What is MonaLisa Touch?
The MonaLisa Touch® is a revolutionary new FDA-approved laser treatment for vaginal atrophy and laxity. MonaLisa Touch is a minimally-invasive technique that uses laser technology to revitalize genital tissue. MonaLisa Touch laser treatment can restore vaginal lubrication and elasticity, as well as relieve discomfort during intercourse without any incisions or surgery.
What is vaginal atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is a common symptom of estrogen deficiency. During menopause, the body stops producing estrogen, leading to vaginal dryness and atrophy. A complete hysterectomy or removal of both ovaries also stops the body’s estrogen production. Breastfeeding and certain cancer treatments can also impact estrogen levels, meaning vaginal atrophy is a possible risk for women at almost any age.
A decrease in estrogen production thins and weakens the vaginal walls, reducing blood flow to the area and causing inflammation and dryness. Vaginal atrophy can also cause urinary incontinence.
While vaginal atrophy is not an “illness,” it can decrease quality of life with its annoying symptoms. The MonaLisa Touch procedure can decrease or alleviate symptoms such as:
- vaginal dryness
- genital irritation, burning, or itching
- dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
- urgent or frequent urination
- recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
How Does the MonaLisa Touch Work?
The MonaLisa Touch uses a CO2 laser to remove dry skin, which stimulates collagen and elastin production, and rejuvenates vaginal tissue. The newly grown tissue is healthier and more elastic than before — improving vaginal lubrication and allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable sex life.
The innovative laser treatment consists of three in-office sessions, spaced six weeks apart. The sessions take no longer than five minutes, has no downtime, and most patients experience no pain or discomfort. While the MonaLisa Touch is a non-surgical treatment, laser therapy can be intimidating. We can apply a local anesthetic cream before the procedure to improve your comfort.
The risks of MonaLisa Touch are virtually nonexistent. The laser is small enough to virtually eliminate the risk of burning the skin. The MonaLisa Touch is one of the safest medical procedures available.
Who Can Benefit from MonaLisa Touch?
The technology is a safe and effective non-hormonal treatment option for treating some of the symptoms of estrogen deficiency. Good candidates for the procedure:
- are perimenopausal and post-menopausal women
- are breastfeeding women
- are undergoing treatment for cancer
- have history of stroke or heart disease
- have undergone hysterectomy
MonaLisa Touch is a great choice for women who can’t risk major surgery or hormone replacement therapy. The procedure is minimally-invasive, and there are virtually no side effects. Talk with your OB/GYN about your concerns and your medical history to determine if the MonaLisa Touch would be right for you.
Mona Lisa Touch vs estrogen cream
Hormone therapy for low-estrogen or post-menopausal women has long been the default treatment option. However, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not without risks and side effects. For example, if you’re already at risk of breast cancer, estrogen hormone therapy can increase your risk.
To avoid this risk, your OB/GYN might recommend vaginal estrogen creams for your gynecologic health instead. Vaginal estrogen can improve vaginal health and function without the same risks of HRT. However, the estrogen will still be absorbed into the bloodstream and carried throughout the body. Patients at high risk of complications from estrogen therapy might not be able to use any hormonal treatments.
The MonaLisa Touch is not a hormone treatment, it is a non-invasive laser procedure performed in your doctor’s office. Rather than trying to replace your body’s decreasing estrogen, MonaLisa Touch laser therapy triggers your body’s natural healing processes. This type of vaginal rejuvenation triggers the growth of new skin and blood vessels in the area, essentially fixing the problem rather than just managing the symptoms.
MonaLisa Touch Recovery
Patients can return to their normal activities as soon as they get home from the procedure; however, sexual intercourse should be avoided for two to three days. You may experience some redness or swelling for a day or two, but you shouldn’t expect pain or tenderness. Follow any post-treatment guidelines your gynecologist provides for optimal recovery.
Most patients report being very happy with their results and experiencing significantly less itching, burning, dryness, and pain during sex. Although the full treatment takes three sessions, you should start to see some improvement in your condition after the first session.
Is MonaLisa Touch permanent?
More or less. While the laser treatment does trigger your body’s natural healing process, it doesn’t treat your decreasing estrogen levels. Most patients have a touch-up every 12 to 18 months to maintain their results.
How much does MonaLisa cost?
The cost of the MonaLisa touch is $3,000 for three sessions.
Interested in MonaLisa Touch non-hormonal treatment? Talk to Dr. Aliabadi
As one of the nation’s leading OB/GYNs, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi offers the very best in women’s health and well-being. With her warm, professional team, Dr. Aliabadi supports women from puberty to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and beyond. She fosters a special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.
Highly trained and honored by the medical community, Dr. Thais Aliabadi is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Diplomat of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She implements the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology and treatment options.
Dr. Aliabadi specializes in up-to-date, minimally invasive surgical techniques for fibroids, polyps, and endometriosis, promising her patients shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and the least interruption to their daily lives.
We also invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.
If you are suffering from vaginal dryness related to perimenopause or menopause, there is now non-drug relief that is painless and very effective. It is called MonaLisa Touch. Have any questions or wish to explore more about this treatment, please call us to schedule an appointment.
We also invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please click here to make an appointment or call us at (844) 863- 6700.
Supported by her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi treats women through all phases of life and cherishes the special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.
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