Who is the MonaLisa Touch for?
Women who experience vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and/or urinary symptoms caused by vaginal atrophy.
What does MonaLisa Touch do?
The gentle laser triggers your body's natural healing process, increasing moisture, tone and sensation.
How long does MonaLisa Touch take?
This painless, in-office procedure lasts less than five minutes and requires no anesthesia.
Mona Lisa Treatment for Menopause
This non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation therapy, known as Mona Lisa Touch, targets vaginal health concerns without requiring extensive recovery time or invasive procedures. Originally developed to target menopause symptom relief and postmenopausal vaginal health, it has become popular among women seeking an alternative to hormone therapy. By stimulating collagen production and increasing blood flow, the treatment revitalizes the vaginal tissue, addressing symptoms like vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, and painful intercourse. MonaLisa Touch can be combined with Hormone Therapy and/or an O-Shot.
The Mona Lisa Touch procedure is a relatively quick, outpatient process that takes around five minutes per session and is painless.
Here’s how it works:
- Fractional CO2 Laser Technology: The treatment uses a fractional CO2 laser specifically designed to penetrate the delicate vaginal tissue without causing damage. The laser creates small, controlled micro-injuries in the vaginal mucosa, prompting the body to initiate a healing response.
- Stimulates Collagen and Elastin Production:These micro-injuries stimulate collagen and elastin production, two essential proteins that contribute to the structure, elasticity, and hydration of vaginal tissue.
- Promotes Rehydration and Blood Flow:The laser energy also encourages better blood circulation, leading to natural rehydration of the tissue and improved elasticity, which addresses vaginal dryness and atrophy.
- Supports Healthy Vaginal pH Levels:For women going through menopause, pH balance often shifts, making the vaginal environment more susceptible to infections and irritation. By rejuvenating the tissue, the Mona Lisa Touch helps maintain a healthier vaginal environment.
For best results, an initial three MonaLisa procedure program should be administered six weeks apart and repeated annually. The procedure is considered elective and no referral is needed. Simply contact us to schedule a consultation. Talk to one of our providers to learn more.
Conditions Treated by the Mona Lisa Touch
The concept behind the effectiveness of the MonaLisa laser is nothing new. MonaLisa Touch is a natural option. Gentle laser energy is delivered to your tissue, which is followed by your body's natural healing response. The procedure is hormone free and does not expose patients to chemicals.
The Mona Lisa Touch therapy has shown success in alleviating symptoms associated with a variety of conditions:
- Menopausal Symptoms: Declining estrogen levels during menopause can lead to vaginal atrophy, dryness, and discomfort. The Mona Lisa Touch offers non-hormonal treatment for vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
- Postmenopausal Vaginal Health: This treatment is also effective for women post-menopause who experience discomfort and dryness but wish to avoid hormone therapy.
- Laser Treatment for Vaginal Atrophy: Vaginal atrophy, a thinning of the vaginal walls that often occurs with age, can cause painful intercourse, itching, and burning. By strengthening and hydrating the tissue, the Mona Lisa Touch minimizes these symptoms.
- Vaginal Rejuvenation Benefits for Women Post-Pregnancy: For women who experience changes in vaginal tissue after childbirth, this treatment can help restore elasticity and comfort.
Benefits of Mona Lisa Touch Treatment
The benefits of Mona Lisa Touch treatment are extensive, particularly for those looking for a non-invasive approach to improving vaginal health.
- Non-Surgical Solution: Unlike surgical options, the Mona Lisa Touch is minimally invasive, requiring no incisions, anesthesia, or long recovery times.
- Quick and Convenient: The treatment is quick and can be completed within five minutes, allowing patients to return to daily activities with little to no downtime.
- Hormone-Free Option: For women who cannot or prefer not to undergo hormone therapy, this provides a safe and effective alternative to alleviate menopausal symptoms without additional medications.
- Improves Quality of Life: Women who suffer from discomfort and pain during intercourse or chronic dryness often experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence post-treatment in addition to:
- Increased vaginal moisture
- Improved vaginal tone
- Heightened vaginal sensation
- Improved sexual satisfaction
- Less urinary leakage
- Less painful urination
- Less vaginal itching
- Fewer bladder infections
- Long-Lasting Effects: Although maintenance sessions may be required annually, many patients experience noticeable improvement in symptoms for six months or more after the initial 3 sessions.
MonaLisa Touch for Menopause and Vaginal Health
One of the primary reasons for the popularity of this treatment is its effectiveness in addressing menopausal symptoms. Menopause and the years following it bring a natural decline in estrogen levels, which impacts vaginal health.
- Menopause Symptom Relief: Menopause is known for causing symptoms such as dryness, burning, and reduced elasticity in vaginal tissue. The Mona Lisa Touch tackles these symptoms head-on by stimulating collagen production.
- Postmenopausal Vaginal Health: Beyond menopausal symptoms, women who are post-menopausal often experience vaginal atrophy, a condition that this treatment can relieve by promoting tissue health and elasticity.
Mona Lisa Touch for Vaginal Dryness and Painful Intercourse
Many women seek Mona Lisa Touch for vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. These symptoms are commonly associated with menopause but can also arise from other conditions such as hormonal imbalances or postpartum changes. By addressing tissue hydration and elasticity, the Mona Lisa Touch reduces friction-related discomfort, improving intimate experiences and overall well-being.
- Non-Hormonal Treatment for Vaginal Dryness: For women sensitive to hormone therapy, the Mona Lisa Touch provides a solution without added estrogen or progesterone.
- Painful Intercourse Relief: Pain during intercourse is often due to dryness and thinning of the vaginal walls. The Mona Lisa Touch promotes a healthier environment, making intimacy more comfortable.
The Mona Lisa Touch Procedure
To help potential patients understand what to expect, here’s a step-by-step overview of a typical Mona Lisa Touch session at Nore Women’s Health:
- Consultation: During the initial consultation, one of our providers will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and desired outcomes to determine if the Mona Lisa Touch treatment is appropriate.
- Preparation: In most cases, no extensive preparation is necessary. Patients may need to avoid sexual intercourse or douching for a few days before treatment.
- Procedure: The procedure is performed in a medical office setting, typically without the need for anesthesia. A small metal wand, resembling an ultrasound probe, is carefully inserted into the vaginal canal. The device is rotated clockwise and counterclockwise, ensuring the laser energy is evenly distributed across the vaginal tissue. The small, hand-held device delivers gentle laser energy to the vaginal wall tissue in controlled pulses, targeting the vaginal mucosa. This energy stimulates a natural healing response, promoting the production of collagen and improving the overall health and elasticity of the tissue. The treatment is quick, minimally invasive, and usually completed in under 5 minutes.
- Recovery: Most patients experience little to no downtime, allowing them to resume normal activities shortly after the procedure. After treatment, patients may experience mild redness or swelling, but these symptoms generally subside within a few hours. Side effects are generally mild and may include slight redness, swelling, or sensitivity, which typically resolves within a day or two.
- Follow-Up Sessions: Typically, patients undergo three initial treatments spaced six weeks apart, with maintenance treatments recommended every 12-18 months.
Does the MonaLisa Touch Procedure Hurt?
The procedure is widely regarded as painless for most patients. The laser treatment itself is gentle and minimally invasive. However, some patients may experience mild discomfort during the insertion of the laser wand, particularly if they have significant vaginal dryness or tissue atrophy. This is most commonly reported during the first session, as the vaginal tissue becomes more resilient after subsequent treatments.
For those concerned about discomfort, discussing these feelings with us beforehand can help address any anxiety and ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
Is MonaLisa Touch Safe?
One of the most common questions we are asked, “Is Mona Lisa Touch safe?”
Yes, this treatment has been extensively studied and found to be safe and effective for most women. It is FDA-approved for use in vaginal rejuvenation and has been utilized worldwide with a high satisfaction rate among patients.
However, it’s essential to consult with us to discuss personal medical history and determine any risks. Common side effects are mild and may include temporary redness, swelling, or spotting, which generally resolves quickly.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for the Mona Lisa Touch?
While the Mona Lisa Touch treatment is effective for many, certain women may particularly benefit from it:
- Postmenopausal Women: Especially those experiencing vaginal atrophy, dryness, or painful intercourse who prefer a non-hormonal approach.
- Breast Cancer Survivors: Women who have undergone breast cancer treatment often avoid hormone therapy, making the Mona Lisa Touch a viable alternative.
- Cancer Survivors: Young women who have undergone treatment for breast and gynecological cancers often have their ovaries removed to reduce their risks, throwing them into premature menopause instantaneously. This can wreak havoc on their sexual lives and general wellbeing. The MonaLisa Touch laser can help these younger cancer survivors regain their sexual confidence and comfort without additional drugs or hormones, making it a natural choice for post-cancer vitality.
- Women Post-Childbirth: Childbirth can result in vaginal laxity or dryness; this treatment helps restore comfort and tissue integrity.
Mona Lisa Touch vs. Other Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatments
There are several options available for vaginal health treatment, including hormone therapy, lubricants, and surgical procedures. The Mona Lisa Touch stands out because it is:
- Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive: It requires no incisions and has little downtime.
- Hormone-Free: An ideal choice for women unable to use hormone-based treatments.
- Long-Lasting: Many patients experience symptom relief for months post-treatment.
Compared to surgical vaginal rejuvenation, which requires a longer recovery and may involve more risks, the Mona Lisa Touch is an excellent alternative for those seeking improvement in vaginal health with minimal commitment.
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Read MoreMonaLisa Touch: Pros and Cons
The MonaLisa Touch is a non-invasive laser therapy designed to address vaginal health concerns such as dryness, atrophy, discomfort during intercourse, and mild urinary incontinence. While some women report significant improvements, others find the results less impactful.
For a full list of warnings and indications read this detailed safety information.
As with any medical procedure, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it is right for you.
Pros of MonaLisa Touch
Improved Vaginal Health and Function: Many women report substantial improvements in vaginal dryness, lubrication, and reduced pain during intercourse after three to four treatment sessions. This increase in natural lubrication can also lead to fewer urinary tract infections (UTIs) and less overall discomfort.
- Enhanced Sexual Experience: Some women note that the treatment results in a feeling of vaginal tightness, contributing to a more satisfying sexual experience.
- Non-Invasive Nature: The procedure is completely non-surgical, requiring no incisions or stitches. This eliminates the risks associated with surgery, such as infections or complications from anesthesia.
- Minimal Discomfort and Downtime: The treatment is quick, typically lasting under five minutes, and most women can resume normal activities immediately. There's no need for anesthesia, and many patients are comfortable driving themselves to and from the appointment.
- Convenience: The MonaLisa Touch procedure is ideal for individuals with busy schedules. It is performed in-office, and the time commitment is minimal, making it a practical choice for women with demanding lifestyles.
- Positive Long-Term Effects: Some women experience lasting benefits from the treatment, with follow-up sessions only required every 12–18 months to maintain results.
Cons of MonaLisa Touch
- Variable Results: While many women see positive changes, others report little to no improvement in their symptoms. The variability in results can depend on factors such as individual health conditions, age, and severity of symptoms.
- Potential for Extended Side Effects: Side effects like mild redness, swelling, or sensitivity are typically short-lived, but in rare cases, they may persist longer than expected, causing temporary discomfort.
- Cost: The MonaLisa Touch is not an inexpensive procedure. Costs can vary but generally range from $500 to $1,500 per session. Since three to four sessions are often recommended, the total expense can add up quickly.
- Lack of Insurance Coverage: Currently, most insurance companies do not cover the MonaLisa Touch, as it is considered a non-essential or elective procedure. Patients must pay out-of-pocket unless they have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) that allows for such expenses.
- Ongoing Maintenance: To sustain results, patients may need additional maintenance treatments annually or biannually, adding to the overall cost and time commitment.
- Not a Guaranteed Solution: The treatment does not address every symptom of menopause or vaginal atrophy. For example, it is not designed to alter the external appearance of the vagina or completely resolve severe cases of urinary incontinence.
Q&A Questions About Mona Lisa Treatment
You may drive yourself to and from your treatment.
To ensure optimal results and minimize potential complications, we suggest the following pre-treatment guidelines:
- Hygiene: Shower or bathe on the morning of the procedure to ensure the treatment area is clean and free from lotions, creams, or other substances that might interact with the laser.
- Hair Management: Trim or closely clip the vulvar area before treatment. Shaving is not mandatory but can be done if preferred.
- Clothing: Wear loose-fitting pants and cotton underwear on the day of the procedure to reduce irritation post-treatment.
- Sexual Activity: Abstain from vaginal sexual activity for at least 48 hours prior to the procedure.
- Vaginal Products: Avoid using any vaginal creams, ointments, lubricants, or other products.
- Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider of any medical conditions, medications, or recent procedures.
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