MonaLisa Touch

You love your husband, but sex feels like glass shards in your vagina.

Your husband gives you that look and you can’t help but cringe at the thought of the pain you’ll experience.

You know you’re getting older, but do you have to give that up, too?

• Imagine…..that it’s actually possible for you to:

  • have sex without pain.

  • maintain the intimacy with your husband that you know is so important.

  • have a non-hormonal choice for the treatment of vaginal dryness.

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For over two decades, I’ve only had two options to offer my patients for the treatment of vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.  Either vaginal lubricants (which really don’t work) OR vaginal estrogen. I’m so excited that now I’m able to offer another choice! A non-hormonal choice that doesn’t require a messy cream or ointment.

Hi, I’m Gayle Yatawara. I’m a board-certified gynecologist and surgeon and I love helping women look and feel their absolute best. And that means maintaining their sexual health. MonaLisa Touch fits perfectly into my mission of empowering maturing women to live healthfully and age gracefully.

And some women experience the added benefits of improvement in mild stress urinary incontinence and heightened sexual response.

The Issue

Even though we age, many women still retain their youthful energy and enthusiasm.  But, post-menopausal changes can affect a woman’s quality of life in unexpected ways.  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 vaginal health by promoting the generation of new collagen, elastin and vascularization. The MonaLisa Touch first became available outside the US where thousands of 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 vaginal health issues due to natural or induced menopause.   All of the patients in the trial were treated with MonaLisa Touch laser therapy.  Results included:

Overwhelmingly positive and immediate results

Highly statistically significant improvement in symptoms after the 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 (chemotherapy, radiations, and anticancer drugs such as Tamoxifen).

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 of 50 women suffering from 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.

In addition to the multisite study, there are currently 8 published studies and 6 ongoing studies.

Where can I have this done?

The MonaLisa Touch is an in-office procedure performed by gynecologists, urogynecologists, and urologists and is now available at Yatawara Gynecology, Wellness, and Aesthetics.

Does the procedure hurt?

The procedure requires no anesthesia. Some patients may experience some discomfort the first time the probe is inserted, but the actual treatment isn’t 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 less than five minutes to perform.

When will I see results?

Most patients feel improvement after the very first treatment, although the procedure recommends three treatments that are generally spaced over an 18-week period.

How long does it last?

Patients should expect to come back annually for a maintenance treatment.*

*Dr. Yatawara will help you determine when and if follow-up treatments are required.

What are my limitations after the procedure is done?

Patients should refrain from sexual activity for 2-3 days and Dr. Yatawara will discuss the recommended post-procedure regimen in detail with you.

For which patients is this treatment appropriate?

The MonaLisa Touch is appropriate for any female suffering from issues resulting from a decline in estrogen, as well as those who are experiencing  symptoms as a result of a hysterectomy or breast cancer treatments.

How much will the procedure cost?

Please call our office at 704-754-8990 to discuss pricing.

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?

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Do you accept Care Credit for this procedure?

We sure do!  Click here if you want to learn more about Care Credit.