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Bellegrove Professional Park
1515 116th Avenue NE, Suite 105
Bellevue, WA 98004

Phone 425.455.8088
FAX 425.455.0708
Frequently Asked Questions
Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation and Designer Laser Vaginoplasty

Dr. Hamilton is the ONLY gynecologist in the Northwest to have been trained in the special
techniques of
Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation and Laser Reduction Labioplasty.  Other
cosmetic and plastic surgeons may offer vaginal rejuvenation, labioplasty, and
hymenoplasty procedures, but only Dr. Hamilton has the special gynecologic expertise and
experience necessary to use the laser to get optimal results.  
What conditions can be treated with Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation?
LVR can effectively treat conditions due to weakened vaginal walls, also known as vaginal
relaxation.  These conditions may include involuntary loss of urine, looseness with sex, and a
feeling of pressure.  It's common to have weakened vaginal walls due to aging and childbirth.

What procedures are included in the category of "Designer Laser Vaginoplasty"?  What
problems do they address?
This group of procedures includes:
Laser Hymenoplasty: repair and reconstruction of the hymen for those who wish to return to a
"virginal" state.
Laser Perineoplasty: repair of the "perineum"; the area between the vaginal opening and
rectum.  This area is often damaged during a vaginal delivery due to tearing or episiotomy.  This
damage can also contribute to vaginal looseness and difficulty having a bowel movement.
Laser Labioplasty (also known as Labiaplasty): Reconstruction of the labia minora (inner folds
or lips) and labia majora (outer folds or lips).  The labia minora can be quite large in some
women and cause irritation with activities such as bicycling.  The large labia can interfere with a
women's ability to wear a swimsuit or other revealing garments as well as causing discomfort
and embarrassment during sex.  The labia majora sometimes become loose and saggy with
age and can be corrected to create a more youthful appearance.

What are the advantages of using the laser?
The use of the laser gives us the ability to precisely and artistically sculpt the areas being
operated on, as well as causing less bleeding and allowing for a faster surgery and recovery
time.  Traditional techniques often require several additional steps and multiple instruments to
accomplish what can be done quickly and often times more safely with the laser.  Having less
bleeding translates to less risk of infection and fewer post-operative complications, as well as
ensuring a better cosmetic outcome.  

Can some or all of these procedures be done at the same time?
Yes, any or all of these procedures can be done together with Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation or by
themselves.  It is not uncommon to combine LVR with a perineoplasty to corrected the vaginal
laxity and perineal damage sustained during childbirth.

What is the recovery time after having these procedures done?
These procedures are all done in an outpatient (same-day) surgery facility.  Patients go home
the same day and follow up in 1-4 days, and then bi-weekly until 6 weeks, when recovery should
be complete.  Patients usually return to work after several days and compare the post-operative
pain as similar to that after having a baby and repair of a tear or episiotomy.  Sexual intercourse
and oral sex can be resumed after 6 weeks.

What type of Anesthesia is available?
We have found that it is not necessary to undergo general anesthesia when having these
procedures done, and that patients do well with IV sedation when combined with local
anesthesia.  Anesthesia is administered by highly credentialed certified nurse anesthetists.

How much do these procedures cost?
Fees are similar to other cosmetic surgery procedures such as breast implants and face lifts.  
Our fees are inclusive of the pre-op visit, surgeon, surgical assistant, facility, and all post op
care.  The initial consult is complimentary.  A fee range can be provided once the doctor knows
your particular needs.
Bio-Identical Hormone Balancing

What are Bio-Identical Hormones?
These are hormones that are identical to those produced by the
human body.  Research shows fewer side-effects and a more
natural response when bio-identical hormones are used for
replacement therapy.  There is no increased risk of cancer over
any other form of hormone therapy.

What are these hormones used for?
These hormones can be used to treat  many different conditions.  
Women can be helped by using these hormones to treat the
symptoms of menopause and preserve bone density.  Men and
women can experience an increase in libido as well as reduced
risk of heart disease, improvement of diabetes, depression and
migraine or cluster headaches.  These hormones have been
shown to increase energy, reduce "brain fog", and make it easier
to focus.

What is the difference in the types of hormones  used for
women vs. men?
Women use a combination of estrogen, progesterone, and
testosterone to meet their hormone needs, especially after
menopause or a total hysterectomy (when the ovaries have
been removed with the uterus).   Men use testosterone as they
lose their ability to produce their own testosterone over time.

Why use pellets?  What is involved in getting the pellets?
Pellets are a long acting form of hormones that are released
slowly over time.  They are placed under the skin in a simple
office procedure using local anesthetic and a small skin incision.  
People find that the effects of the pellets last between 4-6
months, depending on their individual situation.  Pellets provide
the benefit of mimicking the body's own production of hormones,
without the fluctuations seen with pills, patches, or creams.