25 Sep MonaLisa Touch vs Votiva vs ThermiVa for Vaginal Rejuvenation
If you’re exploring options for intimate wellness and rejuvenation, you’ve likely come across three popular non-surgical treatments: MonaLisa Touch, Votiva, and ThermiVa. Choosing the right one in the Dallas area starts with understanding how each works.
MonaLisa Touch uses an ablative CO₂ laser that removes the top layer of tissue to encourage deep collagen renewal, often improving dryness and discomfort during intercourse. In contrast, Votiva and ThermiVa use non-ablative radiofrequency (RF) energy to gently heat tissue and remodel collagen without removing skin. These are often chosen for tightening, improving laxity, and supporting urinary health.
While all three treatments are quick, non-hormonal, and collagen-stimulating, their key differences lie in their technology, comfort levels, and safety mechanisms. Below is a helpful overview to guide your consultation and decision-making.
1. Why Comparison Matters for Vaginal Rejuvenation
For women seeking relief from vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, or light bladder leakage, today’s non-surgical options offer promising improvements. Each treatment encourages the body’s natural collagen production — the protein that helps tissues stay firm, hydrated, and resilient.
The difference lies in how that collagen response is triggered:
- Ablative Treatments (MonaLisa Touch): Use laser energy to remove the outermost layer of tissue, stimulating a strong healing response.
- Non-Ablative Treatments (Votiva, ThermiVa): Use gentle heat energy below the skin’s surface to remodel collagen and improve tone without removing tissue.
Choosing between them depends on your primary goals — whether you’re focused on addressing dryness and discomfort or improving tightness and urinary support.
2. Overview of Each Technology
| Feature | MonaLisa Touch | Votiva (FormaV) | ThermiVa |
| Technology | Ablative Fractional CO₂ Laser | Non-Ablative Radiofrequency (RF) | Non-Ablative Radiofrequency (RF) |
| Mechanism | Removes outer tissue cells to stimulate collagen production | Gently heats deep tissue to remodel existing collagen | Temperature-controlled RF system for tissue remodeling |
| Common Uses | Vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, atrophy | Vaginal laxity, mild urinary incontinence, dryness | Vaginal and labial rejuvenation, incontinence, sensation support |
MonaLisa Touch: The Laser Approach
MonaLisa Touch uses fractional CO₂ laser technology to create micro-injuries that trigger natural tissue healing and collagen growth. This treatment is widely used for symptoms of vaginal atrophy, such as dryness or discomfort. Because it removes a thin surface layer of tissue, it typically involves mild post-treatment sensitivity; however, it can help improve long-term tissue health and comfort.
Votiva (FormaV): The Radiofrequency Approach
Votiva uses gentle RF heat energy to remodel collagen and improve circulation in the vaginal and vulvar tissues. Unlike laser treatments, it does not remove any surface layers. Many patients and providers consider it a strong option for improving vaginal laxity, mild incontinence, and overall tissue tone. Results typically develop gradually over several weeks as collagen strengthens and new tissue regenerates.
ThermiVa: Temperature-Controlled RF Technology
Like Votiva, ThermiVa uses radiofrequency energy to heat and rejuvenate tissue. Its unique temperature-control feature ensures consistent, safe delivery of energy throughout treatment. ThermiVa is often used to improve tightness, sensation, and comfort, and is well-regarded for its gentle, non-invasive nature.
3. Candidacy and Ideal Patient Profiles
The ideal treatment depends on your goals and the symptoms you’re hoping to address:
- MonaLisa Touch: Often recommended for women experiencing vaginal dryness, irritation, or painful intercourse associated with low estrogen levels or vaginal atrophy. It can be a suitable non-hormonal option for those unable or unwilling to use hormone therapy.
- Votiva or ThermiVa: Generally preferred for women whose primary concerns include vaginal laxity, light urinary leakage, or changes in tissue appearance or tone.
Every treatment plan is customized to your specific needs and comfort level.
4. Comfort Level and Recovery Expectations
The comfort and recovery experience can vary based on the technology used:
- MonaLisa Touch: As an ablative laser treatment, a mild topical anesthetic is often used for comfort. Some patients report temporary redness, swelling, or mild sensitivity for a day or two. Most resume normal activities quickly, but are advised to wait at least 24 hours before sexual activity.
- Votiva: Often described as feeling like a warm, relaxing massage. It requires little to no downtime, and most patients return to their daily routines immediately.
- ThermiVa: Known for being comfortable and requiring no anesthesia or downtime. Patients typically resume all normal activities right away.
Individual healing times vary, and your provider will offer personalized guidance.
5. Safety and Risk Considerations
All three devices are FDA-cleared and considered safe when performed by trained professionals. Their safety profiles differ slightly due to their energy delivery methods:
- MonaLisa Touch: Because laser energy removes tissue, it requires precise technique and proper settings to avoid overheating. Temporary redness or swelling may occur.
- Votiva: Features built-in temperature monitoring to ensure consistent and safe heat delivery. Considered low-risk and gentle.
- ThermiVa: Also designed with temperature control for safety, with minimal reported side effects or complications.
As with any procedure, your provider will review your medical history to ensure that the treatment is appropriate and safe for you.
6. Typical Treatment Frequency
Treatment schedules vary by individual, but most patients benefit from an initial series followed by maintenance sessions:
- MonaLisa Touch: Typically a series of 3 treatments, spaced about 6 weeks apart.
- Votiva or ThermiVa: Usually a series of 3 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with annual maintenance recommended for ongoing support.
Results and experiences differ for each person, and consistent follow-up care helps maintain improvements over time.
Making Your Decision
When comparing MonaLisa Touch vs. Votiva vs. ThermiVa in Dallas, the right choice depends on your priorities and comfort level:
- If your main concern is vaginal dryness or painful intercourse, MonaLisa Touch may be most effective for you.
- If you’re focused on tightening, laxity, or urinary leakage, Votiva or ThermiVa may be better suited.
At Entice Intimate Wellness + Aesthetics, our all-female team provides expert, compassionate guidance to help you choose the option that aligns best with your body, goals, and lifestyle. Every treatment plan is customized to ensure your experience is comfortable, empowering, and safe.