A temporary change in sensitivity may occur after an injection or laser treatment because of swelling and local inflammation. More rarely, a burn, scar or tissue injury may cause pain or a persistent change in sensitivity.
Conversely, it is not possible to guarantee that aesthetic treatment will increase sensitivity, pleasure or the ability to reach orgasm.
Sexual function depends on anatomical, hormonal, neurological, psychological and relationship factors.
Which factors increase the risk of complications ?
Active infection, poor healing, certain medical treatments and an unsuitable technique can increase the risk of complications.
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines may, in particular, increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. They must never be stopped without medical advice.
A history of genital herpes must be reported. An infection, significant irritation or an unexplained lesion must be assessed before a procedure is performed.
The risk also depends on the product used, anatomical knowledge of the area and mastery of the technique.
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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