MonaLisa Touch FAQs
Even with the passage of time, many women still retain their youthful energy and enthusiasm, but post-menopausal changes can affect a woman’s quality of life in unexpected ways. Hormone replacement therapy may not be the best option for some patients. Now there is an alternative therapy that can help millions of women who suffer from post-menopausal changes in vaginal health.
Read answers to these frequently asked questions about MonaLisa Touch, an in-office procedure.
WHAT IS THE MONALISA TOUCH?
MonaLisa Touch is a medical laser that delivers controlled energy to the vaginal tissue to revitalize the cells in the vaginal mucosa (vaginal tissue) so that these cells make more collagen, an essential ingredient in vaginal cell health.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
MonaLisa Touch implements CO2 laser energy that is delivered via a side-firing probe inserted into the vaginal canal. A two-part pulse targets surface (epithelial) tissue and deep (lamina propria) tissue to promote vaginal mucosal revitalization.
WHAT CLINICAL TRIALS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED ON THE MONALISA TOUCH?
A multisite study was conducted by Dr. Mickey Karram, Director of Fellowship Program on Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH and Dr. Eric Sokol, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Stanford University Medical Center. Preliminary findings from a trial evaluating the laser treatment on postmenopausal women* and breast cancer survivors experiencing vaginal health issues show positive results.
The trial assessed the use of CO2 fractional laser therapy on 30 women with vaginal health issues due to natural or induced menopause. All of the patients in the trial were treated with the MonaLisa Touch laser therapy.
*Women in the study either experienced natural menopause or induced menopause as the result of hysterectomy or drug-induced suppression of ovarian function (chemotherapy, radiations, and anticancer drugs such as Tamoxifen).
WHERE CAN I HAVE THIS DONE?
The MonaLisa Touch is an in-office procedure performed at Urology Specialists of Oregon.
DOES THE PROCEDURE HURT?
The vaginal rejuvenation procedure is virtually painless and requires no anesthesia. Some patients may experience some discomfort the first time the probe is inserted, but the actual treatment is not painful. Many patients report that it feels like a gentle vibration.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Patients receive three MonaLisa Touch treatments, spaced six weeks apart, which each take less than five minutes to perform.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?
Most patients feel improvement after the very first treatment, although the procedure calls for three treatments that are generally spaced over an 18-week period.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Patients should expect to come back annually for a maintenance treatment.* MonaLisa Touch was first available outside the US where more than 15,000 patients have been treated worldwide.
*Your doctor will determine with you if follow up treatments are required.
WHAT ARE MY LIMITATIONS AFTER THE PROCEDURE IS DONE?
Patients should refrain from sexual activity for 2-3 days. Your doctor will determine a post-procedure regimen that is right for you.
FOR WHICH PATIENTS IS THIS TREATMENT APPROPRIATE?
MonaLisa Touch is appropriate for any female who has gone through menopause, as well as those who are experiencing post-menopausal symptoms as a result of a hysterectomy or breast cancer treatments.
HOW MUCH WILL THE PROCEDURE COST?
Patients should contact our office for additional information.
IS THIS PROCEDURE SAFE FOR WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER?
Yes, MonaLisa Touch treatment is particularly well suited for patients who cannot, or prefer not to receive estrogen therapy.
