Recommendations for the implementation of non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation into aesthetic practice - A mixed methods approach

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Eleanor Hartley

Drip Hydration, UK

: J Plast Surg Cosmetol

Abstract

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Statement of Problem: Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation (NSVR) has grown exponentially over the past decade, and the discussions surrounding female genitalia, menopause and genitourinary symptoms of menopause are increasingly more commonplace in the fields of wellness and sexual health. Healthcare practitioners are increasingly aware of the importance of intimate well-being both on physiological and psychosexual health – and the rise in non-surgical approaches to vaginal rejuvenation offers a platform for practitioners to address this critical field. Existing research demonstrates the efficacy of NSVR in improving the quality of life for women. Removing the need for invasive surgical intervention widens the scope of accessibility for women and allows practitioners from non-surgical specialities to cater to patients presenting with intimate wellness concerns. Aims: This proposal aims to explore the perspectives of patients and clinicians on the implementation of NSVR in aesthetic practice, and identify the factors that influence both patient and practitioner decision-making when considering these procedures. Methodology: A mixed methods approach was adopted, combining primary research in the form of semi-structured interviews with 20 patients and a second questionnaire completed by 20 aesthetic practitioners. Primary qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Secondary quantitative data were integrated and analyzed using a triangulation approach to draw inferences on perceptions and opinions of NSVR in non-surgical aesthetic practice. Findings: The women in the study demonstrated a willingness to discuss NSVR and intimate health with their aesthetic practitioner. The triangulated data evidenced that women were not regularly asked about vaginal or sexual health during their aesthetic consultations and that practitioners lacked confidence in approaching this with their patients. Significance: The demand for integration of intimate well-being service offerings within aesthetic practice exists, and with the rise in safe and efficacious non-surgical approaches to vaginal rejuvenation offers the non-surgical practitioner an arsenal of tools to address this key area of health and wellbeing. Recommendations are made for a focus on intimate well-being in non-surgical aesthetic training and improving access to services. Recent Publications: 1. De Souza, A., Santos, M., Frade, I. C. S., & Tavares, R. (2021). Vaginal health and quality of life in postmenopausal women. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 154(3), 368–373. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13707 2. Fickley, S. L., Misrai, V., Vanaman Wilson, M. J., & Trivedi, M. K. (2021). Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation: Patient selection and perspectives. International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 7(4), 337-342. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.10.004. 3. Hinton, E., Sinclair, D., & Baskett, T. F. (2020). Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation: A systematic review of the literature and recommendations for practice. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 42(2), 207- 214. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2019.08.011. 4. Li, Y., Li, X., Liang, S., & Yang, Y. (2020). Association between psychosexual health and quality of life among Chinese reproductive-aged women: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 46(11), 2231–2237. https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.14402 5. Yanes, A. D., Kennedy, V., Potts, J., & Boardman, L. A. (2021). Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation: A review of the literature. International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 7(3), 163-169. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.05.00.

Biography

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Eleanor Hartley NMC registered Midwife and expert in non-surgical aesthetic practice, Eleanor maintains an avid interest in women’s health and well-being, primarily in the field of intimate well-being. Implementing non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation into her aesthetic practice has allowed her to deliver a 360 approach and improve the quality of her life for her patients both physiologically and psychologically. Her Advanced Clinical Practice and MSc in Dermatology have provided a platform for future research, aiming to explore the importance of intimate wellness in aesthetic practice.