Gynecology

The new 21st Century Mona Lisa and Lasers

Da Vinci's Mona Lisa
Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa

Perhaps the most visited, talked about and parodied work of art in the world is Leonardo da Vinci’s, Mona Lisa.  Medicine is fascinated with Leo.  First, we named a surgical Robot after him and now, an amazing laser called the Mona Lisa Touch.

It is the new talk of the town in the US but has been in Europe for almost 10 years.  It only recently gained FDA approval in December 2014. The FDA is like the bouncer with a chip on his shoulder at the most coveted night club, giving you the stare-down because you are wearing your Skechers, “Shape-ups” and you should be wearing your  “Louboutins”.  The fact that Mona Lisa got in the club despite her 16th century wardrobe was a big deal and her dance moves have been revolutionary.

The Mona Lisa laser is the only non-hormonal option for women suffering from vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and mild stress incontinence (leaking of urine while jumping, running, coughing, sneezing, laughing too hard).  This is revolutionary because in the past, women who did not or could not take hormones really had no other option but to suffer in silence.

austin powersThe Mona Lisa Touch is not the type of laser beam that Austin Powers wanted to use on his shark’s heads.  It is very gentle, relatively benign and it will not attack you. It can be done in the office with no anesthesia and completed in just 3 sessions, 6 weeks apart.  Those of you who are fascinated with Madonna’s fountain of youth and wonder how a 57 yr old can look like this:

Madonna

should know that her secret is the fractional CO2 laser. Without getting too technical discussing reflectors, couplers, kilowatts and power; the laser is special becauses it causes small columns of injury to the skin which then trigger a healing response in our bodies. New collagen, elastin and fibrin are deposited at the site of injury to plump up our skin and make us look more youthful.

The applications for the C02 laser in Gynecology are many.  We use the C02 laser to treat endometriosis, cut through tissue, vaporize warts and other HPV lesions. We also use it to “rejuvenate” the vaginal wall and external genital labia.

I am the biggest skeptic when it comes to gimmicks. I have to admit that when the Mona Lisa Touch received FDA approval, my interests peaked because I knew that there were clinical trials proving its efficacy.  I have yet to regret purchasing this laser for my patients.

I have many breast cancer survivors who are not candidates for hormone replacement therapy.  Their only option is the laser.  Despite a cancer diagnosis, patients want to lead normal lives which includes being able to have sex without pain. There is no shame in wanting this…it is a primal need for many and in my humble opinion, an essential part of every relationship.

We are lucky that we can now talk about these things.  Women in the 16th Century probably had to “grin and bear it”.  It doesn’t have to be the Sahara Desert or sand paper, ladies, your vagina will thank you for the rejuvenation. Who needs People Magazine or the Louvre to be glorified.  With the Mona Lisa Touch your partner will certainly be in awe of you and your new-found laser. Welcome to the 21st Century!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lpGDHHzJVY