MonaLisa Touch Treatment in Flagstaff, AZ
Vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary symptoms can develop after menopause, childbirth, or other hormonal changes. At Flagstaff Surgical Associates, our urology team provides MonaLisa Touch treatment in Flagstaff, AZ for qualifying women who want a nonsurgical option for improving vaginal tissue health and comfort.
What Is MonaLisa Touch?
MonaLisa Touch is an office-based treatment that uses fractional carbon dioxide laser energy to stimulate a healing response in vaginal tissue. The controlled energy creates microscopic treatment zones that encourage collagen remodeling, improved circulation, and tissue renewal.
The procedure is designed to address symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy and genitourinary syndrome of menopause. It does not involve surgery, incisions, or a long recovery period.
MonaLisa Touch may be considered for women who cannot or prefer not to use systemic hormone therapy, although treatment recommendations depend on each patient’s medical history and symptoms.
What Is Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy occurs when vaginal tissue becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and more fragile. It commonly develops when estrogen levels decrease during perimenopause or menopause.
Vaginal tissue changes may also occur after:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Breastfeeding
- Removal of the ovaries
- Certain cancer treatments
- Hormone-blocking medication
- Other medical conditions affecting estrogen levels
These changes can affect sexual comfort, urinary health, and overall quality of life.
What Symptoms Can MonaLisa Touch Address?
MonaLisa Touch may be recommended for symptoms such as:
- Vaginal dryness
- Burning or irritation
- Itching
- Pain during intercourse
- Reduced vaginal elasticity
- Mild urinary leakage
- Urinary urgency
- Recurring discomfort after menopause
Women with symptoms affecting intimacy may also benefit from an evaluation for sexual dysfunction treatment in Flagstaff.
Not every symptom is caused by vaginal atrophy. A provider should rule out infection, pelvic organ prolapse, skin conditions, urinary disorders, and other possible causes before recommending laser treatment.
How Does MonaLisa Touch Work?
During treatment, the MonaLisa Touch device delivers controlled fractional laser energy to the vaginal wall. The energy is intended to stimulate the body’s natural healing response without removing large areas of tissue.
Collagen remodeling may help support:
- Improved tissue elasticity
- Better vaginal moisture
- Increased circulation
- Stronger tissue support
- Reduced irritation and discomfort
Results vary from patient to patient, and no treatment can guarantee a specific outcome.
What Happens During Treatment?
MonaLisa Touch is performed in the office and usually takes only a few minutes. The patient reclines on an examination table in a position similar to a routine pelvic exam.
The provider gently inserts the treatment device and delivers laser energy to targeted vaginal tissue. Patients may notice warmth or mild pressure, but anesthesia is generally not required.
The appointment may also include preparation, examination, and post-treatment instructions, so the full visit can take longer than the laser portion itself.
How Many MonaLisa Touch Treatments Will I Need?
Many patients complete a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. The exact number of sessions depends on the severity of symptoms, treatment goals, medical history, and response to the procedure.
Some patients notice improvement after the first treatment, while others experience gradual changes over the full treatment series. Periodic maintenance sessions may be recommended because hormonal changes and aging continue over time.
The provider will create an individualized plan after completing an examination and reviewing your symptoms.
What Should I Expect After MonaLisa Touch?
Most patients can return to normal daily activities soon after the procedure. Temporary symptoms may include mild spotting, discharge, swelling, sensitivity, or a warming sensation.
Patients are generally advised to:
- Avoid penetrative intercourse for the recommended period
- Avoid tampons until cleared
- Postpone strenuous exercise for approximately 24 hours
- Follow all hygiene and aftercare instructions
- Contact the office if unexpected pain, bleeding, or signs of infection occur
Recovery instructions may vary, so patients should follow the directions provided by their treating physician.
Who Is a Good Candidate for MonaLisa Touch?
MonaLisa Touch may be considered for women with vaginal dryness, irritation, painful intercourse, or mild urinary symptoms related to hormonal tissue changes.
Treatment may not be appropriate for patients with:
- An active vaginal or urinary infection
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Certain untreated gynecologic conditions
- Pregnancy
- Recent pelvic surgery
- Medical conditions that affect healing
A consultation is necessary to determine whether MonaLisa Touch is appropriate and whether another treatment would better address the symptoms.
Other Treatment Options for Vaginal Symptoms
MonaLisa Touch is one of several possible treatments for vaginal dryness, discomfort, and urinary changes. Depending on the cause, alternatives may include:
- Vaginal moisturizers
- Water-based or silicone-based lubricants
- Topical vaginal estrogen
- Other prescription vaginal medications
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Treatment for urinary incontinence or infection
Patients experiencing urgency, leakage, or recurring urinary symptoms may also need an evaluation for related urinary issues.
Contact Flagstaff Surgical Associates at (928) 773-2222 to schedule a MonaLisa Touch consultation in Flagstaff, AZ .
MonaLisa Touch FAQs
Is MonaLisa Touch painful?
Most patients report warmth, pressure, or mild sensitivity rather than significant pain. Anesthesia is generally not required, although individual comfort levels vary.
How long does a MonaLisa Touch treatment take?
The laser portion of treatment usually takes only a few minutes. The full appointment may take longer to allow time for preparation, examination, and aftercare instructions.
How soon can I return to normal activities?
Most patients can resume routine daily activities soon after treatment. Strenuous exercise and penetrative intercourse should be avoided for the period recommended by the provider.
When will I notice results?
Some patients notice improvement after one session, while others experience gradual changes over several treatments. Results depend on the severity of symptoms and the individual healing response.
Does MonaLisa Touch replace hormone therapy?
Not necessarily. MonaLisa Touch may be an option for some women who cannot or do not want to use hormone therapy, but other patients may benefit from topical or systemic hormonal treatment. The provider will discuss appropriate choices.
Can MonaLisa Touch treat urinary incontinence?
MonaLisa Touch may improve mild urinary symptoms in some patients, but it is not appropriate for every type or severity of incontinence. A urinary evaluation may be needed to identify the cause.
How long do MonaLisa Touch results last?
The duration of improvement varies. Because aging and hormonal changes continue, some patients may benefit from periodic maintenance treatments after completing the initial series.