I Went For Vulva & Vagina Facials, And Actually Saw Results

For a minute there, I thought we had officially run out of novel ways to beautify women. Until I perused the press releases that recently rocketed into my inbox.

It seems rejuvenation treatments for our face have made their way down there - all claiming to give you a more youthful groin, higher libido and improved bedroom confidence. Think vagifacials, brightening treatments, radiofrequency and microneedling to restore the vaginal and vulva tissues, and even, get this, labia fillers.

“Labia fillers actually help minimise camel toe when you’re in your yoga leggings,” shares the affable Sandra Koh, co-founder and managing director of Bio Aesthetic Medispa, when I visited. The company is part of the famed Theresa Holdings, started by Sandra’s mother Theresa.

“I know, first world problem, right?” Sandra quickly followed up with a laugh, probably noting my incredulous look.

Now, I’m not dismissing anything as gimmicky. As someone who’s given birth naturally (and been stitched up) three times, I can’t even begin to imagine the amount of trauma that my vagina has gone through. Mamas, remember those dilation checks, membrane sweeps, trans-vaginal scans, regular PAP smears... and the roughness and discomfort of it all? Were they putting a cactus or a lubed finger inside me? I couldn't tell the difference.

After my last delivery, my doctor even made stitches INSIDE my cervix due to unexpected bleeding. I had felt like a piece of meat on a butcher's block too many times.

My youngest child is almost three, but I can still remember those times. So I'm up for anything to help me feel better physically and energetically.

On press invitations, I gave two treatments a go: the Vagifacial at Bio Aesthetic Medispa and the EmpowerRF FormaV at Motherlove (previously Schone Mama). Here's my no-holds-barred review – and let’s just say, skeptics should continue reading.

1. Vagifacial

What it is: As the name suggests, this Vagifacial is a 30-minute "facial" for the vulva area. Using products from Foxy Affair, a local intimate products purveyor, the therapist will cleanse and exfoliate your skin. This is followed by a deep purification using an ultrasonic scrubber (a metal plate), before an enzyme mask is applied.

Benefits: The treatment is supposed to moisturise and brighten the vulva, restore pH balance and reduce odour.

Does it work: Let's start from the beginning. Most might feel a little uneasy about spreading their legs in front of a stranger. But the therapist was warm and comforting, and after having gone through three vaginal births, I was unperturbed.

Like most regular facials, the Vagifacial will leave your skin feeling softer, smoother and more hydrated right after. But what really stood out was the gentle and respectful touch - like butterfly kisses, no kidding - of the therapist who expertly completed all the steps while putting me at ease. There was no pain whatsoever during the whole process.

If you have not trimmed your pubic hair prior, the therapist will do a shave for you – also a highly pleasant experience. You can add on a Brazilian laser hair removal before the vagifacial as well. But the treatment time is short and there isn't much going on except between the legs, so don't expect to get relaxed enough to doze off.

Overall, the treatment felt pampering, and as I told Sandra after, it undid a chunk of physical and mental trauma from the rough handling of my lady bits during my births. It also helps that the price tag is friendly enough as an occasional treat.

Price and availability: $99 (first trial) or $198 (regular price). Available at Bio Aesthetic Medispa and Cosmo Aesthetic Medispa outlets.

2. EmpowerRF FormaV

What it is: Lasting 20 to 30 minutes, Empower RF FormaV uses radiofrequency (RF), common in anti-ageing facial treatments, to rejuvenate vaginal and vulva tissues. Staff at Motherlove explained that even when the birth canal contracts after delivery, the intense stretching causes folds within. So the inside of your vagina looks more like tau kee (dried beancurd skin) after birth. (No, not grossed out at all.) This can cause uncomfortable sex and discharge to be stuck within. During the treatment, a slim probe, not unlike a very sleek dildo, is gently inserted and moved around the vagina to smooth out and rejuvenate the vaginal tissues. The same probe is also used on the vulva.

Benefits: The RF penetrates deep into underlying tissues to promote the production of collagen and elastin. Like how RF irons out wrinkles on the face, the FormaV is said to do the same for the vaginal wall, and improve elasticity and lubrication (for more comfy sex). It is also a youth-boosting treat for the external area (the vulva). Three treatments or more are recommended for lasting results.

Does it work: After one too many PAP smears that felt like medieval torture, I was mildly worried that the RF probe plus the heat might just combust me from the inside out. But I was wrong to say the least. The procedure felt like... nothing? The probe was super slim and all I felt was a very gentle warmth. While the treatment was going on, I whipped my phone out to doom-scroll for a good 15 minutes.

This may be too much information for some people, but no cap, the physical transformation was highly visible just from one session. My labia and vulva were visibly tightened, and appeared brighter. The therapist holds up a mirror before and after the treatment to provide a close-up look, so be prepared to get really acquainted with your body. I can only imagine the wonderful effects that might emerge from multiple sessions. Given the price however, I expect nothing less.

Did my libido get a high after my treatment? I came home to three noisy kids tearing the living room apart, so you can guess the answer yourself.

Plus, I enjoyed commiserating with my therapist – I regret not getting her name – about life and kids. The thing about Motherlove is that no one is shy about discussing vaginal issues like the colour of your discharge, painful sex and irregular periods. It is such a breath of fresh air to be in the company of women who understand these things intimately and normalise talking about it.

Price and availability: $500 before GST (first trial), $1,200 before GST (regular price). Available at all Motherlove (previously Schone Mama) outlets.

Bottomline

TBH, I'm not hung up over how my vulva and vagina look. But these treatments have opened my eyes to how mothers can pamper themselves in a different way. Our sensitive bits have been through SO MUCH – it isn't unreasonable to give them the TLC they deserve.

That said, all obstetricians and nurses should learn from these spa therapists how to handle lady parts.

Having experienced each treatment once, I would say that the effects were reasonably lasting. My skin felt better and smooth for about a week after, similar to results after a really good spa treatment. I'm not sure if I would pay for regular sessions, but for those curious to give these vulva and vaginal treatments a shot? Go for it. Or you can add them to your wishlist for your partner, who might get motivated enough to sponsor them immediately.

Mei Yan is mother to three boisterous children and two furry felines. She maintains her sanity with kopi siew dai, yoga and tarot reading, and hopes to pay off her sleep debt in this lifetime. You can find her musings on motherhood and mindfulness @alittlepastbedtime.