Your doctor may prescribe a hydrating gel, to prevent excessive itchiness and dryness after treatment. Many of our patients say it is minimal discomfort, compared to the results they experience.” Sacha Obaid, a plastic surgeon in Southlake, Texas, describes in a RealSelf Q&A what patients can expect after FemTouch: “Patients can experience a light discharge and possible burning sensation for a couple of days after treatment. You can go back to work or school the same day, with minimal post-procedure discomfort.ĭr. You’ll likely notice an improvement after your first session, but most women need two to four treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart, for optimal results. “The laser and energy vaginal devices in question have not been FDA-approved for the claims that are frequently made about them, but they work well anecdotally and in clinical practice,” explains New York City–based plastic surgeon and RealSelf Chief Medical Editor Dr. According to the FDA, “The safety and effectiveness of energy-based devices for treatment of these conditions has not been established.” However, doctors commonly use FemTouch (and similar devices) off label to treat vaginal dryness and atrophy, since the medical literature supports their safety and effectiveness. It can also help restore healthy bacteria levels within the vagina, to prevent yeast overgrowth and recurrent urinary tract infections.įemTouch has been FDA-cleared as safe to use for gynecological purposes, but it is not specifically approved for “ vaginal rejuvenation”-that is, treating symptoms related to menopause, urinary incontinence, or sexual function. It’s especially beneficial for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women experiencing dryness, irritation, and incontinence.įemTouch is performed with an AcuPulse CO2 fractional laser-an ablative laser that works on and below the surface of the vaginal skin, stimulating new collagen production.Īccording to the manufacturer, FemTouch laser thickens vaginal wall tissues, induces healthy cell growth, and improves vaginal lubrication.
It’s an option for women who are bothered by these conditions but aren’t interested in surgery or hormone replacement therapy-the more conventional solutions to such vaginal conditions. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at and we will evaluate the product ASAP.FemTouch is a laser procedure used to treat a range of vaginal conditions, including bladder leakage, recurrent infections, and pain during intercourse. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any at-home laser hair removal devices from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. For this feature, she has borrowed the expertise of two professionals (a dermatologist and beauty educator) the break down the how’s and what’s of at-home laser hair removal.Īccording to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. Over the years, Emily Algar has experienced and spoken to dozens of experts in the permanent hair-removal treatment space, figuring out what works, what doesn’t.
They are generally more advanced, too, which is why those with light hair or a deep skin tone are often better off seeing a professional (given it’s in their means). Ward explains that the main differences are that in-clinic machines are more powerful and often bigger, so they can cover a treatment area faster and do a better job at eradicating hair. Likewise, those with fair body hair should also consider their options because at-home devices might not be intelligent enough to pick up the hair follicle (remember, they’re attracted to dark pigment).
Even if you don’t commit to a series of treatments, you’ll at least have peace of mind and a better understanding of what you can and can’t do.
If you're really in doubt, hedge your bets and speak to a professional from the get-go. These days, technology has come far enough (and rightly so) so that people of color can reap the rewards of laser hair removal, but it’s important to seek out the right tool. Ward touches on this elsewhere, but because the laser is attracted to dark pigment, it’s tricky territory for dark skin tones due to the possibility of the laser getting confused and heating the actual skin instead of the hair (and causing permanent damage). Both use light to heat the hair follicle, the only palpable difference is the light they actually use (laser uses one wavelength, whereas IPL uses multiple). What to Look For in an At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device Laser vs IPLĪccording to Cleveland Clinic practitioner and dermatologist Rachel Ward, MD, there are two types of at-home hair removal methods: true laser and IPL. Rachel Ward, MD, is dermatologist and a Cleveland Clinic practitioner.