Topical Estrogen: What plastic surgeons need to know

If we’re going to offer laser and RF treatments for the vaginal mucosa, we need to be talking to our patients about vaginal estrogen as well. 

Vaginal estrogen is safe, effective, easy to use, and actually targets the direct mechanism that is causing many women’s symptoms. 

Nervous about prescribing hormones? Vaginal estrogen has almost no systemic absorption, and NONE of the side-effects that many people worry about. We even have studies showing that vaginal estrogen is safe for our breast cancer patients!

As plastic surgeons, we want to help women feel better as they age, and menopause is a huge (but rarely acknowledged) part of that. We need to proactively help our patients access menopause care in our communities, and if we’re going to offer treatments for vaginal health, vaginal estrogen MUST be a part of that. Remember: very few OB/GYNs and PCPs offer menopause care, so just sending your patient back that direction is not good enough.

Are you ready to start talking to your patients about menopause, and maybe even prescribe vaginal estrogen?? Take a look at our paper in PRS, which includes a treatment algorithm for how to initiate topical estrogen. Better yet, take a look at the link in my bio for a free 1-hour seminar by sexual health expert and urologist Dr. Rachel Rubin where she will give you everything you need to know, including exactly what to put in the prescription. 

#plasticsurgery #womenshealth #vaginalhealth #menopause #labiaplasty #womenswellness #noninvasive #vaginalhormones #hormonetherapy #plasticsurgeon #aginggracefully #urogynecology #empowerwomen #vaginalestrogen #plasticresidentlife

Disclaimer: I am a plastic surgery resident which means I am still in training. This and all of my posts are intended as educational content, not medical advice. Have specific questions about a procedure I’m talking about? Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area! 🥼