What is IntimaLase?
IntimaLase is a non-surgical procedure that treats laxity of the vaginal canal —so-called vaginal relaxation syndrome— using a Fotona Er:YAG laser. The laser delivers pulses of controlled thermal energy onto the vaginal wall without cutting or ablating it; that heat causes the immediate contraction of collagen fibres and, over the following weeks, triggers the formation of new collagen that thickens and firms the tissue.
The effect therefore unfolds in two stages worth distinguishing. The first is an initial thermal retraction, noticeable in the first weeks. The second is biological and progressive: collagen remodelling continues over the following months, and it is the part that sustains the result in the medium term. That is why the treatment is usually framed as a series of sessions rather than a single event.
It is important to understand what it is and is not. IntimaLase aims to improve the sense of tone and tightness in cases of mild to moderate laxity, often associated with previous vaginal deliveries. It is not reconstructive surgery and does not correct significant genital prolapse: when there is meaningful descent of the vaginal wall, bladder or uterus, the right tool is a gynaecological assessment and, where appropriate, surgical repair. The laser fills the space of functional laxity without a major anatomical defect.
Techniques used by Dr. Arístides Arellano
IntimaLase is always performed with the same device —the Fotona Er:YAG laser— but the way it is applied is tailored to each case. The indication, the number of sessions and the areas treated are defined at your consultation, according to the degree of laxity, your obstetric history and what you want to improve:
- Non-ablative Er:YAG mode (photothermal): the Fotona laser works in a mode that heats the mucosa in a controlled way without vaporising or removing tissue, which allows collagen to be stimulated with minimal discomfort and no open wound.
- Treatment of the full canal and the introitus: with an applicator that rotates on its axis, the energy is distributed evenly along the vaginal wall and at the entrance, which is where laxity is usually felt most.
- Session-based scheme: the usual protocol involves a series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart, followed by periodic boosters. The exact number depends on your response and is adjusted during follow-up.
- Integration with a full assessment: before indicating the laser, any condition requiring a different approach is ruled out. When the assessment shows that the result you want needs surgery —for example, with prolapse— you will be told so honestly and guided to the correct option.
How is it performed?
The procedure is done in the office, on an outpatient basis and without general anaesthesia; in most cases it needs no anaesthesia, or a topical cream is enough, because the non-ablative Er:YAG mode generates heat but does not cut. A session usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the extent to be treated.
After an initial examination, a speculum and the Fotona laser applicator are placed, distributing the pulses along the vaginal wall and at the introitus. The patient feels a tolerable sensation of heat, without sharp pain. There are no incisions, stitches or wounds: when finished, the applicator is removed and the patient can return to her day almost immediately.
A practical advantage over surgery is that it requires no operating room, hospital stay or prolonged rest. The honest trade-off is that its reach is smaller and the result is progressive and not permanent: it is built over the series of sessions and maintained with boosters. The choice between laser and surgery is not about which is «better», but about which matches the degree of laxity and whether or not there is an anatomical defect to operate on.
The result is temporary and variable: the tone gained tends to be perceived for months after completing the scheme, with significant differences from one person to another depending on age, hormonal status and the number of previous deliveries. It is not a definitive procedure and is usually framed as part of ongoing maintenance over time.
All surgery carries risk and requires a prior medical assessment. Results may vary according to each patient, their anatomy and their individual healing process.
Who is a good candidate?
The best candidate is a woman with mild to moderate vaginal laxity —often after one or more vaginal deliveries— who wants an improvement in tone without going through an operating room and with no downtime. In general terms, IntimaLase works best when:
- There is a sense of relaxation or reduced tightness of the vaginal canal, without significant prolapse of the bladder, uterus or vaginal wall.
- The person does not want or cannot undergo surgery at this time, or prefers to start with an option that has no incisions.
- Expectations are realistic: the goal is to improve tone and firmness, not a reconstruction or the correction of a major anatomical defect.
- There is no pregnancy, active genital infection, unexplained bleeding or recent history of gynaecological cancer; these and other conditions are assessed at the prior consultation.
- When there is significant prolapse or incontinence that requires investigation, the honest assessment is that the laser will not solve the underlying problem, and targeted gynaecological care is advisable before considering any aesthetic treatment.
Recommended post-procedure care
Aftercare is simple: for the days the doctor indicates, it is best to avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, tub baths, swimming pools and intense exercise, so the tissue completes its response without irritation. There may be some discharge or a mild sensation of warmth in the first hours, which resolves on its own. Follow-up serves to assess the response and decide the timing of the next sessions or boosters, because the result of IntimaLase is built over the series and not in a single visit. See the full guide: Post-surgical recovery and care.
Before and after
Most patients want to see before-and-after photographs before deciding. Out of respect for each person’s privacy, Dr. Arístides Arellano shows real cases —always with documented consent— during your in-person consultation, where you can review results from patients with a starting point similar to yours. Results may vary from patient to patient.
Approximate price
A session starts at $8,000 MXN and the course of 5 sessions at $24,000 MXN, approximate figures depending on the area treated and how many sessions your response calls for. Approximate price — the definitive cost is set at your private consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano.
About Dr. Arístides Arellano
Dr. Arístides Arellano is a plastic surgeon holding a specialty licence: he practises under a Mexican medical licence (D.G.P. 1125959) and a specialty licence in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (0002008), both issued by the Directorate General of Professions (DGP), which reissued his certificate of professional standing in 2025. His career began before Mexico’s present-day specialty-board system existed: he belongs to the founding generation of plastic surgery in Puebla, the second generation of a surgical tradition started in 1971 by Dr. Francisco Arellano Ocampo. Trust is verified, not promised: both licences are public and anyone can look them up in the DGP’s National Registry of Professionals.
Related guide for patients
To choose well who will treat you and ask the right questions before deciding: How to choose a plastic surgeon in Puebla — part of the series of informational guides reviewed by Dr. Arístides Arellano.
Trust is verified, not promised. All 210 scanned documents —degree, licences, diplomas, publications and certificates, from 1977 to 2025— are open in Dr. Arístides Arellano’s credential archive, alongside an explanation of the difference between a specialty licence and a board certification.
Recovery · step by step
- Same dayReturn to daily life almost immediately. There may be mild discharge and a sensation of warmth in the treated area during the first hours.
- First 2–3 daysAvoid sexual intercourse, tampons, tub baths, swimming pools and intense exercise, as the doctor advises. Minimal or no discomfort.
- First weekGradual return to normal activity following instructions. The tissue response continues with no open wound or stitches.
- Following weeksProgressive improvement in tone as collagen remodels. In many cases the next session of the scheme is scheduled.
- Medium termThe result is completed over the series of sessions and maintained with periodic boosters. The effect varies from one person to another.
Frequently asked questions
Does IntimaLase hurt?
It is usually not painful. The non-ablative Er:YAG mode of the Fotona laser generates heat but does not cut, so in most cases no anaesthesia is needed or a topical cream is enough. During the session you feel a tolerable sensation of warmth, and afterwards discomfort is minimal.
How many IntimaLase sessions are needed?
The usual protocol involves a series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart, followed by periodic boosters. The exact number depends on the degree of laxity and your response; it is defined at the consultation and adjusted during follow-up. The result is built over the series, not in a single visit.
Does IntimaLase replace vaginal surgery?
No. IntimaLase improves mild to moderate laxity of the vaginal canal, but it does not correct significant prolapse of the bladder, uterus or vaginal wall. When there is meaningful descent, the right tool is a gynaecological assessment and, where appropriate, surgical repair. At your consultation you will be told honestly which option fits your case.
When can I return to normal life and intercourse?
Return to daily life is almost immediate. It is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, tub baths, swimming pools and intense exercise for the days the doctor indicates, so the tissue completes its response without irritation.
How long does the IntimaLase result last?
The tone gained tends to be perceived for months after completing the scheme, with significant differences from one person to another depending on age, hormonal status and the number of previous deliveries. It is not a permanent result: it is usually framed as part of maintenance with periodic boosters.
What are the risks of IntimaLase?
Because there are no incisions, it is a low-risk procedure. There may be mild discharge, a sensation of warmth or transient discomfort in the first hours. Less frequently, passing irritation or tenderness. Conditions such as pregnancy, active infection or unexplained bleeding are ruled out beforehand. Results may vary and everything is assessed at the prior consultation.
Who should not have IntimaLase?
It is not indicated during pregnancy, with an active genital infection, with unexplained vaginal bleeding or with a recent history of gynaecological cancer, among other conditions. Nor is it the solution when significant prolapse is present, which requires targeted gynaecological care. The prior assessment determines whether you are a candidate.
Every case is different. Discuss yours in a personal consultation.
Book a consultation on WhatsAppEvery figure published on this site is approximate and is not a quote. Any procedure or treatment first requires a private assessment consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano —$800 MXN, charged separately— and it is at that consultation that the definitive cost of your case is determined.
Educational content; it does not replace a medical consultation. Results may vary from person to person.