Dr. Kathleen Griffin, a Certified Menopause Clinician at the G Spa Medical Spa & Laser Center, was the first provider in Santa Barbara County to offer The MonaLisa Touch.  The MonaLisa Touch™ laser is a new and exciting medical breakthrough for treating certain symptoms of menopause.

Menopause is a natural transition for women defined as the end of menstruation. When menopause will occur is difficult to predict and varies greatly by individual. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 40 and 60 with the average age being 51.  Menopause symptoms may occur during this transition. Some women experience medically, or surgically induced menopause, caused by either a hysterectomy, chemotherapy, radiation or anti-estrogen hormonal therapy which are common treatments for breast cancer.

The symptoms of menopause may be unpleasant and can be life changing. By the time women reach 40 or 50, they experience a decrease in estrogen which can affect tissues that include the vagina, vulva, uterus, breasts, bones, brain, skin, hair, heart, blood vessels, bladder, urethra and mucous membranes.

Vaginal atrophy, or Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, one of the most common conditions of menopause, is also due to a decline in estrogen. Without estrogen mucosal elasticity is lost and the vaginal tissue dries out, becoming fragile and susceptible to injury.  Women can also experience urinary incontinence, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), dryness, itchiness, burning, prolapse and laxity or looseness.

Up to now a woman’s only choice was HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy.  HRT can relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia by boosting the estrogen levels enough to suppress symptoms. Short-term use of HRT carries little risk, however, studies have shown that long-term use (over 5 years) of HRT may increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Some alternatives to HRT include the use of vaginal lubricants, testosterone, herbs, exercise, and acupuncture.  Alternatively, the MonaLisa Touch™ laser has proven to be a safe and effective treatment for relieving symptoms. This is a hormone-free alternative for women who have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation and/or anti-estrogen hormonal therapy for breast cancer. The MonaLisa Touch™ has proven to be more effective than traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy.

MonaLisa Touch™, a fractionated CO2 vaginal laser treatment, is much like your annual exam. The MonaLisa Touch™ is an in office procedure that takes less then 5 minutes, requires no anesthesia, is minimally uncomfortable and is hormone free (No HRT). The MonaLisa Touch™ treats the underlying causes not just the symptoms.  The purpose of the vaginal laser is to increase blood flow and stimulate collagen growth, improving the mucosa of the vaginal walls to promote vaginal rehydration and functionality of the treated area. With the gentle action of the MonaLisa Touch™ laser, the healing process begins returning the vagina to its natural healthy youthful state. Patients can return to normal activity soon after a treatment session.

Noticeable results may occur after only 1 session but to be fully effective Dr. Griffin always recommends a series of 3 sessions.  Some patients may require 4-5 treatments depending on the severity of their condition. Each treatment session is less than 5 minutes, scheduled 6 weeks apart. Maintenance includes an annual MonaLisa Touch-up.  As the aging process continues symptoms can return.

The G Spa offers a package rate for 3 treatments or patients can elect to pay for individual treatments.

In the past menopause symptoms have often been ignored due to the sensitivity of the subject and the lack of non-invasive treatment, however Dr. Griffin and her patients at The G Spa are seeing MonaLisa Touch™ as revolutionary! Please call us today for your complimentary consultation.