The MonaLisa Touch for Vaginal Rejuvenation was a new experience for our North Shore Mum, who was given the chance to try the treatment! The MonaLisa Touch is aimed at improving vaginal hydration and elasticity and helping reduce the effects of childbirth, ageing, or in our tester’s case, vaginal dryness and other issues caused by cancer treatment. Here’s her story.
I was so excited to be given the opportunity to try the MonaLisa Touch Laser Treatment for Vulva and Vaginal Atrophy. Many women experience issues after menopause, but mine have started since my successful surgery for cervical cancer 5 years ago. My entire cervix and some of my vaginal wall was removed. Although I am beyond grateful that my cancer was fully removed without me needing further treatment, a side effect of the surgery has been vaginal dryness, pain during and after sex and an inability to use tampons. This has greatly affected my confidence, happiness and intimacy with my husband.
The Treatment: MonaLisa Touch for Vaginal Rejuvenation
MonaLisa Touch works by stimulating the body’s regenerative processes to create more hydrated and healthy cells and to improve the blood supply within the vaginal walls. This has a direct effect on the integrity and elasticity of the vaginal tissue and increases the acidity of the vagina to more normal levels. By restoring a healthy and youthful vaginal environment, many symptoms of vaginal atrophy (or aging) simply disappear.
Getting there: Academy Crows Nest
I found the clinic easily on my first visit. There is parking on Hume Street that has been available each time I have been. The clinic was lovely and quiet. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there are no magazines or drinks, so not the usual waiting room experience, but any time child-free in a quiet environment like this is a treat.
Outside Academy Face & Body, Crows Nest
The Treatment: MonaLisa Touch for Vaginal Rejuvenation
Nurse Charlotte comes to get me and I also meet Dr Gavin (who is also a GP), who reviews my medical history and provides some more explanation about the procedure and what I can expect. Once medical aspects are covered off with Dr Gavin he exits the room so Nurse Charlotte and I can get down to talking nitty gritty vagina laser details. I am feeling pretty relaxed at this point and quite excited to see if this is going to help me at all.
First Treatment
Now, I need to be honest here. The preparation for the procedure was not easy. The laser needs to work on a dry surface so some internal swabbing is required to remove any moisture. I was surprised that given I have such an issue with dryness how many swabs were needed. The insertion of the laser itself was also quite difficult. But once the procedure starts, it’s over very quickly and is virtually painless. I was surprised at how little time this part of the procedure took. Next, some numbing cream is applied to the vulva and an external laser used. This part of the procedure takes a little longer. It is a little uncomfortable as Nurse Charlotte moves the laser around but not painful. The sensation after the procedure plus the numbing cream left me feeling with an urgent ‘need a wee’ sensation which resulted in a couple of urgent visits to the bathroom before I felt ok to get in the car to drive home.
Treatment Room at Academy Face & Body
Aftercare
The aftercare was no hot baths or showers immediately afterwards and no penetration or gym for a week afterwards. The evening after treatment I felt very fidgety and agitated although was not in any pain. I put it down to the extra heat in my body, as did Nurse Charlotte when I mentioned this to her. After subsequent treatments I took a couple of Panadol once I got home and did not experience this again. After the procedure, I felt some minor discomfort for a couple of days. I would liken it to the sensation you have after going on a long bike ride on a firm saddle!
Early results
After one MonaLisa Touch for Vaginal Rejuvenation treatment I noticed some vaginal discharge, which for me was very exciting! I also felt less discomfort when having sex and therefore, much more enjoyment! My friends were once again happy to joke about my designer vagina! I was very excited to see what the difference might be after another treatment or 2.
Second Treatment
The second treatment was a few weeks later than scheduled. We were aiming for one per month for three months. Thanks to Covid-19, I had to delay because the kids kept getting sick and we all needed to get tested. At the appointment Nurse Charlotte was excited to hear about my improvements and could see vulva looked better, the tissue was no longer blood red and angry looking. We decided to try some numbing cream before prep for the treatment. The swabbing and insertion of the laser felt a little uncomfortable but the change from the first treatment was surprising; so much easier. Once again, the internal treatment was over very quickly and the external treatment took a little longer. I was a lot more relaxed during this treatment.
After the second treatment I started to notice when I showered that the skin felt plumper and smoother.
Laser probes for the MonaLisa Touch for Vaginal Rejuvenation treatment look scary, but the treatment was painless
Third Treatment
Third treatment and I feel like I am a pro at this! Nurse Charlotte once again noticed the difference in the skin colour and was sad that we didn’t do before and after photos so I could see the difference. I told her I trust her observation and am not too worried about the lack of photos! I was blown away by the absolute lack of discomfort during swabbing and insertion of laser. The treatment was once again over quickly and was painless, even though Nurse Charlotte had increased the laser settings to the next strength. I had the usual need to pee urges immediately after the treatment but they soon subsided. Recovery was even faster this time around and within 12-24 hours everything was back to normal.
The Results: “Life Changing”
I have been astounded by the changes I have seen since my three MonaLisa Touch treatments. I can now have sex without pain, I am able to relax and enjoy myself. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this treatment to anyone suffering with the symptoms of Vulva and Vaginal Atrophy.
The results have been life changing for me.
The team at Academy are fabulous. Nurse Charlotte is wonderful, she is professional and knowledgeable and put me totally at ease.
Essential Details: Academy Face & Body
Academy Face and Body Sydney are a Doctor-led cosmetic clinic specialising in world-leading laser treatments and non-invasive cosmetic medical procedures and injectables to address the common aesthetic and lifestyle concerns of ageing.
- Address: Ground Floor, 65 Hume Street, Crows Nest NSW 2065
- Phone: (02) 9439 9293
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.academyfaceandbodysydney.com.au
Disclaimer: Our reviewer was provided with three treatments in return for her honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are her own and not influenced by the company or its affiliates in any way.
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