News flash, ladies: Our moms didn’t tell us everything on what to expect when it comes to “the change of life” —a polite euphemism to describe what happens when a woman’s body begins to hate on her and turn against her in her southern regions. As a middle aged woman, I was led to believe that my options were limited to hormone replacement therapy, various topical remedies, a combo of both, or none of the above and to simply accept that it sucks getting old and that my days of being a wanton tart with my husband were over. I am here to tell you that there is another option out there that will knock your socks off—as well as his! It’s called MonaLisa Touch, aka vaginal rejuvenation. I just completed my 3rd of three sessions, spaced 6 weeks apart, and I am very happy with the results! Worth. Every. Penny! Dr. Dunsmoor-Su is very knowledgeable and very easy to talk to. She explained the whole procedure, what to expect, and patiently answered all my questions. I have been telling all my friends about this procedure and very highly recommend Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su. Give Dr. Dunsmoor-Su a call and get your groove back! Erin S. Olympia, WA
I went to Rebecca for her three treatment Mona Lisa package. I had my first treatment with her in June. I could tell right away she was knowledgeable about the whole process, she answered questions I hadn’t even thought to ask. In the times I have seen her I have never had to wait more then a couple minutes. Those couple minutes of waiting, might be because I was early. I really like her and trust what she says. The only downside is that for right now she does not have a regular practice. I told her if she ever leaves her job at the hospital and goes back to GYN full time, to let me know. We could all use more doctors like her.
Dr. Dunsmoor-Su is outstanding in all metrics. She explained the procedure thoroughly, listened carefully and demonstrated a high degree of professionalism. I have had good success with the procedure and highly recommend Dr. Dunsmoor-Su.
Several years after experiencing devastating vaginal atrophy that made intercourse impossible, and having given up hope of (and fully grieved) being able to engage in intercourse with my husband ever again, I consulted my general practitioner to see if there was correction available, even a surgical one. My doctor prescribed topical hormone therapy but finally sent me to an OB-GYN to discuss more options. This doctor prescribed further topical therapy and soon referred me to Dr. Dunsmoor-Su specifically to explore the viability of MonaLisa Touch therapy. I found testimonial videos online about the procedure which increased my willingness to consider it further, and my husband and I consulted Dr. Dunsmoor-Su for her advice. I COULD NOT BE MORE GRATEFUL TO HAVE FOUND DR. DUNSMOOR-SU. After only one pain-free session (conducted the same day as our initial consultation!) full sexual functioning was restored to me. In addition, I now experience far less pain after intercourse (typically, none) than I have in most of my previous life. Having undergone the recommended two additional therapeutic sessions at six-week intervals, I am still in disbelief that what was so completely lost has been so completely restored. This therapy has been a miracle for me. I would recommend consulting with Dr. Dunsmoor-Su to any woman suffering from any level of vaginal atrophy.
I was extremely lucky to be referred to this friendly & knowledgeable physician. After having a hysterectomy and being post-menopausal I ended up with fragile vaginal tissue plus the beginning of stress incontinence. Both of these conditions resolved with this wonderful treatment which consists of 3 short sessions. Side effects were minimal - just some itching and discharge for a few days. I will not hesitate to go back for follow-up treatments as necessary.
Dr Dunsmore-Su - Is a rare gem- She is very kind, Knowledgeable and super easy to talk to. Very attentive to patient needs and explains options in clear teams. I would highly recommend her. And the treatment works!
Dr. Dunsmoor-Su is a life-saver! Having tried every other medical alternative for vaginal dryness, I had just about given up. It was so emotional and embarrassing; just took all the intimacy out of our marriage. But the Mona Lisa Touch procedure was a complete success. Doctor made it a quick & easy procedure and I would recommend it VERY highly; and of course, see Dr. Dumsmoor-Su for your treatment!
MonaLisa Touch is unlike any of the "vaginal rejuvenation" devices out there, as it is designed and approved specifically for atrophy, intercourse pain, urinary incontinence and other conditions seen in menopause. The company took the time to fund the studies that prove that it has benefit and that it is safe to use. It is the only device that is FDA approved to do this. The other devices do not have approval for vaginal treatments, and their probes are not even FDA approved. Because of this the device itself costs more for doctors to purchase and maintain, and we charge a treatment fee that helps us to cover the cost of the device. It is good to keep in mind, as well, that the MonaLisa Touch is the only device with published studies showing benefit and durability of that benefit (out to 1-2 years), so if you are going to spend money getting this done, it is best to spend it where there is proven benefit.
It sounds like you are battling more than one issue here. Your atrophy isn't helping things, and MonaLisa Touch can definitely help with that. I am seeing in my practice that women with vulvodynia and vestibulodynia do get some benefit from the MonaLisa Touch. There are studies ongoing to look at this question specifically. I can not speak to PRP as I don't know of any valid studies that address that issue. I often will treat my patients with atrophy and vestibulodynia with MonaLisa Touch combined with some strong numbing cream for intercourse. I find that having just a little of the numbing is helpful to allow for "fear free" penetration, and many can wean off of this over time after the MonaLisa treatments are complete.
The answer to your question depends on what you are looking to achieve with your treatment. In general I recommend the MonaLisa Touch ( and this is the treatment I offer in clinic) because there is several years of peer reviewed, published data showing the efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction with this device and the treatment. I think we have many years of experience on how to use it correctly to achieve the benefits of reduced vaginal and vulvar symptoms of menopause, decreased pain with intercourse and decreased urinary leakage in menopause. None of the other devices have data published which show effectiveness in this area. Some women are looking for vaginal tightening and are not in menopause. Neither f the devices have been studied for this, but FemLift is marketed to do this (as are some others). This is not one of the studied indications for MonaLisa touch, though I can not 100% say it wouldn't work for this. Let me be clear, however, no device has been studied to prove that it can do this. You will find lower rates for FemLift and other devices, and this is because they are cheaper to start up with, given the lack of data. Those of us doing MonaLisa Touch bought the more costly device because of the proven track record. I hope this information helps. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, MD MSCE
In our office we have several probes, in order to be able to take our time sterilizing them between sessions. We soak them in detergent, use a brush to clean them, and then they are sterilized in the steam autoclave for a 1 hour cycle. They are packaged for the autoclave, so that our patient's can see that we open the package just for them. I hope this helps! Rebecca
MonaLisa Touch does a beautiful job of re-awakening tissues in the vagina and vulva, but the effect is not permanent. If you follow the recommended three treatment series at the beginning the effects should last for 12 months. Every 12 months you will need a one time "touch up" to keep the effects. Some women find they need the touch up a bit sooner. You should discuss the longterm maintenance plan with your physician when you start the process. I know that in my clinic we discuss exactly when and how to schedule this follow up, and how much it will cost up front.
