If LS Progresses – You Still Have Options
For many people living with Lichen Sclerosus, there’s a quiet, nagging fear: What if it gets worse? Maybe you’ve already noticed skin changes. Maybe your symptoms have become harder to manage. Or maybe your doctor has used the word “progression,” and it’s left you feeling anxious or unsure.
If LS progresses, it can feel overwhelming. But please hear this: you still have options. You are not out of choices. You are not alone. And your future is not defined by a diagnosis.
What Does “Progression” Actually Mean?
Progression refers to ongoing changes in the skin — often in the absence of consistent treatment — including:
- Loss or fusion of vulval structures
- Tightening of the vaginal opening
- Scarring or white plaques
- Reduced elasticity or comfort
While these changes can be distressing, they’re not a life sentence. They can often be slowed, managed, and in some cases, improved.
You’re Not Too Late
One of the most heartbreaking things I hear is: “I wish I’d come sooner.” But here’s the truth — starting now is still powerful. Whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years since your diagnosis, positive change is still possible.
What to Do If LS Has Progressed
- Reassess your treatment plan
You may need a period of more intensive topical steroid use or a new formulation. Sometimes what worked before needs adjusting. - Explore regenerative treatments
Treatments like the O Shot® and Morpheus8V can help improve skin quality, stimulate healing, and restore comfort — even in advanced cases. - Request a specialist referral
If you’re not under the care of a vulval dermatologist or gynaecologist, ask to be referred. They can assess structural changes, offer biopsies if needed, and guide long-term care. - Address sexual discomfort with support
Sexual pain doesn’t have to be permanent. Psychosexual therapy, pelvic floor physio, and gentle reintroduction to intimacy can all make a difference. - Take care of your mental health
Progression can feel like a loss — of ease, confidence, or identity. It’s okay to grieve. It’s also okay to reach out for emotional support.
Surgical Options (When Needed)
In rare cases, structural changes — like complete fusion of the labia or severe narrowing of the vaginal opening — may require minor surgical correction. These procedures are not cosmetic. They’re functional and aimed at improving quality of life.
Surgery is not a failure. It’s simply another tool to help you feel more comfortable in your own body.
You Are More Than Your Skin
Even if LS has changed your body, it hasn’t changed you. You are still whole. You are still worthy of intimacy, joy, and peace. There is no shame in seeking support, exploring treatments, or starting again.
Progression isn’t the end of your story. It’s just another chapter — one you don’t have to write alone.
In the next chapter, we’ll explore the topic of vulval cancer and VIN — with facts, not fear — so you feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
Chapter 27: Vulval Cancer and VIN – What You Should Know (Not Fear)
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Dr. Shirin is a fully-trained and highly-experienced aesthetic physician, who works diligently to ensure a 5 star quality service, and brings an honest and ethical approach to every one of our clients. With over 20 years of experience in the medical field, including several years as a GP and a sub-speciality in anaesthetics, Dr. Shirin is fascinated by the harmony between medicine and aesthetics, and with her expertise, Elite Aesthetics is able to offer effective, doctor-led treatments to vastly improve the lives of our clients.
To find out more about how we’ve put a smile on customers faces in the past, read our testimonials below for first-hand accounts of a variety of our treatments. You can also find out more about what we think at Elite on our blog, as well as reading more about what the press says about us. Our delighted clients hail from areas including Greenhithe, Dartford, Gravesend, Bromley, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, and West Malling – as well as from further afield.
Had a consultation with Elite yesterday, I must say I was a bit nervous, but Dr Shirin was so friendly and helpful.
I was given lots of advice and was given treatment options that were within my budget.
A few weeks after the P Shot I've really started to see a difference and have gained my confidence back.
Thank You!
Elite is an outstanding professional clinic with high standard treatments. All the staff members are friendly and offer you honest opinions when it comes to products and treatments. This is a welcoming clinic that I can 100% recommend. Treatments are spoken through and explained in detail, also aftercare. I have been going nearly a year now and am happy with all the treatments I’ve had, wouldn't go anywhere else. The Bocox treatment started to work within a few days, which I was surprised about. So glad I went to Elite for treatment.
Thank you Dr Shirin, the O Shot has really helped me with my Lichen Sclerosus. I'd heard about the treatment on the LS Facebook Groups and message a few people that had treatment with Dr Shirin. I was like many in the group who had run out of treatment options and using creams on a daily basis. I have to say a few months after treatment, I can see a real positive change and I'm hoping my LS will continue to improve. Dr Shirin did say that I might have to have a second treatment given how severe my case is.
A great discovery in the neighbourhood ! There is no need to go up to London for a beauty treatment of any kind. You'll find a whole range of different treatments suiting all age groups and concerns. Welcoming, reassuring, friendly, professional, high tech. I shall be back for more. I love the results of the Thread Lift I had.
Great service as always, skin is glowing very happy
Very happy with the result of my recent visit. For sure will continue with Elite in future
I have been very happy with the care and attention you have received from Dr Shirin.. I would definitely recommend Elite to my family and friends.
Dr Shirins professional approach fills you with confidence. The clinic is modern and efficiently run. They certainly do their utmost to help and advise their clients. I am 100% satisfied that I made the right decision in choosing Elite Aesthetics !
thank you again for my follow up appointment to make sure i was ok and there was no life changing affects from the mess I had done else where how a midwife and beautician can inject and leave customers the way they did is unreal the mess my lips where in and the amount of lumps left was so bad and although there still not perfect Dr shirin managed to massage a lot of the lumps out so not only has she done my previous practitioners job with that but she also cares about the wellbeing of her customers I just wish I had got to Dr shirin to start with con not thank her enough
Great clinic, lovely, clean and modern. Charlotte was excellent, knowledgeable about the treatment whilst also friendly. The facial itself was very enjoyable and my skin looks and feels tighter and smoother. If highly recommend.
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Accreditations
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We have extensive knowledge and experience in the medical and aesthetics industries, but we know that above all, the results matter! All of our treatments are vigorously tested in-house before we offer them to our clients to ensure they are safe, effective and will give you, our wonderful clients, the results you want. Your happiness, well-being and satisfaction are at the very core of everything we do here at Elite Aesthetics, and as a result we will never over-treat or carry out a procedure that Dr. Shirin, deems inappropriate or unsafe. Ethical treatment guides our practice, and we aim to become an industry leader in this respect. This means you can always feel confident that you are in safe hands when you choose Elite Aesthetics.
Our practice is led by our founder, Dr. Shirin Lakhani, who is an advocate for greater regulation in the aesthetics industry. Dr. Shirin and Elite Aesthetics believe greater regulation is vital to the development of aesthetics industry as a whole, and as such, our clinic’s philosophy is based on providing doctor-led care to the highest, medically approved standards. We adhere to stringent ethical and medical principles ensuring all the procedures we offer are safe and effective. Dr. Shirin is also fully registered with the GMC (reference number 4634863), and Elite Aesthetics is CQC (Care Quality Commission) Registered, an endorsement recognised by the UK Government, The Department of Health and NHS England.
Elite Aesthetics has been awarded PDO Thread Lift Certification by MINT Threads.
