MonaLisa Touch® Laser Treatment for Vaginal Atrophy
Vaginal dryness, soreness, and discomfort are among the most commonly reported and least discussed symptoms of menopause. For many women, these symptoms persist despite conventional treatments, significantly affecting quality of life, intimate relationships, and general comfort. The MonaLisa Touch® procedure offers an effective, non-hormonal solution that addresses the underlying cause of these changes rather than managing symptoms alone.
Mr Nicholas Morris is one of a small number of specialists in the UK who offers this treatment, having provided it to patients at his London clinic for a number of years.
What Happens to the Vagina During Menopause?
As oestrogen levels decline during menopause, the cellular lining of the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier, and more fragile. This condition, known as atrophic vaginitis, can cause a persistent burning sensation, soreness, and pain during or after intercourse, a condition referred to clinically as dyspareunia. Some women also experience urinary incontinence as a result of these changes. The symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable to genuinely debilitating, and they tend to worsen over time without treatment.
Treatment Options
Atrophic vaginitis has traditionally been managed with systemic or topical oestrogen. For many women, hormone replacement therapy provides effective relief. However, some women are unable or unwilling to use HRT, and in a significant number of cases, oestrogen therapy does not adequately resolve the symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Laser vaginal rejuvenation was developed specifically to address this gap, offering a reliable, non-hormonal alternative.
What is the MonaLisa Touch®?
The MonaLisa Touch® was developed by Professor Stefano Salvatore, a leading gynaecologist based in Milan. The procedure uses a specially designed carbon dioxide laser, which is carefully positioned within the vagina. Low-energy pulses are delivered to the vaginal tissues, creating controlled micro-lesions that stimulate the production of collagen and trigger the regeneration of the vaginal wall. Over the course of the full treatment programme, vaginal tissue is progressively restored, with many patients noticing a meaningful improvement after the very first session.
The treatment is pain-free, minimally invasive, and requires no anaesthesia. Each individual session takes only a few minutes and is carried out as an outpatient procedure.
What Does the Treatment Involve?
The MonaLisa Touch® is delivered as a programme of three treatments over approximately six months. The first session follows an initial consultation, the second takes place one month later, and the third is scheduled within the following few months. The programme is designed to allow the tissue to respond and regenerate progressively between sessions, producing results that are both gradual and lasting.
Before treatment, women are advised to avoid vaginal lubricants for 48 hours beforehand. After the first session, it is recommended to refrain from sexual intercourse for 48 hours to allow the initial healing response to begin.
Suitability and Pricing
The MonaLisa Touch® is suitable for women experiencing vaginal atrophy, including those who are post-menopausal, those currently undergoing menopause, and those who have experienced early menopause as a result of medical treatment. A thorough consultation with Mr Morris will establish whether the procedure is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Current pricing for the full MonaLisa Touch® treatment programme can be found on our Pricing & Fees page. To book a consultation, contact us here.