MonaLisa Touch Laser

MonaLisa Touch® CO₂ fractional laser treatment is a revolutionary laser treatment to manage many of the intimate challenges that come with childbirth, medical conditions, post radiation cancer treatments, ageing and menopause.

MonaLisa Touch helps manage:

• Painful intercourse and sexual discomfort
• Postmenopausal symptoms such as vaginal atrophy
• Mild urinary incontinence in women following childbirth or other conditions.

What is MonaLisa Touch?

In the past, women have resorted to lubricants, topical oestrogen cremes, with varying degrees of success, to treat vaginal atrophy a common symptom of menopause.

Now there’s a 5 – 10 minute laser treatment that may offer an effective and long-term resolution for vaginal atrophy symptoms.

The Mona Lisa Touch addresses the issues that cause vaginal atrophy rather than simply working on the symptoms. It creates longer-lasting relief than current treatments and offers a new and effective option for patients who were previously not suitable for existing treatments.
 

What is vaginal atrophy?

The MonaLisa laser is highly effective at resolving many uncomfortable vaginal and urinary incontinence symptoms related to vaginal atrophy, otherwise known as atrophic vaginitis.

The most common cause of vaginal atrophy is a decline in oestrogen, which is essential for maintaining the health and function of the vaginal and urinary systems. As women age, this decline in oestrogen commonly results in burning, itchiness and dryness in the vagina. The vagina loses its elasticity and problems connected with urinary incontinence may also occur. Not only are these symptoms uncomfortable but can contribute to painful intercourse (dyspareunia).
 

How does Mona Lisa Touch work?

The Mona Lisa Touch Therapy uses non-surgical, minimally invasive CO2 Fractional Laser, very similar to the laser treatments that have long been available for facial skin rejuvenation.

It works by stimulating the body’s regenerative processes to create more hydrated and healthy cells and to improve the blood supply within the vaginal walls.
This has a direct effect on the integrity and elasticity of the vaginal tissue and increases the acidity of the vagina to more normal levels. By restoring a healthy and youthful vaginal environment, many symptoms of vaginal atrophy simply disappear.

The equipment is uniquely designed to deliver a series of very small DOTS of energy and heat directly into the surface layer of the vaginal wall using a slim, smooth hand-piece that can be gently inserted inside the vaginal canal.

At the point of contact, the laser dot removes a tiny area of tissue. This creates a tiny pinhole around the same size as the diameter of a human hair. The pinhole stimulates the body to repair itself, which stimulates cells to create new, healthy tissue at the site of the dot and flesh immediately surrounding it.

The laser also works to heat the area between dots, stimulating the activity of specialised cells that create elastin and collagen – the building blocks of healthy tissue.

It essentially restores your vagina (internal and external) to its younger, elastic and healthy functioning state. It also strengthens tissue that supports the bladder to reduce incontinence symptoms.

What can I expect during a Mona Lisa treatment?

The MonaLisa Touch is a ‘walk-in, walk-out’ procedure.

Initial Consultation:
You will meet with our qualified doctors to discuss your symptoms and concerns. You may undergo an examination to ensure you are suitable for the MonaLisa Touch treatment. We require you to have a normal and up-to-date pap smear result and no other contraindications to treatment. If deemed suitable, you may proceed with your first treatment immediately after the consultation. There is no advance preparation required.

Treatment Session:
The actual MonaLisa Touch treatment requires no anesthesia.

At the start of your treatment, a swab will be inserted into your vagina to dry out the inside as much as possible prior to the insertion of the laser.  This can be the slightly uncomfortable part of the procedure.

The laser probe is then inserted into the vagina. You will feel a mild vibrating sensation inside the vaginal canal which is virtually painless for most women. This process lasts for around 5 to 10 minutes depending on your comfort levels, and the probe is then removed.

The first treatment can be a little uncomfortable, but subsequent treatments have been very easy for our patients as lubrication has improved and they know what to expect.

You will be supported by our doctor and nurses during your procedure to ensure you are comfortable and receive the highest standard of patient care.

Post-Treatment:
There are no side effects and patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately following each MonaLisa Touch treatment. However, we recommend no intercourse or strenuous activity for 5 days. Very hot baths are also not advised.
 

How many treatments are required?

The MonaLisa Touch involves three short treatments at approximately four to six week intervals.

Annual follow up treatments are recommended.

Most patients see a significant improvement after their first treatment, however, patients are encouraged to continue with the subsequent treatments as this ensures effective, longer-lasting results.

Patients with severe vaginal atrophy symptoms may require 4 or 5 treatments for optimal results. This will be assessed and discussed during your consultation.
 

What can I expect after MonaLisa treatments?

Nearly all patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms:

• Increased vaginal lubrication
• Stronger tissue with a significant reduction in pain (or no pain) during intercourse
• A decreased vaginal burning and itching sensation
• Better urinary control and reduced stress incontinence
• Less vaginal and bladder infections
• Vaginal tightening and better elasticity
• Increased sensation and orgasm
• Increased libido and confidence

 How long will MonaLisa Touch Results last?

The results of the Mona Lisa Touch are generally very good, but the extent of improvement varies between individual patients.

Most patients experience an improvement after a single MonaLisa Touch treatment, however, a course of treatments is highly recommended.

Some patients report improvement within days, but the effects are more noticeable after a few weeks with the re-modelling of collagen in the vaginal mucosa and continue progressively for six months. Relief from symptoms tends to last between 12-18 months.

Many of the symptoms treated by the MonaLisa Touch are associated with low hormone levels brought on by menopause. A continued lack of oestrogen production can lead to some symptoms returning down the track. Under the advice of our doctors, patients can have repeated vaginal rejuvenation treatments if their symptoms return.

Where to from here?

Your GP will ensure MonaLisa Touch is the right procedure to treat your symptoms.

If you are interested in this treatment, please contact us.

Unfortunately, Medicare does not currently cover MonaLisa Touch treatments.

*Individual results may vary depending on cause of symptoms. Any procedure carries risks. Your therapist will discuss these risks, and how you can reduce them before and after treatment, in your consultation.