MonaLisa Touch® laser therapy – a “game changing” laser treatment for vaginal atrophy

Vaginal atrophy affects many women. This condition causes the vaginal walls to be thin and dry. It has many unpleasant symptoms and can impact relationships, confidence, and other aspects of the woman’s life. Many women, unfortunately, live with the symptoms and assume that nothing can be done to treat them.

However, there are several treatment options for vaginal atrophy. Hormonal therapy is one example, but it is not for everyone. MonaLisa Touch laser therapy is a groundbreaking, non-hormonal treatment designed to restore vaginal health safely and effectively. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on hormone therapy, this state-of-the-art laser technology offers a non-invasive, painless solution to combat the effects of vaginal atrophy.

What is MonaLisa Touch?

MonaLisa Touch is a form of fractional CO2 laser therapy. It is designed specifically for vaginal rejuvenation and the treatment of atrophy. Created by the Italian company DEKA, MonaLisa Touch works by focusing intense, precise beams of light (lasers) onto the vaginal tissue. The lasers cause microscopic injuries. This triggers the body’s natural healing process.

Part of that process involves producing collagen, an essential protein for building new cells and repairing damaged or weak sites around the body. The body makes more of it when it needs to heal. The microscopic injuries induce the production of collagen, which helps build up the vaginal walls and improve vaginal tissue health.

This helps not just with atrophy but also with other symptoms of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Such symptoms may include lack of vaginal lubrication, itching, recurrent cystitis and pelvic pressure.

What does it treat?

MonaLisa Touch laser treatment addresses problems like:

• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse
• Urinary incontinence
• Frequent urinary infections
• Vaginal irritation or pain

The treatment brings health and moistness back to the vaginal walls for improved health and comfort.

Who are MonaLisa Touch procedures best suited for?

Most women dealing with vaginal atrophy and dryness can benefit from the laser CO2 MonaLisa Touch therapy. It is beneficial for postmenopausal women, as well as breast cancer survivors and anyone facing GSM symptoms. MonaLisa Touch is also a viable alternative for those who are not eligible for hormone therapy or want a safer treatment option.

However the treatment is not for everyone and detailed assessment by an expert in vaginal health is essential prior to commencing the sessions. Contraindications include vaginal, vulval or cervical infection or malignancy, pregnancy, severe uterovaginal prolapse and abnormal smear.

How does MonaLisa Touch treatment work?

Fractional CO2 laser therapy like MonaLisa Touch stimulates the body’s regenerative processes. It uses lasers to cause microscopic injuries, or micro-lesions, to the skin. These injuries are not painful or dangerous but are enough for the body to respond.

As touched on above, part of the response is to produce collagen in larger-than-normal amounts. The collagen is then dispersed through the vaginal tissue and is used for building new, stronger cells and improving elasticity, vaginal wall thickness, and general health.

The entire procedure is non-surgical and requires only minimal downtime.

How long does it last and how many sessions are needed?

Typically, patients will undergo three MonaLisa Touch treatment sessions, each 4-6 weeks apart. Some patients may need more sessions. Each session is quick – usually no more than five minutes – and the results are long-lasting.

Annual maintenance sessions help to preserve the benefits. You can discuss long-term treatment plans with our specialist during the initial consultation phase or after your first series of treatment sessions. They will be able to provide the best recommendations.

MonaLisa Touch – procedure overview

The subsequent sections will provide a step-by-step breakdown of the MonaLisa Touch procedure, describing what to expect at each stage, from pre-procedure tips to aftercare.

Before the procedure

Firstly, patients will have a consultation with our specialist. During this meeting, the specialist will outline the procedure and its benefits and ask about the patient’s medical history and the symptoms they are dealing with. This is also the patient’s opportunity to ask questions and learn more about MonaLisa Touch’s cost, success rate, recovery, etc.

Once the procedure is booked, the specialist will advise the patient on what to do in the days and weeks beforehand. They may advise abstaining from certain medications or activities, During the procedure the vaginal and vulval area may be numbed lightly with topical cream. The laser is affixed to a wand-like device, then inserted into the vagina for treatment. It emits short vibrations of energy both inside the vagina and around the opening.

The procedure is generally painless, with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort. It is also a brief process and should be completed within five minutes. At that stage, the patient will be able to head home and resume their regular routine.

Aftercare and recovery

It is best to avoid sexual activity, baths, swimming and applying any topical preparation in the vagina for the first few days following treatment. Aside from that, patients can generally get back to their usual life without any delay. They may experience some mild side effects, like discomfort or redness that will subside in a few hours. As for the benefits, they can be felt as early as one week after treatment. They should become more noticeable with time, particularly after the second treatment session. Maintenance sessions are usually scheduled about six to twelve months apart, though our specialist will advise on a suitable schedule for you.

FAQ

Does MonaLisa Touch laser hurt?

No, patients do not generally report any pain. They may experience a light discomfort as the laser vibrates and emits energy pulses.

What are the side effects of the treatment?

Side effects of this treatment are typically rare, mild and brief. They may include redness, swelling, irritation, light bleeding, and discharge.

Does the procedure require general anaesthesia?

No anaesthesia is necessary, nor do you need to spend any time in a hospital or bed recovering from this procedure. It is quick and painless, with almost no notable downtime.