The Issue
Even with the passage of time, many women still retain their youthful energy and enthusiasm, but post-menopausal changes can affect a woman's quality of life in unexpected ways. Hormone replacement therapy may not be the best option for a lot of patients, as treatment outcomes can be uncertain. Now there is an alternative therapy for vaginal (and vulvar) tissue that can help millions of women who are silently suffering and unable to undergo other treatment options.
While there are several CO2 lasers on the market, Dr. Cobb has preferred the MonaLisa Touch for her patients since 2015 for a number of important reasons. Primarily, it has been in use for the longest time, so its benefits for patients are proven both in her private practice and around the world. Second, its design requires the device to be inserted only once during the treatment as compared to other devices that must be inserted and removed several times. Dr. Cobb prefers the level of patient comfort the MonaLisa Touch affords.
It's an easy non-surgical in office-procedure.
Fast - typically less than 5 minutes per session.
Hormone and chemical free.
It's an elective procedure, with no referral needed.
+ What is the MonaLisa Touch?
MonaLisa Touch is a medical laser that delivers controlled energy to the vaginal tissue to revitalize the cells in the vaginal mucosa (vaginal tissue) so that these cells make more collagen, an essential ingredient in vaginal cell health.
+ How does it work?
MonaLisa Touch implements CO2 laser energy that is delivered via 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. When clinically appropriate, an external treatment probe is used to treat the vulvar skin, including the labia minora, labia majora, perineum, and clitoral hood.
+ Where can I have this done?
The MonaLisa Touch is an in-office procedure performed personally by Dr. Christie Cobb.
+ Does the procedure hurt?
The procedure is virtually painless and requires no anesthesia. 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?
Each treatment less than five minutes to perform and the total office visit can often be completed in 20 minutes or less.
+ 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 a 18-week period.
+ How long does it last?
Patients should expect to come back annually for a maintenance treatment. MonaLisa Touch was first available outside the US where more than 5,000 patients have been treated worldwide with up to an 18-month follow-up.
+ What are my limitations after the procedure is done?
Patients should refrain from sexual activity for 3 days. Dr. Cobb 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 female who has gone through menopause, as well as those who are experiencing post-menopausal symptoms such as a result of a hysterectomy or breast cancer treatments.
+ 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. Preliminary findings from a trial evaluating the laser treatment on postmenopausal women* and breast cancer survivors experiencing vaginal health issues show positive results.
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 The MonaLisa Touch laser.
+ How much will the procedure cost?
The costs for the MonaLisa Touch procedure varies based on the extent and frequency of treatments. Treatments can range from $350 to $2250, which will be determined during your consultation with Dr. Cobb after your history has been reviewed and she has performed a thorough physical examination.
+ Is this procedure safe for women with breast cancer?
Yes, MonaLisa Touch treatment is particularly well suited for patients who cannot, or prefer not to receive estrogen therapy.
+ Are there any contraindications for the MonaLisa Touch procedure?
Yes, and this is why Dr. Cobb will perform a history and physical exam at your consultation so any issues can be diagnosed and treated prior to proceeding with laser therapy. The MonaLisa Touch should not be performed if a patient: Has vaginal, cervical, or other lesions in the treatment area that have not been evaluated and diagnosed
Has an active vaginal or vulvar infection i.e., (herpes, candida, STDs)
Is pregnant or within 3 months postpartum
Has vaginal prolapse beyond hymen
Has a history of radiation to vaginal or colo-rectal tissue
Has a history of reconstructive pelvic surgery with “mesh kits”
Has a history of impaired wound healing
Has a history of keloid formation
Has been diagnosed with a thromboembolic condition or is on anticoagulation (blood thinner) treatment
+ What are some possible side effects?
Most women tolerate the procedure very well but reported side effects may include: spotting, mild vaginal bleeding, pink or brown vaginal discharge, mild to profuse watery vaginal discharge, redness, swelling, inflammation, tenderness, itching, irritation, burning upon urination, pinpoint bleeding and discomfort.
+ Will the procedure be covered by insurance?
No processing code has been established at this time.
*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, anticancer drugs such as Tamoxifen)