Curious about FemTouch? Dr. Susan Schroeder explains how the vaginal rejuvenation procedure with FemTouch works
The vaginal rejuvenation procedure with FemTouch uses a fractional CO2 laser to treat vaginal and vulvar tissue, with the goal of easing dryness, irritation, and discomfort. It is quick, non-surgical, and hormone-free. At Perfect Skin MD in Juno Beach, Dr. Susan Schroeder performs every treatment herself. Its use for vaginal symptoms is off-label; controlled research is mixed, and results vary.
Hormonal changes, childbirth, and menopause can all affect vaginal comfort. Dryness, irritation, and pain with intimacy are common, and many women feel they simply have to live with them. This article explains how FemTouch works, what the procedure involves, what the latest research actually shows, and how it compares with other options. For treatment details, visit our FemTouch vaginal rejuvenation page.
What Is the FemTouch Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedure?
FemTouch is a fractional CO2 laser treatment for the vaginal canal and vulvar tissue. A slim, specialized handpiece delivers thousands of microscopic columns of laser energy into the tissue, leaving the surrounding areas untouched. The idea is that controlled micro-injury prompts the body to produce new collagen and blood vessels, similar to how fractional CO2 laser is used to resurface facial skin. There are no incisions, no anesthesia beyond topical numbing, and no hormones.
Symptoms Women Commonly Ask About
- Vaginal dryness that lubricants and moisturizers have not solved
- Irritation, burning, or itching
- Discomfort or pain during intercourse
- Changes after childbirth or menopause
- Mild urinary leakage or frequency, where evidence is limited
Is FemTouch FDA Approved?
No energy-based device has been cleared or approved by the FDA for vaginal rejuvenation. In its 2018 FDA safety communication on energy-based vaginal rejuvenation devices, the agency stated that lasers and radiofrequency devices have not been cleared or approved for vaginal rejuvenation, cosmetic vaginal procedures, or treatment of menopause-related vaginal symptoms, urinary incontinence, or sexual function. It also reported cases of burns, scarring, painful intercourse, and chronic pain. Using FemTouch for these concerns is off-label, and Dr. Schroeder explains this before any treatment.
What the Research Shows About Vaginal CO2 Laser
Research on fractional CO2 vaginal laser is mixed. Many observational studies report symptom improvement, but the best-designed trials, which compare real laser with a sham treatment, have not shown a significant advantage for the laser. Women in both groups often improved, which suggests part of the benefit may come from other factors.
| Study | Who was studied | Design | Main finding |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAMA, 2021 | 85 postmenopausal women with vaginal symptoms | Double-blind, sham-controlled; 3 treatments | No significant difference in symptoms between laser and sham at 12 months |
| JAMA Network Open, 2023 | 72 breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors | Double-blind, sham-controlled | Laser was safe at 6 months; no significant difference in sexual function versus sham |
| AUA/SUFU/AUGS guideline, 2025 | Clinical practice guideline for menopausal symptoms | Evidence review | Evidence does not support CO2 laser for menopausal vaginal symptoms; it may be considered, as experimental, when approved treatments are not an option |
Sham-Controlled Trials
In a 2021 randomized, sham-controlled trial published in JAMA, 85 postmenopausal women received three laser or sham treatments 4 to 8 weeks apart. At 12 months, the laser did not significantly improve vaginal symptoms compared with sham. A 2023 sham-controlled trial in breast cancer survivors in JAMA Network Open found the laser safe at 6 months, but sexual function improved similarly in both groups.
What Current Guidelines Say
The 2025 AUA/SUFU/AUGS guideline on genitourinary syndrome of menopause advises clinicians to tell patients that the evidence does not support CO2 laser, YAG laser, or radiofrequency for menopausal vaginal symptoms. The same guideline says a CO2 laser may be considered, through shared decision-making and with disclosure as experimental, for patients unable or unwilling to use FDA-approved treatments. It recommends low-dose vaginal estrogen and vaginal moisturizers or lubricants as first-line options.
What to Expect During a FemTouch Treatment
Before Treatment
Your consultation includes a review of your symptoms, medical and gynecologic history, medications, and prior treatments. A current Pap test and an exam may be needed, and any infection, unexplained bleeding, or new pelvic pain must be evaluated first. Dr. Schroeder will also discuss whether vaginal estrogen, moisturizers, or pelvic floor therapy should come first.
During and After Treatment
- Topical numbing may be applied to the external area.
- The laser handpiece is gently inserted and moved through the vaginal canal while energy is delivered.
- The external vulvar area may be treated separately if needed.
- Each session typically takes only a few minutes.
Most women return to normal activity the same day. Mild discharge, spotting, or warmth for a few days is common. A typical plan involves two to four sessions about a month apart, and further treatment is based on your actual response rather than a package sold in advance.
FemTouch Compared With Other Options
| Option | How it works | FDA status for vaginal symptoms | Strength of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants | Replace moisture and reduce friction | Over-the-counter | Recommended first-line by guidelines |
| Low-dose vaginal estrogen | Restores local estrogen to the tissue | Approved prescription products | Strongest evidence |
| FemTouch CO2 laser | Fractional laser energy to stimulate remodeling | Off-label; not cleared for this use | Mixed; sham-controlled trials show no clear advantage |
| PRP vaginal rejuvenation | Your own platelet growth factors injected into tissue | Off-label; not approved for this use | Early; small randomized data from 2026 |
For most women who can safely use it, vaginal estrogen is the appropriate first step. FemTouch or PRP becomes more relevant when estrogen is not an option, has been declined, or has not been enough. Dr. Schroeder’s guide to feminine rejuvenation options and the evidence behind them covers these choices in more detail.
Who May Be a Candidate
FemTouch may be worth discussing if you have bothersome vaginal dryness or discomfort, have tried first-line treatments without enough relief, or cannot or prefer not to use hormones. It is generally not appropriate during pregnancy, with an active infection, or with unexplained bleeding or pelvic pain that has not been diagnosed.
When to See a Gynecologist First
Postmenopausal bleeding, a new lump, persistent pelvic pain, significant prolapse, or bothersome incontinence all need a gynecologic or urogynecologic evaluation before any cosmetic or regenerative treatment. Dr. Schroeder refers patients when that is the right next step.
Why Choose Perfect Skin MD for FemTouch in Juno Beach
- Dr. Schroeder performs every treatment. Your FemTouch session is never delegated to a nurse or aesthetician.
- Board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Schroeder is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology with fellowship training in cosmetic and surgical dermatology, and has offered FemTouch since 2017. You can meet Dr. Susan Schroeder to learn more.
- Honest about the evidence. You will hear the FDA status and what the latest research shows before you decide, not after.
- More than one option. Because the practice offers laser, PRP, and medical care, your plan is matched to you rather than to a single device.
Perfect Skin MD is located in Juno Beach and welcomes women from Jupiter, Tequesta, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and across Palm Beach County. The Direct Patient Care model allows private, unhurried consultations. You can also view our feminine rejuvenation before and after gallery.
People Also Ask About FemTouch
Does FemTouch really work?
Some women report less dryness and more comfort after FemTouch, but controlled research is mixed. Two sham-controlled trials of fractional CO2 vaginal laser, published in 2021 and 2023, found no significant difference between real and sham treatment on their main outcomes, and both groups improved. Results vary, and Dr. Schroeder discusses this evidence before you decide.
Is FemTouch FDA approved for vaginal rejuvenation?
No. The FDA has stated that no energy-based device, including lasers, has been cleared or approved for vaginal rejuvenation or for treating menopause-related vaginal symptoms, urinary incontinence, or sexual function. Using FemTouch for these concerns is off-label, which a physician may do using clinical judgment.
Is FemTouch better than vaginal estrogen?
No. Low-dose vaginal estrogen has stronger evidence for menopausal vaginal symptoms and is recommended as a first-line option by the 2025 AUA/SUFU/AUGS guideline. FemTouch may be considered when estrogen is not an option or is declined, after a frank discussion of the evidence and off-label status.
Can breast cancer survivors have FemTouch?
It may be discussed, because the laser involves no hormones. A 2023 sham-controlled trial in breast cancer survivors taking aromatase inhibitors found the laser was safe at 6 months but did not improve sexual function more than sham treatment. Survivors should involve their oncology team in any decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FemTouch vaginal rejuvenation procedure?
FemTouch is an in-office treatment that uses a fractional CO2 laser to deliver tiny columns of energy to the vaginal wall and vulvar tissue, with the goal of stimulating collagen and improving tissue quality. It involves no incisions and no hormones. Its use for vaginal symptoms is off-label.
Does FemTouch hurt?
Most patients describe mild warmth, pressure, or a brief tingling sensation. Topical numbing is commonly used for treatment of the external area. Each session typically takes only a few minutes, and most women find it tolerable.
How many FemTouch treatments are needed?
A typical plan at Perfect Skin MD involves two to four sessions spaced about one month apart. Because results vary and duration is not well established, Dr. Schroeder reassesses your response before recommending further sessions.
What is the downtime after FemTouch?
Most women return to normal daily activities the same day. Mild discharge, spotting, or a sensation of warmth for a few days is common. Dr. Schroeder will tell you when it is safe to resume intercourse, typically after a short interval.
What are the risks of vaginal laser treatment?
Possible effects include temporary discomfort, discharge, spotting, and irritation. Less common risks include infection or burns. The FDA has received reports of burns, scarring, pain during intercourse, and chronic pain after energy-based vaginal procedures, which is why careful patient selection and physician oversight matter.
Can FemTouch be combined with PRP?
Yes. Some patients combine FemTouch with PRP vaginal rejuvenation when both tissue quality and sensation are concerns. Both uses are off-label, and Dr. Schroeder recommends a combination only when your symptoms and history support it.
Where can I get FemTouch near Jupiter?
Perfect Skin MD offers FemTouch at 790 Juno Ocean Walk, Suite 203-C, Juno Beach, FL 33408, just south of Jupiter. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Susan Schroeder performs every treatment and sees patients from Tequesta, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and throughout Palm Beach County.
Schedule a Private Vaginal Rejuvenation Consultation in Juno Beach
If dryness, irritation, or discomfort is affecting your quality of life, a private consultation with Dr. Schroeder will help you understand whether the vaginal rejuvenation procedure with FemTouch, another treatment, or a combination makes sense for you.
Call 561-462-1965 or book a private consultation online. Perfect Skin MD is located at 790 Juno Ocean Walk, Suite 203-C, Juno Beach, FL 33408. Payment plans, including Cherry financing, are available for eligible patients.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. It does not create a physician-patient relationship. Energy-based devices, including FemTouch, are not FDA-cleared or approved for vaginal rejuvenation or menopause-related vaginal symptoms, and their use for these purposes is off-label. Candidacy, risks, and results depend on your health history and in-person evaluation by a qualified medical provider. Results vary, and no outcome is guaranteed.
