MonaLisa Touch® Laser Therapy

A change in estrogen levels due to menopause, breast cancer or other health concerns can cause vaginal discomfort. Previous treatments for these issues were estrogen-based, which are not right for every woman. MonaLisa Touch® laser therapy offers an effective, hormone-free treatment option that can improve a number of gynecologic health conditions, including vaginal atrophy.

A decline in estrogen levels can occur naturally during menopause or following the removal of an ovary. Certain breast cancer medications can also block estrogen production. The effects of lower estrogen levels can result in a thinning of the vaginal tissue and a decrease in natural lubrication that together lead to painful intercourse. This can have a devastating impact on a woman’s quality of life both physically and emotionally.

The MonaLisa Touch laser was developed to treat these and other symptoms related to estrogen loss without the need for hormone replacement therapy. Vaginal laser regeneration can treat a number of gynecological health concerns associated with the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Symptoms of this syndrome include:

• General vaginal pain
• Mild urinary incontinence
• Mild vaginal prolapse
• Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Vaginal atrophy
• Vaginal burning, dryness, irritation or itchiness
• Vaginal laxity

One of the main benefits of MonaLisa Touch laser therapy is that it offers a hormone-free alternative for those women who are not good candidates for estrogen replacement:

• Menopausal or postmenopausal women
• Women who have had their ovaries removed
• Women with breast cancer who must take estrogen-blocking medications
• Women with hormonal imbalances, or who are on hormone medications

During treatments with the MonaLisa Touch, laser energy is used to create controlled microinjuries in the vaginal tissue that stimulate the body’s natural healing response. The result is improved integrity of the vaginal tissue combined with restored lubrication.

Estrogen treatments have previously been the default recommendation for women experiencing vaginal symptoms related to estrogen decline. However, many women – especially those with breast cancer who are taking estrogen-blocking medications – are unable to take estrogen treatments.

MonaLisa Touch laser therapy is completely hormone-free, and the cost is less over time compared to estrogen treatments. No anesthesia is needed, and there is little to no downtime after treatment. More than 84% of women report significant improvement in their symptoms following vaginal laser therapy.

The experience of vaginal laser therapy is much like an annual gynecologic exam. You’ll rest on the exam table with your feet in stirrups. Your provider will apply a numbing cream to your vulva and vaginal opening before inserting the wand-shaped MonaLisa Touch laser into your vagina.

The laser delivers carefully calculated pulses of energy to the treatment area, calibrated to the depth and width required for each person’s unique needs. Both the vulvar and vaginal tissue can be treated for maximum results.

A treatment session typically takes just a few minutes and you can return to your normal daily routine right away afterward. Many women report improvement after only 1 session, although for maximum results your provider may recommend a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart.

Board-certified, fellowship-trained gynecologic surgeons provide comprehensive assessment and treatment with MonaLisa Touch laser therapy. Treatments are offered in an outpatient setting at our Quivira Medical Pavilion location in Overland Park, Kansas. Request a MonaLisa Touch laser consultation with gynecology by calling 913-588-1227. Or refer a patient by calling 913-588-5862.