RRP $14.95 (incl. GST) (NZ $15.95 incl. GST)
ISSUE 65 • AUG-OCT 2014

as seen in cosmetic surgery & Beauty Magazine

BEAUTYALERTMAKEUPMARVELS

WHAT TOEAT FORAMAZING
SKIN

5THINGS
YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUTBREAST
AUGMENTATIONplus

THE BEST IMPLANTSFOR YOUR BODY

The
biggest loser
genitalsyndrome
SURGERY AFTERMASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS

Vaginal tightening
MonaLisa Touch is a surgery-free laser treatment that helps
treat gynaecological concerns and restore vaginal tissue for ananti-ageing effect. caitlin Bishop reports.

The continuing developments in laser technology
have seen major advancements in skin enhancement,
body contouring and now gynaecology and vaginal
rejuvenation and tightening.
monalisa touch, distributed in australia by high techlaser, is a new non-surgical way to treat vaginal atrophy –a condition that causes symptoms including incontinence,poor lubrication, itching, dryness and pain during
intercourse. monalisa touch can also be used for aesthetic
purposes, to counter the effects of ageing and achieve a
rejuvenating effect by restoring vaginal tissue.
‘monalisa touch has been developed to help patients
suffering from symptoms such as urinary incontinence,
painful intercourse, dryness, itchiness, burning, vulval andvaginal pain, prolapse and laxity or looseness,’ explains
dr fariba Behnia-Willison, a gynaecologist from south
australia. ‘these symptoms are part of a common condition
known as vaginal atrophy. additionally, because of how thetreatment works, it can be used for vaginal rejuvenation.’
the versatility of monalisa touch stems from thetechnology it uses to improve the genital mucosa and restore
proper function in the treatment area. using laser light, the90

monalisa touch probe – which is inserted into the vagina –delivers thermal energy into the deeper layers of the vaginal
tissue. this kick-starts the body’s natural processes toincrease blood flow and stimulate the formation of collagen,which improves the integrity and elasticity of the genital
mucosa. this can be effective in alleviating vaginal pain in
those patients experiencing gynaecological problems orvaginal atrophy, or in simply tightening the vaginal walls fora rejuvenating effect.
‘to put it in simple terms, the monalisa touch procedurestimulates the body’s natural processes,’ dr Behnia-Willison
explains. ‘it creates more hydrated and healthy cells which
help to increase vascularisation, hydration and acidity,
which are important components of vaginal health.’
according to dr Behnia-Willison, a treatment toimprove vaginal function is sought by a significant numberof patients, of many different ages. ‘although many of
my patients are going through menopause or are postmenopausal, there are also many younger women sufferingfrom similar symptoms,’ she says. ‘i have found thetreatment particularly effective for women who find it painful
to have sexual intercourse.’w w w. c o s b e a u t y. c o m . a u

without surgery
MonaLisa Touch delivers thermal heating at
specific depths in the tissue to achieve an optimum,
targeted result. Also, the fractionated effect means there
are areas of untouched tissue left between laser columns.
This healthy tissue helps promote healing and reduce
downtime after treatment.

MonaLisa Touch is a new
non-surgical way to treat vaginal
atrophy, as well as achievinga rejuvenating effect by restoring
vaginal tissue‘The advantage of the MonaLisa Touch procedure,
for both results and safety, is that it uses a fractionatedCO2 laser, which means the heat is deposited at the ideal
depth in the tissue,’ Dr Behnia-Willison explains. ‘And
because it is a fractional laser treatment it leaves most of
the superficial layer untouched, which is important from asafety perspective.’
The treatment itself is non-invasive and requires noanaesthesia. Often, a series of treatments is recommended
to achieve the best results. ‘MonaLisa Touch is astraightforward and simple procedure. It involves a probe
being placed inside the vagina and the fractionated CO2w w w. c o s b e a u t y. c o m . a u

energy being delivered to the vaginal tissue,’ says Dr
Behnia-Willison.
‘The published research has shown that the best results
are obtained from three MonaLisa Touch treatments,performed a month apart. Most patients notice a significant
improvement after the first procedure. I also recommend topatients they may need a follow-up procedure every year orso, after the initial course of treatments.’
As with any medical procedure, there are somepotential risks with the MonaLisa Touch treatment. ‘In myexperience, which is similar to that of overseas practitioners,
the likelihood of post-treatment complications following aMonaLisa Touch treatment is minimal,’ she says. ‘The worst
side effect I have seen has been some mild discomfort for
12 to 24 hours following the procedure, but this is in only
a handful of patients and I have now performed more than
1,000 MonaLisa Touch treatments.’
Whether you’re looking to relieve the symptoms ofvaginal atrophy, or seeking a rejuvenating effect, MonaLisa
Touch is a viable option, backed by clinical research and ahistory of success in a gynaecological setting.
‘Almost all of my patients notice a significant improvement
following the MonaLisa Touch procedure – some haveeven described the treatment as life-changing,’ says Dr
Behnia-Willison. ‘I hope it becomes the new standard ofcare for the many women suffering from these often painful
symptoms that can effect their everyday life. It certainly hasin my practice.’ csbm91