MonaLisa Touch® Laser Therapy

By Parveen Vahora, M.D.

MonaLisa Touch®
MonaLisa Touch is a noninvasive laser therapy to treat vaginal atrophy (GSM or genitourinary syndrome of menopause). GSM is a condition that causes symptoms like vaginal dryness and pain during sex. The MonaLisa Touch can help make sexual intimacy more comfortable. It works by healing the tissue lining of your vagina, restoring its moisture.

MonaLisa Touch is an alternative to estrogen-based therapies like creams, lubricants, or medication. It’s ideal for people who either can’t or prefer not to use estrogen therapy as a treatment for GSM.

MonaLisa Touch and Menopause
The MonaLisa Touch treats symptoms of GSM that most commonly occur in menopause. During menopause, your estrogen levels decrease. These hormonal changes cause your vaginal tissue to become dry and thin. This can lead to several symptoms, such as:
• Painful sexual intercourse.
• Vaginal discomfort and bleeding.
• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Urinary incontinence (leaking pee when you sneeze, laugh or cough).
• Vaginal irritation, itchiness or burning.

The MonaLisa Touch helps the tissues in your vagina regenerate, enabling it to become moist again. It’s important to note that the MonaLisa Touch doesn’t tighten your vagina. There are other methods your provider may suggest if your goal is to fix looseness or sagging. The MonaLisa Touch helps restore your vagina’s lubrication, not necessarily appearance.

MonaLisa Touch is for YOU
The ideal candidates for MonaLisa Touch treatment are people who:
• Are experiencing symptoms of low estrogen during the transition to menopause or after menopause.
• Tried other methods (such as estrogen therapy) and were unsuccessful.
• Have symptoms as a result of chemotherapy, breast cancer or hysterectomy.
• Can’t take estrogen due to other health conditions or treatments.
• Have been diagnosed with vulvar disorders like lichen sclerosus.

How the MonaLisa Touch treatment works
The MonaLisa Touch is a CO2 (carbon dioxide) fractional laser. A fractional laser delivers thousands of tiny light beams into a specific area. The laser beams destroy vaginal tissue and stimulate your vaginal tissue to generate new blood vessels and produce more collagen and elastin. This essentially causes the tissue lining to regenerate and repair itself.

PROCEDURE DETAILS
Treatment with the MonaLisa Touch happens in your healthcare provider’s office. It’s similar to what happens during a Pap smear. Your provider will insert a wand-like device into your vagina to begin treatment. The device delivers tiny energy pulses into your vagina. It may feel like a vibration or a tiny prick — like the poke of a needle. Your provider will treat both the internal vaginal skin and the skin at the opening of your vagina.

You need three treatments spaced about three weeks apart. Your provider may recommend annual treatments to maintain relief of your symptoms. Treatment with the MonaLisa takes about five minutes.

Recovery from MonaLisa laser therapy is quick. You can continue with your day as normal. Your vagina may feel a little irritated or uncomfortable. Applying ice packs or a lubricant may help if you feel discomfort. Avoid doing activities that cause you pain.

RISKS / BENEFITS
Treatment with MonaLisa Touch has been shown to cause significant improvements in vaginal moisture. It can restore a person’s sexual intimacy and give them confidence again. MonaLisa Touch treatment is also beneficial for people who can’t take estrogen. Treatment for vaginal dryness traditionally involved estrogen medications. This means people who can’t take estrogen were left without relief options before MonaLisa Touch laser treatment.

Effectiveness
Studies show that over 80% of people are satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment results. About 90% of people rate their improvement as better or much better. Many people say notice relief from vaginal dryness after just one treatment.

Side Effects
Side effects are mild and don’t last longer than 36 hours. The most common side effects are:
• Irritation at your vaginal opening.
• Light bleeding.
• Pink or brown vaginal discharge.
• Itching or burning sensation when you pee.
• Swelling or redness at your vaginal opening.

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK
Most people return to their normal activities the same day. You should refrain from intercourse for three days. You can expect to have mild irritation or discomfort for 24 to 36 hours. Discuss specific recovery instructions with your provider so you know what to expect. Contact your healthcare provider if you have uncomfortable symptoms due to vaginal dryness. They can talk to you about possible treatment options, including treatment with MonaLisa Touch.

Treatment Cost
Your insurance doesn’t cover MonaLisa Touch treatment. The exact cost of treatment depends on your location and provider. Some people may need up to five sessions initially. Most people need to return every 12 to 18 months for touch-ups. Be sure to talk to your provider about what you can expect to pay for treatment. At Vahora Gynecology we offer financing options thru Affirm. https://www.affirm.com

AFFIRM
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GYN VIP
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9332 State Road 54, Suite 403, Trinity, FL 34655
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