What is MonaLisa Touch?
This is a fractional laser treatment specifically designed to relieve vaginal symptoms associated with estrogen loss due to menopause or other factors. The treatment works to restore hydration, healthy tissue and sensation in the vaginal area.
Who is a good candidate?
Almost any woman who is experiencing post-menopausal vaginal symptoms such as dryness, itching or burning, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence or recurring urinary tract infections. MonaLisa Touch is non-hormonal, so it is entirely suitable for women who have had breast cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment as well as any woman who wants to avoid hormone therapy.
Will it hurt?
MonaLisa Touch is virtually painless. Some patients feel a little discomfort as the device is inserted, but most describe the treatment as “gentle vibration.” We treat the entire vaginal area, so we may apply a numbing cream to the external area before beginning treatment since this skin is more sensitive.
Does it work?
Clinical trials results showed increasing improvement throughout the 3-part course of treatment and in the months following. While some women do see and feel improvement within a week or so following their first treatment, we caution patients not to expect immediate results. Long-term, however, most of our patients report they are both impressed and thrilled with their results.
Why are 3 treatments necessary?
MonaLisa Touch is medically designed to produce continuous improvement over the full course of treatment, and in fact, the laser intensity is increased during the second and third treatments. Some women experience noticeable improvement after the first appointment, but for many others, results develop a bit more gradually. Getting the full procedure stimulates maximum healing within the vaginal area and gives the body time to respond by generating new, healthy tissue.
Is the procedure safe?
Yes. MonaLisa Touch Laser device was cleared by the FDA in 2014. The procedure has undergone clinical trials in the US and the UK among post-menopausal women and breast cancer survivors, with results that demonstrate significant improvement of vaginal symptoms as well as overall quality of life.
As women’s sexual health specialists, our doctors have evaluated the procedure and its success for patients before deciding it met their standards to offer to their own patients here in the San Diego area.
What are the risks or side effects?
Among the many thousands of women treated worldwide, no serious complications have been reported. Temporary post-procedure side effects may include mild localized discomfort, redness, swelling, spotting, minor vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, tenderness, itching, or burning during urination.
Is there any downtime?
No. Patients can go back to their normal daily routine, though we do ask that you refrain from sexual activity for the first 48 hours to give your body a chance to rest and relax.
Can I make payments?
Medical insurance does not cover the cost of MonaLisa Touch treatment. However, we do accept CareCredit and other major credit cards for payment. You may also be able to use funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) if you have one. You will need to check with your plan administrator.
We require payment for the entire procedure at the time of the first appointment because this ensures our patients will get optimal results by taking advantage of all three treatments.
Is there a guarantee?
There is never a guarantee with any procedure because every patient’s body is different and results may vary. However, we have had amazing results. In fact, the improvement many of our patients are reporting surpasses even the impressive results demonstrated in clinical studies.
