The MonaLisa procedure, also known as the MonaLisa Touch, is a non-surgical laser therapy used to treat symptoms of vaginal atrophy, such as vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. It is a type of CO2 (carbon dioxide) fractional laser treatment that delivers thousands of tiny beams of light into the vaginal tissue. The laser beams destroy the old tissue and stimulate the production of new blood vessels, collagen, and elastin, which helps regenerate and repair the tissue lining.
Here is a step-by-step overview of the MonaLisa Touch procedure:
-
Preparation: There is no specific preparation required for the treatment. Your healthcare provider will discuss any necessary preparations with you before the procedure.
-
Treatment: The MonaLisa Touch treatment is performed in your healthcare providers office, similar to a Pap smear. You will need to remove your pants and underwear and recline on an exam table.
-
Laser application: A probe is inserted into the vaginal canal to deliver the laser energy to the vaginal wall. The laser energy targets both the surface and deep tissue with a two-part pulse.
-
Duration and pain: The procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the first procedure if there is vaginal dryness or atrophy. However, overall, the treatment is considered painless and minimally invasive.
-
Post-treatment: After the procedure, you may be advised to abstain from sexual intercourse for 5 days. There is no downtime associated with the treatment.
The MonaLisa Touch procedure is not a one-time treatment. Women are often recommended to return for additional treatments every 12 to 18 months to maintain the results. The cost of the initial series of treatment sessions is around $1,800, with each additional treatment costing $500.