Urinary Incontinence
Lee's Summit

Why Lee's Summit Residents
Wait Too Long to Seek Treatment

Urinary Incontinence Lee's Summit | Accurso Aesthetics Medical Spa

Finding Real Relief from Urinary Incontinence in Lee's Summit

Living with urinary incontinence affects more than just your physical health—it changes how you live your daily life. Maybe you've stopped attending your favorite yoga class at Summit Waves, or you find yourself planning every trip to Longview Lake around bathroom locations. You're not alone. One in three women in the Kansas City metro area experiences some form of bladder control issues, and many men face similar challenges after prostate procedures.

Here's what many Lee's Summit residents don't know: advanced, FDA-cleared technology now offers real relief without surgery, medications, or invasive procedures. At Accurso Aesthetics, we're bringing cutting-edge treatment options right here to our community—so you don't need to drive to Kansas City for specialized care.

This article explains everything you need to know about urinary incontinence treatment options available in Lee's Summit, with a focus on the breakthrough Fotona StarFormer technology that's helping both women and men regain bladder control and confidence.

Understanding Urinary Incontinence: More Than Just an Age Issue

Urinary incontinence isn't just "something that happens when you get older." It's a treatable medical condition with specific causes and solutions. The challenge? Most people suffer in silence for years before seeking help.

What Causes Bladder Control Issues?

Your pelvic floor muscles act like a hammock, supporting your bladder, uterus (in women), and other pelvic organs. When these muscles weaken or lose their tone, you lose the ability to control urinary function effectively.

Common causes include:

For Women:

  • Pregnancy and childbirth (even years later)
  • Hormonal changes during menopause
  • Previous pelvic surgeries
  • Chronic coughing or high-impact exercise
  • Excess body weight putting pressure on pelvic organs

For Men:

  • Prostate surgery or radiation treatment
  • Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
  • Neurological conditions
  • Chronic constipation
  • Aging-related muscle weakness

Many of our Lee's Summit patients are surprised to learn that the symptoms they've accepted as "normal" actually have effective treatment options available locally.

Types of Urinary Incontinence: Which One Affects You?

Not all incontinence is the same. Understanding your specific type helps determine the best treatment approach.

Stress Urinary Incontinence

This is the most common type we see at our Lee's Summit practice. Stress incontinence causes leakage during physical activities that put pressure on your bladder:

  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Laughing
  • Exercise (running, jumping, lifting weights)
  • Getting up from a seated position

One patient described it perfectly: "I stopped going to my Zumba class because I couldn't get through a session without leaking. It was embarrassing."

Urge Urinary Incontinence (Overactive Bladder)

Also called "overactive bladder," this type involves a sudden, overwhelming urge to urinate that's difficult or impossible to control. You might experience:

  • Frequent bathroom trips (more than 8 times daily)
  • Waking multiple times at night to urinate
  • Strong, sudden urges that don't give you time to reach the bathroom
  • Leakage before you can get to a toilet

Mixed Urinary Incontinence

Many people experience symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence. This combination, called mixed incontinence, often responds well to pelvic floor strengthening treatments.

Overflow Incontinence

This less common type occurs when the bladder doesn't empty completely, leading to frequent dribbling or constant leakage. It's more common in men with prostate issues and typically requires different treatment approaches.

Why Lee's Summit Residents Wait Too Long to Seek Treatment

We hear the same concerns from patients throughout Jackson County:

"I thought it was just part of getting older."
"I was too embarrassed to talk about it."
"I didn't know there were non-surgical options."
"I assumed I'd need to see a specialist in Kansas City."

The truth? Modern treatment options are comfortable, effective, and available right here in Lee's Summit. You don't need referrals to specialists, embarrassing examinations, or invasive procedures to start seeing real improvements.

Revolutionary Fotona StarFormer Technology: How It Works

At Accurso Aesthetics, we're proud to offer one of the most advanced non-invasive treatments for urinary incontinence: the Fotona StarFormer with IntimaWave technology.

The Science Behind Electromagnetic Pelvic Floor Therapy

Think about trying to strengthen your biceps. You can do curls at home, but a professional trainer with the right equipment gets you better results faster. The same principle applies to your pelvic floor muscles—except these muscles are much harder to exercise correctly on your own.

The StarFormer uses High-Intensity Tesla Magnetic Stimulation (HITS) technology to deliver what your body can't achieve through voluntary Kegel exercises alone:

Thousands of Perfect Contractions Per Session
A single 28-minute treatment delivers the equivalent of 11,000 pelvic floor muscle contractions. These aren't regular contractions—they're "supramaximal" contractions that reach deep muscle layers you can't consciously control.

Complete Muscle Activation
The electromagnetic field penetrates through your clothing, skin, and tissue to activate your entire pelvic floor complex. No internal devices, no uncomfortable positioning—just comfortable sitting while the technology does the work.

Progressive Muscle Rebuilding
Each session stimulates muscle fibers to strengthen and rebuild, similar to how strength training builds arm or leg muscles. Over your treatment series, your pelvic floor muscles become stronger, more toned, and better able to support your bladder.

What Makes StarFormer Different from Traditional Treatments?

Compared to Kegel Exercises:
Research shows that up to 50% of women perform Kegel exercises incorrectly, even after professional instruction. The StarFormer eliminates this problem entirely—the electromagnetic field ensures perfect form every time.

Compared to Medications:
Anticholinergic medications for overactive bladder cause dry mouth, constipation, and cognitive issues in many patients. Studies even link long-term use to increased dementia risk. StarFormer requires no daily pills and causes no systemic side effects.

Compared to Surgery:
Surgical mesh procedures involve weeks of recovery, potential complications, and irreversible anatomical changes. StarFormer offers meaningful improvement without any incisions, anesthesia, or downtime.

What to Expect During Your StarFormer Treatment in Lee's Summit

One of the biggest concerns patients express during consultations is: "What does treatment actually feel like?"

Your First Session at Accurso Aesthetics

You'll arrive at our Lee's Summit office at 420 SW Longview Blvd. No special preparation is needed—no fasting, no medication changes, no uncomfortable prep work.

You'll sit fully clothed in the comfortable StarFormer chair. Our medical team will adjust the electromagnetic intensity gradually based on your comfort level. Most patients describe the sensation as strong, rhythmic muscle contractions deep in the pelvic region—similar to an intense workout you can feel but that doesn't hurt.

Each session lasts 28-30 minutes. Many patients read, check emails on their phone, or simply relax. When the session ends, you walk out and immediately resume your normal day. No recovery period, no restrictions, no side effects to manage.

Complete Treatment Protocol

Standard Treatment Course:

  • 6-10 total sessions
  • 2-3 sessions per week
  • 3-5 weeks total treatment time
  • Progressive intensity increases

What Happens After Treatment:
Your pelvic floor muscles continue strengthening for 2-4 weeks after your final session. Most patients notice progressive improvement throughout treatment, with optimal results appearing about one month after completing the series.

Real Results: What Lee's Summit Patients Are Experiencing

The clinical evidence supporting StarFormer is substantial. Here's what research published in peer-reviewed medical journals demonstrates:

Proven Effectiveness Across Patient Groups

Women with Stress Incontinence:
Clinical studies show 60-85% significant symptom improvement. In one rigorous study, 68% of women achieved complete dryness (no leakage) at six-month follow-up.

Women with Mixed Incontinence:
These patients respond particularly well, with nearly 70% reporting major improvement in both stress and urgency symptoms.

Quality of Life Improvements:

  • 95% of patients report improved quality of life
  • 67% reduce or eliminate pad usage entirely
  • Average 64% improvement on validated quality-of-life questionnaires
  • Benefits lasting 12 months or longer

Beyond Bladder Control: Additional Benefits

Many patients report unexpected improvements:

  • Better intimate wellness and sexual function
  • Increased pelvic floor awareness
  • Improved confidence during exercise
  • Better sleep (fewer nighttime bathroom trips)
  • Enhanced overall pelvic health

Is StarFormer Right for You? Ideal Candidates

The best candidates for StarFormer treatment at our Lee's Summit practice are:

Women:

  • Postpartum mothers (at least 3-6 months after delivery)
  • Perimenopausal or menopausal women with new or worsening incontinence
  • Active women who've stopped exercise due to leakage concerns
  • Anyone with stress, urge, or mixed incontinence who wants to avoid surgery
  • Patients who've tried Kegel exercises without success

Men:

  • Post-prostatectomy patients experiencing urinary leakage
  • Men with age-related pelvic floor weakness
  • Those seeking non-invasive alternatives to medications

General Ideal Candidates:

  • Mild to moderate incontinence severity
  • Willingness to commit to 6-10 treatment sessions
  • Desire for evidence-based, FDA-cleared treatment
  • Preference for non-surgical, medication-free solutions

Who Should Consider Other Options?

StarFormer may not be the best first choice if you have:

  • Severe, advanced pelvic organ prolapse (stage 2 or higher)
  • Active pelvic or urinary tract infections
  • Pregnancy (any trimester)
  • Implanted electronic devices (pacemakers, neurostimulators)
  • Metal implants in the pelvic or lower spine region
  • Active cancer diagnosis

During your consultation at Accurso Aesthetics, we'll conduct a thorough assessment to determine if StarFormer is the right treatment for your specific situation.

Comparing Your Treatment Options in Lee's Summit

Making an informed decision means understanding all your options. Here's how StarFormer compares to traditional treatments:

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Traditional Approach:
Physical therapists teach Kegel exercises and provide biofeedback training. Effective when patients perform exercises correctly and consistently.

The Challenge:
Requires 8+ contractions three times daily, indefinitely. Most patients struggle with adherence or perform exercises incorrectly. Progress is slow and depends entirely on patient effort.

StarFormer Advantage:
Delivers thousands of perfect contractions per session with zero patient effort. Reaches deep muscle layers inaccessible through voluntary exercise. Consistent results regardless of patient technique.

Medications for Overactive Bladder

Common Prescriptions:
Anticholinergics (oxybutynin, tolterodine) or beta-3 agonists (mirabegron) reduce bladder muscle contractions.

The Drawbacks:

  • Dry mouth (up to 31% of patients)
  • Constipation and digestive issues
  • Cognitive impairment and memory problems
  • Potential increased dementia risk with long-term use
  • Require daily pills indefinitely
  • Only modest effectiveness (one fewer episode per 2 days versus placebo)

StarFormer Advantage:
Defined treatment course with no systemic drug effects. No daily medication burden after completing sessions. No drug interactions or cognitive side effects.

Botox Bladder Injections

The Procedure:
Cystoscopic injection of botulinum toxin directly into bladder muscle to reduce overactivity.

The Concerns:

  • Invasive procedure requiring anesthesia
  • 5-8% of patients develop urinary retention requiring self-catheterization
  • 18% experience urinary tract infections
  • Effects last only 6-12 months
  • Repeated procedures needed indefinitely

StarFormer Advantage:
Completely non-invasive with no catheterization risk. No infection risk. No procedure-related complications. Results last 12+ months with optional maintenance.

Surgical Interventions

Common Procedures:
Sling procedures, bladder suspension surgery, mesh implants for pelvic organ support.

The Reality:

  • Requires general anesthesia
  • 2-6 weeks recovery time
  • Risk of mesh erosion and chronic pain
  • Permanent anatomical changes
  • May not resolve all symptoms
  • Complications can be difficult to reverse

StarFormer Advantage:
Absolutely no surgery, incisions, or anesthesia. Zero recovery time. No scarring or permanent changes. Try a conservative option before considering surgical intervention.

Local Lee's Summit Resources and Support

Living in Lee's Summit gives you access to complementary resources that can enhance your treatment outcomes:

Lifestyle Modifications That Help

Pelvic Floor-Friendly Exercise:
Consider modifications at local fitness centers like Summit Fitness or Longview Recreation Center. Low-impact activities like swimming at Summit Waves can maintain fitness without stressing weakened pelvic floor muscles during treatment.

Weight Management:
Excess weight increases pelvic floor pressure. If weight loss would benefit your overall health, combining StarFormer with a structured weight loss program (which we also offer at Accurso Aesthetics) creates powerful synergy.

Bladder Training:
Simple scheduled voiding techniques can complement your StarFormer treatment. We provide guidance during your treatment series.

When to Seek Additional Evaluation

While StarFormer effectively treats most cases of stress and urge incontinence, some situations require additional medical assessment:

  • Blood in urine
  • Painful urination
  • Sudden onset of severe symptoms
  • Complete loss of bladder control
  • Symptoms accompanied by pelvic pain

For these concerns, we work collaboratively with area urologists and urogynecologists to ensure you receive comprehensive care.

Insurance, Investment, and Value

Many patients ask about insurance coverage for StarFormer treatment. Here's what you need to know:

Understanding Your Investment

Currently, most insurance plans classify StarFormer as an elective wellness treatment rather than a covered medical procedure. This means most patients pay out-of-pocket for their treatment series.

However, consider the long-term value:

Compared to Ongoing Pad Costs:
Incontinence pads cost $30-50 monthly ($360-600 yearly). Over five years, that's $1,800-3,000 spent managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause.

Compared to Medication Expenses:
Prescription medications for overactive bladder cost $100-300 monthly without insurance ($1,200-3,600 yearly). Plus ongoing side effects and doctor visits.

Compared to Quality of Life:
What's it worth to exercise without fear, sleep through the night, or enjoy intimate moments without worry? Many patients tell us StarFormer gave them back their lives.

Flexible Payment Options

At Accurso Aesthetics, we offer:

  • Treatment packages that reduce per-session costs
  • Flexible payment plans
  • HSA and FSA card acceptance
  • Transparent pricing discussed during consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About Urinary Incontinence Treatment

How long does it take to see results from StarFormer?
Most patients notice subtle improvements after 3-4 sessions, with significant symptom reduction appearing after completing 6-10 treatments. Optimal results typically emerge 2-4 weeks after your final session as muscles continue strengthening.

Is the treatment painful?
No. Patients describe strong, rhythmic muscle contractions but not pain. The sensation feels unusual initially but becomes comfortable within minutes. Our team adjusts intensity to your comfort level throughout treatment.

Can I exercise during my treatment series?
Yes. Resume all normal activities immediately after each session. In fact, many patients find their confidence returning during treatment, allowing them to get back to activities they'd avoided.

How long do results last?
Clinical studies show sustained improvement for 12 months or longer. Individual results vary based on age, lifestyle factors, and incontinence severity. Maintenance sessions every few months can help optimize long-term results.

What's the difference between StarFormer and BTL Emsella?
Both use similar high-intensity electromagnetic technology at 2.5-3.0 Tesla field strength. The mechanisms and clinical outcomes are comparable. StarFormer is manufactured by Fotona, a respected medical laser company, while Emsella is made by BTL Aesthetics.

Will StarFormer work for male incontinence?
Yes. The FDA clearance includes male applications, and clinical studies show benefits for post-prostatectomy incontinence. While more research exists for female patients, men achieve meaningful improvement—particularly those experiencing leakage after prostate surgery.

Can I do StarFormer if I have a history of pelvic surgery?
It depends on the type and timing of surgery. You must wait at least 3-6 months after major pelvic surgery before starting treatment. During your consultation, we'll review your complete medical history to determine appropriateness.

Does treatment require any special preparation or recovery?
None whatsoever. Arrive wearing comfortable clothing. No undressing, no prep work. Walk in, complete your 28-minute session, and immediately resume your day. No restrictions, no downtime, no recovery period.

Take the First Step Toward Bladder Control and Confidence

You've lived with urinary incontinence long enough. The embarrassment, the constant bathroom planning, the pad changes, the limitations on your activities—none of that needs to continue.

At Accurso Aesthetics in Lee's Summit, we've helped numerous local residents reclaim their confidence and freedom through advanced Fotona StarFormer treatment. Our patients consistently tell us they wish they'd sought help sooner.

Schedule Your Confidential Consultation Today

Your consultation includes:

  • Comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and concerns
  • Discussion of your medical history and goals
  • Explanation of how StarFormer works specifically for your situation
  • Answers to all your questions in a private, judgment-free environment
  • Clear treatment recommendations and pricing information

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Urinary incontinence can have multiple causes, and proper evaluation is essential. Individual results with StarFormer treatment may vary. Not all patients are candidates for electromagnetic pelvic floor therapy. Consult with a qualified medical professional at Accurso Aesthetics to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.