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The experts say: “90% of patients notice improvement in just 2 sessions of CO2 laser for urinary incontinence”

Interview with Dr. Fernando Cobián. Gynecologist. Clínica Cobián (Spain)

www.clinicacobian.es

The Cobian Clinic in La Coruna (Spain) is a pioner offering their patients the treatment for urinary incontinence with Gynelase™. Its director, Dr. Fernando Sanchez Cobian, explains in this interview the benefits of this laser treatment for his patients and his clinic.

What is the impact of urinary incontinence among women?

Urinary incontinence affects 30% of the female population. In Spain it is estimated that more than 2 million women suffer it. From age 65 it affects 1 in 2 women and between 25 and 64 years, it affects 1 in 10.

How has evolved the treatment of urinary incontinence over the years?

Until recently, the only effective treatment existing for urinary incontinence was surgery. As this was and is unreachable for the vast majority of women who suffer this pathology, the idea that “losing urine is normal” became widespread and the solution to the problem was to use cellulose compresses to relieve discomfort. Given the dissatisfaction of many women suffering from this condition, units specialized in pelvic floor physiotherapy started to arise. These units base their work on the prevention of incontinence, for example, helping to work the muscles in this area during pregnancy and recovering the ones damaged by childbirth or menopause. Two years ago the CO2 laser started to be used for the treatment of mild or moderate stress urinary incontinence, with very interesting results in well-selected patients.

 What type of urinary incontinence is indicated this laser treatment for?

For mild and moderate stress urinary incontinence. It is not advised in severe cases in which surgery is more effective. It is, therefore, essential a proper and individual assessment of each patient before the application of this treatment.

What type of women can undergo this laser therapy?

Those who suffer losses of urine after efforts that increase abdominal pressure, eg, laughing, coughing, jumping or running. Urinary incontinence is not a disease that endangers the lives of women, but can significantly impair their quality of life decreasing their self-esteem and autonomy (they cannot leave home for fear of losing urine).

How is a treatment session performed?

Laser treatment is applied on an outpatient basis. Women normally only require two sessions held with an interval of 45 days between each. The procedure is performed after the application of a topical anesthetic cream. There is no downtime and women only have to avoid having sex for 5 to 7 days. The procedure is performed with a speculum inserted into the vagina, similar to the ones used by gynecologists. The laser travels inside this handpiece, which has a gold mirror on one of his tips that reflects laser energy in the vaginal mucosa.

How does the laser act in the tissue?

The heat generated by the laser acts on the collagen fibers of the pelvic floor, in two ways: remodeling the existing collagen and favoring the synthesis of new fibers. These two effects promote the recovery of vaginal tone. Therefore, the thermal energy reservoir i

The experts say: “The new era of CO2 laser technology has a name: INTERmedic® for its reliability”

Interview with Dr. Mª José Barba (Spain)

www.doctorabarba.com

 

“The new era of CO2 laser technology has a name: INTERmedic® for its reliability”

With 25 years of experience, Dr. Mª José Barba is one of the most prestigious specialists in Aesthetic Medicine and Cosmetic Surgery in Spain. Many famous faces in the country visit her clinics in Madrid and Zaragoza in search of the most advanced and effective  procedures to restore youth to face and body. We talked to her about CO2 laser resurfacing.

 

When talking about laser resurfacing what do we mean exactly?

Indeed, currently when we talk about rejuvenation we understand it in a global sense and not just the face. The face, hands, neck, cleavage … but also our most intimate area is affected over the years and need to be rejuvenated. The CO2 laser is our best ally when we offer ”rejuvenation” to our patients.

 

What to consider before starting a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment?

Whenever we will be performing any medical laser treatment, it is important to individualize each procedure, personalizing them totally. We can treat spots on the hands or face, in addition to depigmentation of the intimate areas or the back. All our skin shows the signs of aging and is therefore essential to make an assessment of each patient as a whole, to perform an effective  rejuvenation laser treatment.

 

What are the advantages of resurfacing treatments with CO2 laser compared to other types of lasers?

Current INTERmedic CO2 lasers offer a triple type of treatment: surgical procedures (labiaplasty and labia minora reduction, resection of pedunculated warts, etc.), dermatological procedures (such as spot treatment, skin rejuvenation and wrinkles) and gynecological esthetic surgery, in which we can treat from vaginal dryness, to vaginal laxity cause by deliveries. The wide versatility of INTERmedic CO2 laser is a great value and makes it an indispensable tool in the daily practice in my clinics.

 

What are the benefits of fractional laser technology to patients?

Fractional CO2 laser offers good results, in addition to a faster recovery to patients, whom cannot stop their life and must be able to combine treatments with work, social activities, etc.  INTERmedic’s fractional CO2 laser is soft but effective in its results.

 

How many CO2 laser rejuvenation procedure do you perform in your clinics?

If we make a distinction between skin rejuvenation and intimate rejuvenation with CO2 laser, we can make four to five a week in the first case and one to two per week in the second.

 

How have the resurfacing CO2 laser treatments evolved since you started making them in your practice?

I have to confess that  I was one of the first professionals who opted for this medical technology when it first was launched. My first CO2 laser, about 20 years ago, was also from INTERmedic. INTERmedic is a quality brand and now use the CO2 laser for dermatology, surgery and aesthetic gynecology because it covers all my needs and, of course, those of my patients. My commitment is on the evolution and technology for my patients.

 Dra. Mª José Barba-2

What features should offer a CO2 laser to be a good system?

As the laser technology is not cheap, it is very important that the CO2 laser meets these characteristics: reliability, versatility, good service and friendly use.

 

What kind of patients are indicated to this type of rejuvenation?

Scientific studies regarding aging confirm that it begins around age 30, but can be accelerated due to habits such as suntan, smoking or genetics. There are patients who begin to worry at the first signs of aging while still young (first wrinkles, a stain, etc.) Other patients turn to laser treatment with significant signs of aging (sagging, deep wrinkles,  widespread spots on face, hands and body) and also to the symptoms caused by menopause or childbirth in the intimate zone. Therefore,  resurfacing treatment with CO2 laser is indicated for any sign of aging, either initial or very advanced.

 

Is there a rejuvenation laser procedure for each age?

We personalize all laser treatments because at each age there are different problems that can be treated with a CO2 laser. In adolescence: acne scars, nevi, warts, etc. In middle age, spots caused by the sun, hormonal patches, first wrinkles… From age 40, CO2 laser can be used for comprehensive facial skin rejuvenation (uniformity, closed pores and wrinkles) and in the intimate area for the treatment of vaginal rejuvenation, vaginal relaxation, labiaplasty, etc.

 

How does laser act in the epidermis and dermis?

INTERmedic’s CO2 laser acts in the epidermis and dermis producing a comprehensive rejuvenation at different levels: epidermal renewal, ablation-retraction with tightening or lifting effect. The vaporization of the epidermis has two effects: renewal of the superficial skin lsyrt and removal og stains, pigmented lesions, etc. Finally, the laser produces an immediate retraction of the skin. The effect on the dermis is a neo-synthesis of collagen, which tightens the skin. The heat effect of CO2 laser in dermis promotes new collagen synthesis, recovering skin texture and decreasing wrinkles.

 

What areas of the face can be treated with CO2 fractional laser?

We can treat any area of ​​the face, although it is very important to make a proper selection of the parameters depending on the area or lesion we will treat.

 

Is it better to perform a full treatment or to work on a specific area?

The CO2 laser treatments are tailored to the needs of each problem and can only treat specific injuries such as a nevus, or a whole face to get a comprehensive skin rejuvenation.

 

Superficial laser rejuvenation vs deep laser rejuvenation. How is each performed and what is obtained in each case?

You have to study the problems that patients face and their needs. Superficial laser offers a rapid recovery of the skin. In depth procedures with CO2 laser take several days recovery, but the renewal of the skin is more intense and deep. Due to the personal conditions of each patient, sometimes we do various superficial laser treatments to achieve similar results to a single in depth treatment. Such is the case when we are treating upper lip wrinkles or acne scars, where patients see improved their skin problems gradually, with rapid recovery without having to stop in their life.

What precautions should be taken into account when such procedures are performed?

When performing a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment, several factors must be taken into account: skin type and  injury or injuries to be treated, patient diseases to condition a good result (eg decompensated diabetes). We must also take into account sun exposure (it is essential to apply sun protection after a CO2 laser treatment on the face) and exposure to external aggressive agents such as chlorine, dust or other.

 

How is the recovery after a CO2 laser procedure? Does the patient must follow a special pattern?

After a skin resurfacing treatment with CO2 laser, patients should wear sunscreen and use  skin moisturizer in order tho feel comfortable during their recovery. In cases of ablative resurfacing, it must be used an antibiotic ointment for a few days as a preventive treatment in patients with a history of herpes.

 

Finally, and with the vision that gives your extensive experience with the use of different types of CO2 laser, what do you think about INTERmedic’s platforms?

The new era of CO2 laser technology has a name and it is INTERmedic®, for its reliability.