Vaginal dryness can cause women severe pain during intercourse (Dyspareunia) and can eventually keep them from having sex entirely. This symptom is common as women get older and go through menopause, and these effects can interfere with their relationships and their quality of life.
To improve symptoms, Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas offers patients MonaLisa Touch®. The treatment uses an advanced fractional CO2 laser to resolve vaginal dryness and atrophy and to rejuvenate the vaginal tissue.
Dr. Brady’s licensed and cynosure certified Registered Nurse performs the MonaLisa Touch procedures in our practice under direct supervision of Dr. Brady. A board-certified specialist, Dr. Brady has spent almost two decades in practice helping patients improve their confidence, daily comfort, and experience with intimacy. Dr. Brady was one of the first physicians in Dallas to offer an in-office MonaLisa Touch system and is the only female surgeon in the city focused on cosmetic gynecology and sexual health.
Women Don’t Have to Live with Dryness, Burning and Painful Intercourse
When the vagina becomes dry, intercourse can become extremely painful. We have had patients describe it as a feeling of sandpaper along the skin of their most intimate areas.
MonaLisa Touch is a non-invasive and effective option for women who have been experiencing these challenges. Most of our patients tolerate treatment very well and tell us that it is well worth the improvement they get in their daily comfort.
In a MonaLisa Touch treatment:
- A small medical device will be gently placed inside the vagina to deliver fractional CO2 laser energy to the vaginal tissues. This is the same technology that doctors commonly used to treat aging facial skin.
- Micro-beams of energy will ablate the vaginal tissue in a targeted and controlled way.
- Following treatment, new collagen will develop and the blood supply will increase in these areas. The vaginal tissue should become softer and more pliable, and patients should experience less vaginal dryness.
While there are several CO2 lasers on the market, Dr. Brady prefers the MonaLisa Touch for a number of benefits. First, it has been in use for the longest time, so its benefits for patients are proven. Second, its design allows Dr. Brady to insert the device only once during the treatment; other devices must be inserted and removed several times, which can be uncomfortable.
Patients will typically have three sessions with MonaLisa Touch, once every 4 to 6 weeks, and experience their maximum improvement about three months after the final session. They then return on a yearly basis for a single reapplication to maintain the benefits of their treatment.
Kind and Caring
A Board Certified Gynecologic Surgeon who compassionately understands what you want.
Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas is a safe and supportive space for women to receive care. We know that some of our patients haven’t been able to be intimate for years and that they may have limited experience talking about these kinds of problems. Dr. Brady and our staff will make each visit as relaxed and informative as possible.
"I am 43 and a 7 year breast cancer survivor. I am so grateful for my health, but the more time that goes by, the further I am pushed into menopause. Intercourse with my husband had become more and more painful, and I had been putting off having the Mona Lisa procedure done for a while – but I finally decided to try it. My ob/gyn recommended Dr. Brady. I have now had all 3 treatments done (which is recommended the first year), and my ONLY regret is that I had not done this sooner!!! I was so worried that it would hurt, but after reading reviews, I trusted in the process and I’m so glad I did. I feel like I owe it to women out there to write this review, to pay it forward! I had a female nurse perform the procedure each time – the same lady the first two times, and then a different one the third time – and they were both SO AMAZING. They talked me through what was about to happen, and were so gentle and understanding. They answered all of my questions, and I had a lot! Now my husband is so grateful that I went – and I will be returning every year for my maintenance. If you are reading this and wondering whether it could help you, I am telling you it can!"
Exploring Options with MonaLisa Touch
Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas is a safe and supportive space for women to receive care. We know that some of our patients haven’t been able to be intimate for years and that they may have limited experience talking about these kinds of problems. Dr. Brady and our staff will make each visit as relaxed and informative as possible.
During this initial consultation, Dr. Brady will perform a physical examination. This will help her determine the amount of vaginal atrophy a patient has experienced so that Dr. Brady can advise a treatment tailored to her needs. The recommendations for a young woman who has a high level of natural estrogen and vaginal lubrication will be different from a post-menopausal patient.
If a patient is a good candidate for MonaLisa Touch, she can often receive treatment on the same day as her consultation. Dr. Brady and our staff will be happy to answer any questions our Dallas patients have. Their safety, comfort, and confidence in their care are among our highest priorities.
MonaLisa Touch Compared to Alternative Treatments
There are three general options for treating vaginal dryness:
- Over-the-counter lubricants, such as Replens®, which can temporarily moisten the tissue.
- Estrogen treatments, including creams, tablets, and rings. Women who have had breast cancer, a stroke, or a heart attack may not be candidates for estrogen treatments.
- MonaLisa Touch.
Dr. Brady can use MonaLisa Touch to help patients with both internal and external vaginal dryness. For example, some women experience irritation and pain during sex as a result of lichen sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that affects the skin around the vagina and perineum.
However, Dr. Brady may recommend a different approach for women who she diagnoses with vaginal stenosis. In this condition, the vagina narrows and shortens, and its lining may become thin and dry over time. Women with vaginal stenosis may find that penetration during sex is not possible. For these patients, Dr. Brady may advise a combination of MonaLisa Touch, dilation therapy, and other treatments.
What to Expect with MonaLisa Touch
A patient’s experience with MonaLisa Touch will differ depending on whether she has treatment on the inside of her vagina or the outside around the vulva.
Receiving an internal treatment will be similar to having an annual examination with an OB-GYN. The MonaLisa device will be carefully inserted and deliver pulses of energy. Most of our patients describe the sensation as something like a vibration followed by a puff of air. This is because women don’t have many nerve endings that deep into the vagina. Treatment will take about 5 minutes.
If a patient decides to have treatment on the outside around the vulva, we will apply a strong lidocaine ointment about 30 minutes before using the MonaLisa Touch device. The sensation on the outer skin will be more noticeable, something like the snapping of a rubber band. Sessions will only take about five minutes, and our patients tend to tolerate the experience very well.
"Love Dr Brady! She had been a marriage savior! Had hysterectomy In my 40’s and my sex life was horrible. Had the Mona Lisa treatment and it made a huge difference in the elasticity making intercourse pain free! Yeah!! Now doing the pellet hormone therapy every few months and I feel like I’m back to my young self! Highly recommend Dr. Brady for any female issues you might be having!!"
Recovery After MonaLisa Touch
Following a MonaLisa Touch application, women who have had treatment on the inside should refrain from sex or from inserting a tampon for 48 hours. They are free to exercise, bathe, and take part in other daily activities.
Our patients who have external treatment can expect some of the same results that a facial CO2 treatment would create. They will need more time to recover, as their skin is likely to redden, peel, and feel sensitive for up to two weeks. Dr. Brady will advise patients to wear loose clothing and underwear, not have intercourse, and take it easy during this time.
Patients can expect to enjoy the benefits of MonaLisa Touch for up to a full year. Women who have been managing these symptoms with over-the-counter lubricants or estrogen treatments should be able to stop these regimens with the improvement they get from their treatment. As a result of MonaLisa Touch, vaginal dryness should resolve resulting in a patient experiencing rewarding intimacy with her partner free of pain and irritation.
Vaginal dryness doesn’t have to permanently limit a woman’s enjoyment of sex and her daily comfort. Explore treatment with MonaLisa Touch by contacting Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas online or at 214-544-9146
MonaLisa Touch FAQ's
What is the MonaLisa Touch?
The MonaLisa Touch is a treatment that involves a medical laser that delivers controlled energy to the vaginal tissue. This revitalizes the cells in the vaginal mucosa (vaginal tissue) to make the cells procedure more collagen; an essential ingredient in vaginal cell health. This mini-invasive laser assisted treatment improves the state of the mucosa that lines the vaginal walls. Although the term “rejuvenation” may suggest it, this treatment is not aesthetic, because the beneficial effects of the treatment “rejuvenates” the vaginal tissue, restoring the functionality lost over time.
What does the MonaLisa Touch treatment consist of?
The MonaLisa Touch treatment is performed using a special CO₂ fractional laser, specifically designed for this type of application. The procedure is carried out in the office and usually does not require anesthesia. It does not involve incisions or sutures and the sessions last 15-20 minutes. If you have additional questions, give our Dallas office a call at (214) 544-9146.
Where can I have this done?
The MonaLisa Touch is an in-office procedure that Dr. Wesley Anne Brady, MD can perform right here at the Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas. If you ready to the first step and schedule a consultation, call us at (214) 544-9146 or fill out the form below.
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. For additional questions or concerns about the MonaLisa Touch, call us today at (214) 544-9146.
How long does it take?
The actual treatment takes just a few minutes. You can expect the treatment appointments to last about 15 minutes. Your initial consultation will take between 20 – 40 minutes. For more information on the MonaLisa Touch, call our Dallas office at (214) 544-9146.
Are there any risks?
There are some minimal risks. The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis. Most women report temporary side effects, slight redness or swelling, some discomfort that usually disappears in one or two days. If you have any additional concerns about the MonaLisa Touch, feel free to call us at (214) 544-9146.
Can MonaLisa Touch be used to treat vaginal laxity?
The term “loose vagina” refers to the condition where the diameter of the vagina has increased. This is often caused by natural yet traumatic events such as giving birth or tissue relaxation due to the natural aging process. In these cases, it is essential to evaluate the cause and state of the vagina to exclude a prolapse or involvement of the muscles. The CO₂ fractional laser of the MonaLisa Touch allows treating those cases where the looseness of the vagina is caused by a loss of mucosal tone. For other causes, Dr. Brady provides surgical options including vaginal rejuvenation, or vaginoplasty. At your initial consultation, we can determine the cause of your symptoms and options we can take to treat you unique circumstances.
For which women is the MonaLisa Touch laser not indicated?
There is no exclusion criteria for MonaLisa Touch surgery, other than those related to serious local and/or systemic diseases. In general, all women in menopausal age can benefit from this treatment; however, your doctor must determine whether you are compatible. If you have any additional questions about the MonaLisa Touch, reach out to our Dallas office at (214) 544-9146.
For which women is the MonaLisa Touch laser treatment most suitable?
For any woman with vaginal atrophy due to physiological hormone changes, which become inevitable over time. In particular, MonaLisa Touch is the ideal treatment for those who are looking for a less invasive procedure, compared to traditional surgical or pharmaceutical treatments. Remember, no one can advise you better about MonaLisa Touch and what is best for you to achieve your best results than your doctor….
How is the Recovery After Laser Treatment?
Most women report slight localized discomfort following the laser treatment and during the first few days after the session. Many have reported to have resumed their normal routine after one to three days. During the healing period, it may be recommended to avoid lifting weights or some activities, such as taking a hot bath, or physical exercise. Dr. Wesley Anne Brady will provide you with specific indications for a speedy recovery after surgery.
How long does it last?
Patients should expect to come back annually to the Women’s Wellness Institute for a maintenance treatment in order to make the results of the MonaLisa Touch procedure last over the course of time. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Brady, call our office at (214) 544-9146 or fill out the form below.
What are my limitations after the procedure is done?
We require that patients refrain from sexual activity for 48 hours during their surgery recovery period following your MonaLisa Touch procedure. For more information on this treatment, call us today at (214) 544-9146 and we can answer all your questions.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
The MonaLisa Touch restores the natural function of the vagina, which helps fight and reduce symptoms related to vaginal atrophy, a widespread problem that is common amongst pre and post-menopausal women. This treatment takes action on factors that determine dryness, fragility and loss of mucosal elasticity, and can eliminate troublesome itching, irritation and pain, which become particularly acute during intercourse. The interaction with the laser is, in fact, the ideal method to stimulate the collagen contained in the vaginal walls to restore rehydration and functional tissue. Its beneficial action can contribute to improve or restore self-confidence and sexual pleasure for women.
What type of results can I expect?
After treatment, most of our patients report a reduction in vaginal dryness, burning sensation and pain during intercourse, substantially improving in their quality of life. These results are made possible due to the renewed stimulation of the mucosa which regenerates and “rejuvenates.” This process involves cells and tissues and requires a few weeks to be completed. Results of this treatment will be more noticeable one and a half months after your session.
When will I see results?
Most patients feel improvement after the very first treatment at Women’s Wellness Institute, although the procedure calls for 3 treatments over a 12-week period. If you have additional questions about the MonaLisa Touch, call us today at (214) 544-9146.