PART 2 — How MonaLisa Touch® Works: The Science, Benefits & What to Expect

A Breakthrough in Postmenopausal Care

For decades, women experiencing postmenopausal dryness, burning, pain with intercourse, or recurrent UTIs had limited treatment options. Today, the MonaLisa Touch® has transformed this landscape—offering a gentle, non-hormonal way to restore moisture, elasticity, and overall vaginal health.

In this second part of our four-article series, we take you inside the science of MonaLisa Touch, how the treatment works, and what you can expect before, during, and after your sessions.

What Is MonaLisa Touch?

MonaLisa Touch is a fractional CO₂ laser designed specifically for vaginal and vulvar rejuvenation.
Unlike cosmetic resurfacing lasers for the face, this treatment uses a low-energy, controlled delivery that safely regenerates the internal vaginal mucosa.

Its main goal:

To reverse the structural changes caused by estrogen loss—including thinning tissue, loss of elasticity, dryness, and inflammation.

➡️ See how MonaLisa Touch fits into our pelvic wellness services

How the Technology Works

During treatment, the device delivers gentle, fractionated CO₂ energy to the vaginal canal and/or external tissues. This creates micro-injuries in the tissue—tiny, controlled channels that stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

This process leads to:

  • New collagen formation

  • Improved elasticity

  • Increased blood flow

  • Better lubrication

  • Restored tissue thickness and pH balance

In medical terms, the laser helps reverse vaginal atrophy and the symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).

What Symptoms It Can Improve

MonaLisa Touch is especially effective for postmenopausal and post-hormone-therapies changes such as:

1. Vaginal dryness and burning – Laser energy stimulates moisture production naturally.

2. Pain with intercourse (dyspareunia) – By restoring elasticity and thickness, intercourse becomes more comfortable.

3. Recurrent urinary tract infections – Healthier tissue supports better pH and protective mucosa.

4. Vaginal laxity or thinning – Laser treatment improves tone, strength, and structural support.

5. Tissue fragility or tearing – Regenerated collagen reduces microtears and inflammation.

6. Postmenopausal changes post-cancer treatment – A safe option for women avoiding hormonal therapies.

➡️ Explore the emotional and physical benefits of intimate rejuvenation

How MonaLisa Touch Differs from Empower RF

Because Refined Women’s Wellness provides both platforms, your care truly becomes customized.

MonaLisa Touch specializes in:

  • Postmenopausal dryness

  • Atrophy

  • Painful intercourse

  • Recurrent infections

  • Burning or irritation

Empower RF specializes in:

  • Pelvic floor strengthening

  • Vaginal laxity

  • Urinary stress incontinence

  • Sexual wellness (sensation, tone, function)

  • Internal + external tissue tightening (Morpheus8V, FormaV)

The two are often complementary—but not interchangeable.

➡️ Learn more about Morpheus8V within the Empower RF platform

Who Is a Good Candidate?

MonaLisa Touch is ideal for:

  • Postmenopausal women

  • Women experiencing GSM

  • Those who cannot—or prefer not to—use hormone therapy

  • Women experiencing dryness or pain with intercourse

  • Patients wanting a non-hormonal, non-surgical option

  • Breast cancer survivors seeking safe relief from vaginal atrophy

For women experiencing hormonal imbalance alongside GSM, it may be paired with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for a more complete restoration.

➡️ Find out how BHRT supports long-term tissue health

What to Expect During Treatment

During the appointment:

  • A trained medical professional performs the treatment in a private setting.

  • A slim, comfortable probe delivers gentle CO₂ energy inside the vaginal canal.

  • Heating is mild and well-tolerated; anesthesia is typically not required.

Treatment time: ~5 minutes
Total visit: 15–20 minutes

Most women describe it as mild warmth or pressure, not pain.

What to Expect After Treatment

Immediately after:

  • You can return to normal daily activities

  • Mild dryness or warmth may be present

  • No extended downtime

In the days following:

  • Temporary spotting or sensitivity is possible

  • Avoid intercourse for approximately 48–72 hours (clinic-specific guidance applies)

Results timeline:

  • Improvement often begins after the first treatment

  • Most women complete a series of 3 sessions, spaced 6 weeks apart

  • Maintenance annually or semi-annually may be recommended

Coming Up Next in the Series

PART 3 — MonaLisa Touch vs. Empower RF vs. BHRT: Which One Do You Need?

A complete comparison and decision guide to help women understand when to choose each treatment—or when a combined plan offers the best results.


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PART 3 — MonaLisa Touch® vs. Empower RF vs. BHRT: Which Treatment Do You Really Need?

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PART 1—Understanding Postmenopausal Vaginal Changes: Why MonaLisa Touch® Is Changing Women’s Health