As is, breast cancer is emotionally and physically taxing. At Revalla Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics, we understand that even as a survivor, there are daily reminders of your battle with breast cancer. Lingering symptoms can be tough on you and your body, and can take a toll on your well-being and self-esteem.
Breast cancer can also take a toll on a woman’s relationship and intimacy with her partner. For many women, cancer treatments and therapies underscore menopausal symptoms, or send the patient into early onset menopause. By decreasing estrogen levels, a side effect of many cancer treatments is an altering of the patient’s vaginal tissue. Known as vaginal atrophy, the thinning of the vaginal wall leads to dryness, irritation, itchiness, and sometimes a frequent urge to urinate. What is more, and often most concerning, is the severe pain women can experience during intercourse.
Introducing MonaLisa Touch
At Revalla, we are pleased to offer the MonaLisa Touch, one of the most innovative treatments for regenerating the vaginal tissue—it restores pliability, moisture, and function to patients who previously thought their only option was hormone-based lubricants or just “putting up” with their circumstances. By utilizing fractional CO2 laser energy, this unique treatment restores vitality to the vaginal walls and labial skin. Laser energy has been used for years in aesthetics to revitalize the face and neck by stimulating a healing response and promoting new cell growth. The MonaLisa Touch is the first vaginal treatment to take advantage of this same technology to restore functionality and alleviate side-effects of cancer treatment. It works by improving the condition of the mucosa (the vaginal walls) as it stimulates the production of collagen, restores tissue tone, and increases blood flow.
How does MonaLisa Touch help?
- Increases lubrication
- Improves pliability and elasticity
- Decreases sensitivity (pain)
- Thickens skin surface
Simple and Pain-free
MonaLisa Touch is a quick and painless treatment. Similar to a pap smear, some patients report a slight discomfort as the probe is inserted. The treatment itself lasts less than five minutes and requires no anesthesia. With no residual pain or side effects, patients are free to resume their day as soon as they leave the office. It is recommended that patients abstain from sexual activities for two to three days after treatment. MonaLisa Touch is performed in a series of three treatments, spaced six weeks apart—with some women feeling results in as little as a few weeks after their first treatment. Lasting results are best achieved through a single “maintenance” treatment about once a year.
As a breast reconstruction specialist and the first plastic surgeon in the country to be able to offer the MonaLisa Touch treatment, Dr. Hunsicker is thrilled to offer this exciting new innovative treatment to Revalla’s patients. Offering a multitude of treatment options for cancer survivors, the team at Revalla is honored to be a part of the patients’ journey from diagnosis through recovery to survivorship. We are eager to be of service to both cancer patients and their care givers and loved ones.
This October, Revalla is celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
On Monday, October 5th we will be hosting a Survivor Lunch & Learn. We will be discussing MonaLisa Touch as well as other services and treatments to help you thrive. We would love for you to join us—RSVP today!
