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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 |
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 fullness. 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. |
| 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. |
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