Aesthetic gynaecology, Katowice
Postpartum therapy
After childbirth the body needs time and sometimes support. We address two issues: tissue laxity and scars, after perineal incision, tears, and caesarean section. Each pathway begins with a medical consultation.
What postpartum therapy covers
This is not a single treatment but two areas, selected individually after examination:
- Tissue laxity, energy-based methods, primarily radiofrequency (RF), for a sensation of looseness in the vagina and vulva.
- Postpartum scars, platelet-rich plasma and fractional lasers, for scars after perineal incision, tears, and caesarean section.
Whether a treatment makes sense, and which one, is decided by the doctor. This is not a treatment for every woman after childbirth, some conditions are treated differently (for example stress urinary incontinence has its own pathway).
Laxity, radiofrequency (RF)
Radiofrequency heats the tissue, which is intended to stimulate its contraction and collagen remodelling. It may be suggested for a sensation of vaginal looseness after childbirth.
Honestly about the evidence: studies on energy-based devices (RF, laser) for this indication are mostly case series with short follow up. Results are sometimes favourable, but scientific societies recommend caution until stronger studies are available (references below). We therefore treat this as an option selected individually, with realistic expectations set at the consultation.
If the main problem is leaking urine, the right pathway is urinary incontinence treatment, not a treatment for laxity alone.
Post-partum scars: types
Scars after childbirth vary, and the choice of method depends on the type:
- Atrophic scars, indented, below the level of the skin, typical for example of some scars after perineal incision.
- Hypertrophic scars, raised, firmer, sometimes itchy or painful, can occur on the caesarean section scar.
The caesarean section scar has its own detailed page: caesarean section scar treatment.
Scar therapy methods
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
A concentrate of platelets from the patient's own blood, injected into the scar, is intended to support healing and tissue quality. It may be combined with laser.
Fractional lasers
They work on fragments of skin, stimulating remodelling. For scars we use:
- CO2 laser: fractional, ablative, for scar remodelling.
- Erbium laser (Er:YAG) and erbium glass (Er:Glass 1550 nm) , a gentler approach to structure.
- Picosecond laser, short pulses, also for pigmentation within the scar.
Selection according to scar type, honestly about the evidence: in atrophic scars, fractional lasers (CO2, Er:YAG) give improvement comparable to microneedling and are well tolerated. In hypertrophic scars and keloids, the evidence for laser alone is weaker, it is more often combined with other methods. The method and plan are decided by the doctor.
Separate technology pages: CO2 laser, erbium glass laser, picosecond laser, platelet-rich plasma.
When to start
Therapy begins once the tissue has healed and after the postpartum period. Scars are often treated once they have matured, not right after stitching. Breastfeeding can be a factor for some treatments.
The exact timing for starting (including while breastfeeding) and the intervals between treatments are set by the doctor at the consultation, depending on the method.
Consultation required
Every pathway begins with a medical consultation, and we do not carry out the treatment without one:
- Laxity and treatments within the vagina, consultation with a gynaecologist, including a gynaecological examination.
- Scars, consultation with an aesthetic medicine doctor, who assesses the type of scar and selects the method.
The consultation establishes the diagnosis, choice of method, number of sessions and realistic expectations. It is a paid visit, even when it ends with a decision not to carry out the treatment.
What the therapy will not do
- will not remove the scar completely, it improves its appearance, elasticity and symptoms
- will not replace pelvic floor rehabilitation or treatment for urinary incontinence, if that is the problem
- does not work after a single session, it is usually a series, and the tissue response is individual
- will not restore the body to exactly how it was before pregnancy, a realistic goal is set by the doctor at the consultation
Risks and contraindications
- pregnancy
- active infection or inflammation in the treatment area, active herpes
- blood clotting disorders
- autoimmune diseases in an active phase
- hypersensitivity to a component of the preparation (for injectable treatments)
- a tendency to keloid scars, individual qualification
Breastfeeding and the detailed contraindications for a specific method are checked by the doctor during the medical history before the treatment.
How much it costs
Therapy for postpartum damage to the vagina and perineum, from 3000 PLN. Treatments for scars and laxity are priced individually, as the scope and number of sessions depend on the diagnosis.
Full price list in the aesthetic gynaecology section. The price list is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer within the meaning of Article 66 § 1 of the Polish Civil Code.
References
Claims about efficacy and the limitations of the evidence are based on peer-reviewed literature:
- Machado AC et al. Applicability of vaginal energy-based devices in urogynecology: evidence and controversy. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2023;69(supl 1):e2023S129. DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.2023S129
- Le C et al. Female genitourinary treatments in aesthetics. Clin Dermatol. 2021;40(3):259-264. DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.11.009
- Nobari NN et al. A systematic review of the comparison between needling and ablative fractional lasers (CO2, erbium YAG) in the treatment of atrophic and hypertrophic scars. Lasers Med Sci. 2023;38:67. DOI: 10.1007/s10103-022-03694-x
- Leszczynski R et al. Laser therapy for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022;9:CD011642. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011642.pub2
The questions we are asked most often
When can I start after giving birth?
Once the tissues have healed and the postpartum period is over, and the timing depends on the type of treatment and whether you are breastfeeding. The doctor determines the exact time at the consultation.
Are treatments for skin laxity effective?
Energy-based methods (radiofrequency, laser) can be helpful, but the scientific evidence is still limited, and professional societies recommend caution. That is why the doctor decides on the suitability and realistic expectations after an examination.
Will a scar disappear completely?
No. The therapy improves the appearance, elasticity and symptoms of the scar, but does not remove it. Atrophic scars usually respond to fractional laser better than hypertrophic ones.
How many treatments are needed?
Usually a series, the exact number becomes clear after the first treatment and an assessment of how the skin or tissue responds.
Who should I go to?
For laxity and treatments within the vagina, see a gynaecologist. For scars, see an aesthetic medicine doctor. A consultation is required before every treatment.