Most women in menopause experience changes in their gynecologic health that is now termed Genitourinary syndrome of menopause. This syndrome includes symptoms of vaginal dryness and discomfort, pain with sex, urinary frequency and burning and recurrent urinary tract infections. 

MonaLisa Touch is a new laser therapy for this condition, using the same laser that has been used for years in Dermatology. It delivers gentle laser energy to the vaginal wall tissue that stimulates a healing response by generating new collagen, elastin and vascularization.  A typical course of treatment is three procedures over 18 weeks (every 6 weeks) and: 

  • Is an in-office procedure;
  • Requires no anesthesia other than topical;
  • No downtime;
  • Minimal side effects; and
  • Each treatment is 5-10 minutes

Thousands of women have been treated worldwide since 2012. In both European and US clinical trials, women reported symptom relief after the very first treatment and even greater improvement after treatments 2 and 3. 

Call the office and we are happy to discuss any questions that you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Issue: Post-menopausal changes can affect a woman's quality of life in unexpected ways.  Genitourinary syndrome of menopause causes vaginal and urinary symptoms from thinning tissue. Many women experience vaginal dryness, irritation, burning, painful sex and urinary symptoms. Now, there is a gentle laser therapy that can help millions of women who are silently suffering.

What is the MonaLisa Touch? The MonaLisa Touch is a gentle laser therapy that delivers controlled energy to the vaginal wall tissue. It restores gynecologic health by generating new collagen, elastin and vascularization. The MonaLisa Touch was first available outside the US where more than 15,000 patients have been treated worldwide.

How does it work? The MonaLisa Touch uses gentle 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.

The trial assessed the use of CO2 fractional laser therapy on 30 women with gynecological health issues due to natural or induced menopause. All of the patients in the trial were treated with the MonaLisa Touch laser therapy.  Results were:

  • Overwhelmingly positive and immediate results
  • Highly statistically significant improvement in symptoms after first treatment
  • Escalation of progress with each subsequent treatment

*Women in the study either experienced natural menopause or induced menopause as the result of hysterectomy or drug-induced suppression of ovarian function .

A study was done by Dr. Stefano Salvatore, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vita- Salute San Raffaele University to assess the feasibility of fractional C02 laser in the treatment of50 women suffering changes in their gynecologic health. 42 patients (84%) showed significant improvement in their physical and mental quality of life scores over baseline and were satisfied with the treatment. Gynecologic symptoms were significantly improved.

Does the procedure hurt? The procedure requires no anesthesia other than topical. 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 treatments, spaced six weeks apart, which each take approximately 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 to get the full benefit.

How long does it last? Patients should expect to come back annually for a maintenance treatment.

What are my limitations after the procedure is done? Patients should refrain from sexual activity for 7 days.  Your doctor will determine a post-procedure regimen that is right for you.

For which patients is this treatment appropriate? The MonaLisa Touch is appropriate for any woman who is experiencing symptoms of vaginal dryness, burning, irritation, painful sex, urinary frequency and burning and urinary tract infections. It is also being found to help stress incontinence.

How much will the procedure cost? Patients should contact their healthcare professional for additional information.

Is this procedure safe for women with breast cancer? Yes, the MonaLisa Touch therapy is particularly well suited for patients who cannot, or prefer not to receive estrogen therapy.

Will the procedure be covered by insurance? No processing code has been established.