Glossary
Vaginal Rejuvenation
A marketing term for cosmetic or functional procedures on the vagina, often using laser or radiofrequency devices. The FDA warned in 2018 that no energy-based device had been cleared or approved for these uses.
Vaginal rejuvenation is not a medical diagnosis. It is a marketing label for procedures that claim to tighten the vagina, restore moisture, improve sexual sensation, or treat urinary leakage and menopause symptoms. Many use lasers or radiofrequency energy to heat vaginal tissue; others are surgical.
The FDA stepped in over the device-based versions. In a safety communication dated July 30, 2018, the FDA warned against using energy-based devices for vaginal "rejuvenation" or cosmetic vaginal procedures and said it had not cleared or approved any energy-based device to treat symptoms related to menopause, urinary incontinence, or sexual function. The agency said these treatments may lead to serious adverse events, including vaginal burns, scarring, pain during intercourse, and recurring or chronic pain. It also raised concerns about marketing to women with early menopause after breast cancer treatment.
Lasers and radiofrequency devices are cleared for other uses, such as destroying abnormal tissue, so doctors can use them off label. The legal problems arise when companies or clinics market them for unapproved uses with unsupported claims. Possible claims include:
- Injury lawsuits over burns, scarring, and chronic pain after a procedure.
- False advertising claims over promises of results that were not supported by evidence.
- Claims against device makers for promoting uses the FDA had not cleared.
Keep the clinic's advertising, consent forms, and treatment records. For related topics, see the skincare false advertising page and how to sue a company. This page is general information, not medical advice.
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