ThermiVa NYC - Expertise Matters
Thousands of treatments performed over a decade.
NYC's Premier ThermiVa Practice
Over A Decade of Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation Excellence
Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | Board-Certified Dermatologist | Assistant Clinical Professor, Mount Sinai Department of Dermatology
Last Medically Reviewed: March 11, 2026
The Dermatology & Laser Group was one of the first practices to offer ThermiVa in New York City. Over the past decade, Dr. Arash Akhavan has performed thousands of ThermiVa treatments, upgrading through every generation of the technology — from the original Thermi device, to the Arvati edition, to today’s most advanced Thermi RF+ ThermiVa system.
As a board-certified dermatologist and nationally recognized expert in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Akhavan brings unmatched experience to every treatment. This isn’t a procedure we recently added to our menu — intimate wellness has been a core part of our practice for over ten years.
ThermiVa uses FDA-cleared radiofrequency technology to gently rejuvenate vaginal and vulvar tissue — non-surgically, painlessly, and with zero downtime. Whether you’re seeking improvement in laxity, sensation, dryness, or mild stress incontinence, ThermiVa delivers measurable results backed by peer-reviewed clinical research. A 2018 histologic study published in Dermatologic Surgery (Vanaman Wilson et al.) confirmed statistically significant improvement in vulvovaginal laxity and tissue structure following radiofrequency treatment.
What is ThermiVa?
The Gold Standard in Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation
ThermiVa is an FDA-cleared radiofrequency treatment that works by gently warming vaginal and vulvar tissue to a precise therapeutic temperature. This controlled heat stimulates your body’s own collagen and elastin production — the building blocks of firm, healthy tissue.
The result is tighter, more elastic tissue with improved sensation, better natural lubrication, and relief from mild stress urinary incontinence — all without surgery, anesthesia, or downtime.
One of the reasons we chose ThermiVa over CO2 laser alternatives is depth of treatment. Laser-based devices like MonaLisa Touch and FemiLift only reach about 0.6mm below the surface. ThermiVa’s radiofrequency energy penetrates approximately 4mm deep — treating the full thickness of vaginal and vulvar tissue rather than just skimming the surface. That deeper reach is what makes the difference in the quality and longevity of results.
In a multi-center clinical study, 93% of women treated reported improvement in vulvovaginal laxity. Reported benefits include:
INCREASED VAGINAL TIGHTNESS
IMPROVED LUBRICATION
IMPROVED SENSATION
IMPROVED STRESS INCONTINENCE
The Latest Radiofrequency Technology
Thermi RF+ at The Dermatology & Laser Group
The Science Behind Your Results
ThermiVa doesn't just improve how things feel on the surface — it actually triggers your body's own healing response to rebuild and rejuvenate tissue from within. A landmark histologic study published in Dermatologic Surgery (Vanaman Wilson et al., 2018) examined tissue biopsies before and after ThermiVa treatment and confirmed three key changes happening beneath the skin:
Firmer, Stronger Tissue: The gentle radiofrequency energy stimulates your body to produce fresh collagen and elastin — the proteins responsible for keeping tissue tight and supple. This builds and restores structural support, making ThermiVa an excellent option for anyone experiencing vaginal laxity. It is also effective for restoring structure that may have been lost after childbirth, with aging, or due to hormonal shifts.
Restored Natural Moisture: ThermiVa promotes the growth of new blood vessels in treated tissue, which improves blood flow and helps increase natural lubrication. This is especially meaningful for women experiencing dryness, including during or after menopause.
Improved Sensitivity: Perhaps most remarkably, biopsy studies confirmed that ThermiVa can stimulate the growth of new nerve fibers — a finding first reported by Alinsod (2016) in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. This is why so many patients tell us they notice a real difference in sensation.
Together, these three mechanisms are what set this treatment apart from other non-surgical options — it's not just a surface-level treatment, it's genuine tissue rejuvenation backed by histologic evidence.
The Thermi RF+ Advantage: Why Our Technology Matters
Dr. Akhavan has treated patients with every generation of Thermi's radiofrequency platform — from the original device to the Arvati edition — giving him a depth of experience that few providers in the country can match.
Today, we exclusively use the Thermi RF+, the most advanced version available, which offers more precise temperature control, a redesigned handpiece for more uniform energy delivery, faster treatment times, and an even more comfortable patient experience.
Having worked with all three generations, Arash Akhavan, MD can tell you firsthand how each advancement has translated to better results for his patients.
Your Treatment Step by Step
Understanding what to expect helps you feel confident and relaxed before your first visit. Here’s what a session looks like at our Manhattan office:
Personalized Consultation
Your journey begins with a private, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Arash Akhavan. He’ll discuss your specific goals — whether that’s increased tightness, improved sensation, better moisture, or relief from mild stress incontinence — and create a treatment plan tailored to you.
Comfortable Preparation
On treatment day, you’ll be positioned comfortably in a private treatment room. No anesthesia, numbing cream, or special preparation is needed.
Internal Treatment
Dr. Akhavan begins by treating the internal vaginal canal using the slim S-shaped Thermi RF+ handpiece. The device’s real-time temperature monitoring ensures consistent, safe energy delivery throughout. Patients describe a pleasant warming sensation, similar to a warm stone massage.
External Treatment
Next, the external vulvar and labial tissue is treated using the same gentle radiofrequency energy. The entire experience is comfortable — patients consistently tell us it feels like a warm massage.
Immediate Return to Normal Activities
The entire procedure takes approximately 30–45 minutes. There is zero downtime — you can return to all normal activities immediately, including exercise and intimacy. No restrictions, no wound care, no recovery period.
Progressive Results
While many patients notice improvement after their first session, ThermiVa works by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production over time. The standard protocol is three treatments spaced 2–3 weeks apart, with results continuing to improve for several months after your final session as new collagen matures.
THERMIVA TREATMENT AREAS
External Labial Tightening
Restores firmness and tone to the labia majora, improving both appearance and everyday comfort. This is a popular option for patients who’ve noticed changes after childbirth or simply over time.
Vaginal Canal Rejuvenation
This is our most commonly requested treatment area. Radiofrequency energy tightens and firms the internal vaginal canal by stimulating your body’s own collagen production — patients consistently tell us they notice a real difference in both tightness and sensation.
Clitoral Region Enhancement
Targeted radiofrequency energy increases blood flow and nerve sensitivity to the clitoral hood area. Many patients report heightened arousal and improved orgasmic function after completing their treatment series.
Stress Incontinence Support
ThermiVa strengthens the tissue surrounding the urethra, reducing those frustrating little leaks that can happen when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise. Published clinical data reports improvement rates of 67–78% in mild stress urinary incontinence symptoms following a three-treatment series.
Post-Pregnancy Restoration
Vaginal delivery can leave you feeling like things just aren’t the same. ThermiVa offers a non-surgical path to recovery that can begin as soon as your OB-GYN clears you for normal activity — typically 6–8 weeks postpartum.
Menopausal Symptom Relief
Vaginal dryness, discomfort, and tissue changes are among the most common — and least talked about — effects of declining estrogen levels. ThermiVa provides a hormone-free alternative, making it a great option for patients who cannot or prefer not to use hormonal treatments.
Breast Cancer Survivor Support
For patients on aromatase inhibitors or anti-estrogen therapy, vaginal dryness and discomfort can be a difficult side effect with limited treatment options. ThermiVa offers relief without introducing hormones that could interfere with your cancer treatment. We work closely with your oncology team to ensure coordinated care.
Who Is Not a Candidate
ThermiVa is not recommended for patients who are pregnant, have an active infection in the treatment area, or have an implanted electrical device (such as a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator) in the treatment region. Patients with certain autoimmune conditions affecting the pelvic area should discuss candidacy with Dr. Akhavan during their consultation. If you are unsure whether ThermiVa is appropriate for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation so Dr. Arash Akhavan can evaluate your individual situation.
Before and After Results
Before and after photos are not shown on this page due to the intimate nature of the treatment area. During your private consultation, Dr. Akhavan will be happy to share clinical results and discuss what you can realistically expect based on your individual goals.
ThermiVa Cost in NYC
Manufacturer-Authorized Lowest Price
Manufacturer-Authorized Lowest Price
The standard cost for ThermiVa at The Dermatology & Laser Group in New York City is $3,000 for three sessions ($1,000 per treatment). This pricing reflects the expertise of a board-certified dermatologist with over a decade of ThermiVa experience, our use of the latest Thermi RF+ technology, and the premium, private treatment environment our patients expect.
Annual maintenance sessions are available at $1,000 per treatment to sustain your results long-term. Most patients schedule one maintenance treatment per year, though some prefer sessions every 6–9 months depending on their individual goals.
Combination Treatment Packages
Many of our patients combine ThermiVa with complementary procedures for comprehensive vaginal rejuvenation. Popular procedures combined with ThermiVa include PRP/PRF injections (called “O-shot” by some practices), labial puff (plumping) with dermal fillers, or no-injection labial puff and plumping with Exion. Contact our office for combination package pricing.
Why Provider Experience Matters
Results depend heavily on the skill and experience of your provider. While the device’s temperature-controlled technology provides built-in safety, the quality of your results comes down to your provider’s understanding of tissue response, treatment technique, and how to get the most out of the device.
Dr. Arash Akhavan has performed thousands of treatments since the technology first became available in New York City — and he has personally worked with every generation of the platform. That kind of hands-on experience means he’s treated every variation of anatomy, concern, and goal, and knows exactly how to tailor each session for the best possible outcome.
As a board-certified dermatologist with deep expertise in tissue biology and energy-based devices, Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD performs every treatment himself, or can directly supervise the procedure if you would prefer a female provider that is trained and certified in the procedure. This is a medical procedure — not something that should be performed in a med spa or clinic without a board-certified physician directly present.
When comparing providers in NYC, we encourage you to ask:
- How many treatments has the provider personally performed?
- What generation of the device do they use?
- Is the provider a board-certified physician?
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
Comparing Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation Options
Understanding how ThermiVa compares to other vaginal rejuvenation options can help you make a more informed decision. The chart below provides a clinical comparison of the most common non-surgical and surgical approaches based on published data and our experience treating thousands of patients at The Dermatology & Laser Group in NYC.
| Feature | ThermiVa (RF) | CO2 Laser | Vaginoplasty | Topical Estrogen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tissue Penetration | Deep (subdermal, ~4mm) | Superficial (~0.6mm) | Full thickness | Surface only |
| Pain Level | None (warm sensation) | Moderate | Significant | None |
| Downtime | None | 3–7 days | 4–6 weeks | None |
| Anesthesia Required | No | Topical numbing | General | No |
| Treats Internal + External | Yes | Internal only | Yes | Internal only |
| Hormone-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Addresses Incontinence | Yes (67–78% improvement rate) | Limited evidence | Possible | No |
| Treatment Time | 30–45 minutes | 15–20 minutes | 1–2 hours | Daily application |
| Sessions Needed | 3 (spaced 2–3 weeks) | 3 (spaced 4–6 weeks) | 1 | Ongoing daily use |
Frequently Asked Questions
ThermiVa is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive radiofrequency treatment that gently heats vaginal and vulvar tissue to stimulate collagen production and tissue remodeling. Using a temperature-controlled handpiece, the Thermi RF+ device delivers consistent therapeutic heat to both external and internal tissue, promoting tightening, improved moisture, and enhanced sensation. The 30-minute in-office treatment requires no anesthesia, no incisions, and no downtime. Most patients describe the experience as a comfortable warming sensation similar to a warm stone massage.
ThermiVa is priced at $3,000 for the recommended series of three treatments ($1,000 per session) at The Dermatology & Laser Group. This represents competitive pricing for a board-certified dermatologist provider in Manhattan with over a decade of experience with this specific technology. Annual maintenance sessions are available at $1,000 per treatment to sustain long-term results.
No — ThermiVa is consistently described by patients as comfortable and even pleasant. The treatment uses temperature-controlled radiofrequency that feels like a gentle warming sensation. Unlike CO2 laser treatments that can cause significant discomfort, ThermiVa requires no topical anesthesia, no numbing cream, and no pain medication. Patients at our practice often describe the treatment as similar to a warm stone massage. You can return to all normal activities immediately after treatment, including exercise and intimacy.
Three treatments spaced approximately 2–3 weeks apart is the standard protocol. Most patients notice improvement after their first session, with progressive enhancement through the series as collagen remodeling continues over the following months. Results typically last 9–12 months, after which annual maintenance sessions help sustain improvements. Dr. Arash Akhavan customizes each treatment protocol based on individual concerns, anatomy, and goals during your initial consultation.
ThermiVa effectively addresses a wide range of feminine wellness concerns including vaginal laxity from childbirth or aging, external labial laxity, vaginal dryness and decreased lubrication, mild stress urinary incontinence (leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise), decreased sexual sensation, and difficulty achieving orgasm. The treatment is particularly popular among post-pregnancy women, perimenopausal and menopausal women, and breast cancer survivors who cannot use hormone-based therapies.
Most adult women who want to improve vaginal tightness, moisture, and sensation are good candidates, as are those with mild stress incontinence. Candidates include women who have completed childbearing (though it is safe before future pregnancies), perimenopausal and menopausal women experiencing tissue changes, breast cancer survivors who cannot use estrogen-based therapies, and women seeking non-surgical feminine rejuvenation without downtime. ThermiVa is safe for women of all skin types and tones. The treatment is not recommended for patients who are pregnant, have an active infection in the treatment area, or have an implanted electrical device such as a pacemaker. During your consultation at The Dermatology & Laser Group, Dr. Akhavan will evaluate your specific concerns to determine if ThermiVa is the right treatment for you.
ThermiVa and CO2 laser treatments work through fundamentally different mechanisms with different tradeoffs. ThermiVa uses radiofrequency energy that penetrates deeply into subdermal tissue (approximately 4mm), while CO2 lasers affect only the superficial mucosal layer (approximately 0.6mm). Key advantages of ThermiVa include zero pain versus moderate discomfort with CO2 lasers, no downtime versus 3–7 days of restricted activity, treatment of both internal and external tissue versus internal only, and no anesthesia required. ThermiVa also uniquely addresses stress incontinence and external labial laxity, which CO2 lasers cannot effectively treat.
Many patients report noticeable improvements after their very first session, particularly in vaginal tightness and moisture. The full benefits develop progressively as collagen remodeling occurs over the following 2–3 months after completing the three-treatment series. Tissue tightening continues to improve for up to 6 months post-treatment as new collagen fibers mature and strengthen. Results from the complete series typically last 9–12 months, with annual maintenance treatments helping to sustain and build upon initial improvements.
ThermiVa has an excellent safety profile with over a decade of clinical use worldwide. The treatment uses temperature-controlled radiofrequency with real-time thermal monitoring to ensure tissue is heated within a safe, therapeutic range. Side effects are minimal and may include mild warmth, slight pinkness, or temporary sensitivity in the treatment area that typically resolves within hours. There are no known reported cases of scarring, burns, or serious adverse events when performed by a qualified provider. At The Dermatology & Laser Group, Dr. Arash Akhavan uses the latest Thermi RF+ platform with enhanced safety monitoring.
Yes — ThermiVa has demonstrated meaningful improvement in mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence (SUI). By strengthening and tightening the tissue surrounding the urethra, ThermiVa can significantly reduce or eliminate stress incontinence episodes that occur with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. Published clinical data reports improvement rates of 67–78% in SUI symptoms following a three-treatment series. While ThermiVa is not a replacement for surgical intervention in severe incontinence cases, it offers a non-invasive first-line treatment option that many women find effective.
A Private Manhattan Address for Intimate Wellness
Tucked away on East 60th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues, The Dermatology and Laser Group offers a discreet, private setting for ThermiVa. Our Upper East Side office welcomes patients from across Manhattan — including Midtown, Murray Hill, Gramercy, and the Upper West Side — in a refined medical environment where comfort and confidentiality come first. With easy access to the N, R, W, 4, 5, and 6 subway lines, premier intimate wellness care is never far from reach.
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