Table 4.
Comparison of energy-based devices
| RF devices |
Lasers |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monopolar | Bipolar and other RFs | CO2 | Erb:YAG | |
| Size and portability | Portable | Usually nonportable | Large and nonportable | Large and nonportable |
| Hand pieces | Disposable, small ergonomic wand | Barrel-shaped hand pieces for vagina, or small introital hand pieces | Larger, barrel-shaped hand pieces with disposable sleeves that are attached to an articular arm | Larger, barrel-shaped hand pieces with disposable sleeves that are attached to an articular arm |
| Depth of penetration | 4 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.6 mm | 0.2–0.5 mm |
| Procedure room | Outpatient room | Designated procedure room | Special room with laser-specific regulation required | Special room with laser-specific regulation required |
| Safety | No special safety gear required | No special safety gear required | User-laser protection glasses, etc | User-laser protection glasses, etc |
| Frequency of sittings | 3–4 sittings at monthly intervals | 4–6 sittings at 2–3 week intervals (bipolar), 3 sittings, each a week apart (multipolar), single Rx (patented), 2–4 times every 2–4 weeks (focused) | 3–4 sittings @ 4–6 week intervals | Protocols are different for different machines: 2 Rx at 8 weeks (Intimalaser) 3 Rx at 2 weeks (Petit Lady) |
| Anesthesia | No anesthesia | No | No | No |
| Time taken | 15–30 minutes | 10–20 minutes | 8–20 minutes | 8–20 minutes |
| Downtime | None | None | Sexual intimacy after 3 days | Sexual intimacy after 3 days |
| Pain | No pain | Introital area may be painful with pre-heated rings | Pain near introitus; hence, need to decrease energy in that area | Pain near introitus; hence, need to decrease energy in that area |
| Effects last for | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Functional probe | Same probe can be used on vulva, in anal canal, or on the penile shaft | Separate probes for vagina and vulva | Separate probe used on vulva | Separate probe used on vulva |
| Skin lightening | ― | Separate probe for skin lightening | Separate probe for skin lightening | |
| Upgrade the machines | Newer machines with higher voltage; hence, quicker action | ― | Automated laser dispensers (robotic) arms make the procedure user independent and faster. Some machines are now adding an RF probe to work on the introital area | Robotic arms make the procedure user independent and faster. Some machines are now adding an RF probe to work on the introital area |
CO2, carbon dioxide; RF, radiofrequency; Rx, prescription