Breast Hypertrophy And The Spair Technique

Breast hypertrophy (overly enlarged breasts) plagues millions of women with symptoms of neck, back, and shoulder pain, rashes to the skin, indentations and the shoulders, poor posture and problems with physical endurance, and, of course, emotional embarrassment. And despite attempts at weight reduction, physical exercise, or other forms of treatment such as physical therapy or even chiropractic medicine there is simply no alleviation of the symptoms. Indeed, surgery offers the only hope to the countless women who have suffered from this condition.

 

Breast reduction surgery is an integral part of the specialty of plastic surgery and has been performed for decades. Time has shown an evolution in the techniques of breast reduction surgery. Currently in this country, the standard breast reduction technique uses an “inverted T” or “wise” pattern whereby the nipple and areola are kept attached to the central portion of the breast through what is called an inferior pedicle. This allows the blood vessels and nerves to stay connected to these structures thereby preserving the life and sensation to the nipple area.

 

The new nipple location is marked and removal of excess skin and breast tissue is performed. The nipple (attached to its pedicle) is then moved upward to its new location and the incisions are then closed leaving a final scar that circles the nipple, continues vertically, and then extends along the base of the breast from the breastbone to the armpit area. Although this has proven to be a relatively reliable approach, there are concerns regarding excessive, unsightly, and thickened scarring, and open wounds that takes time to heal.

 

In addition, changes in breast shape occur over time, which result in sagging of the breast from the bottom and hollowing out from the top. This results in flattening of the shape of the breast, which detracts from its normal full and round appearance.

 

In Europe, breast reduction surgery has been approached in a different way. Their focus has been to keep the scars confined to the nipple area. Although this is an appealing concept there have been limitations with regard to how large of a breast reduction could be performed and also concerns regarding the sensation and viability to the nipple. Moreover, attempts at reproducing the European results in this country have been met with inconsistent and mixed results and have, therefore, not been widely used.

 

Plastic surgeons are in constant pursuit of better results. Desires to achieve a more perfect breast reduction recently lead to the development of a technique that has combined the reliability of the American method of breast reduction with the European minimal scar techniques. This “SPAIR” (short scar peri-areolar inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty) technique combines the best of both worlds to achieve results that exceed either one alone.

 

Through this approach, the inferior pedicle concept is preserved while the reduction of the breast tissue itself is performed within incisions that are confined to the area of the nipple and areola. In addition, shaping of the breast can be undertaken, thereby restoring its normal fullness to the upper portions of the chest and roundness to its overall shape – significantly reducing the previously observed long-term problems of bottoming and hollowing out. What’s more, scars are reduced by up to 50 percent or more over the traditional breast reduction methods used in this country.

 

Finally, because the technique preserves certain aspects of breast reduction currently used by surgeons in this country, the results have been consistent and reliable. We have consistently been able to achieve superior reductions in women whose breasts have required 500-1500 grams of tissue (DD-FFF bra size) and just recently performed my largest reduction in a single breast of 3295 grams or just over seven pounds!

 

Just as exciting is the use of this SPAIR technique in women who have drooping or sagging breasts. In many cases, women simply want to have a breast lift or mastopexy, whereby the breasts are returned to their normal position on the chest without any significant loss of breast tissue itself. And unlike many breast lift procedures where only the breast skin itself is removed, the SPAIR technique allows true breast reshaping (as is done during a reduction) so that fullness is restored.

 

In addition, many of these women who may have lost breast substance with time or pregnancy (but still have loose hanging skin) may also want to have breast augmentation or the placement of breast implants performed simultaneously. The use of breast implants combined with breast lift procedures has sometimes been discouraged, but with the new SPAIR technique this can be easily performed in one operation. In addition, with the use of implants, the scars can often be reduced even further so that the only sign of surgery is limited to the scar around the nipple itself.

 

For men with gynecomastia or enlarged breasts, the SPAIR technique has exceeded expectations. Although many male patients are candidates for liposuction alone, there are circumstances where with large, ptotic (drooping) breasts removal of the excess breast tissue would leave redundant and unsightly skin. Experience with these situations has resulted in reductions whose final scars have been limited to the areola only when in the very recent past, these patients would have been destined to scars not unlike the traditional breast reduction methods.

 

Finally, and just as important, is the application of the SPAIR technique in women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in whom breast reconstruction is planned. With many cancers, surgeons often have the ability to perform what is called a “skin sparing” mastectomy. With this approach, the breast tissue itself, including the nipple and areola, is removed while retaining all the surrounding skin.

 

Preservation of the original breast size and shape is, therefore, maintained and reconstruction with a tissue implant, muscle flap from the back, or the lower abdominal skin (TRAM flap) can be performed. In women whose preserved breast skin has been fashioned using the SPAIR pattern (again eliminating the entire bottom horizontal scar), the final result is often virtually identical to the other normal breast, especially if that breast requires a mastopexy or reduction to achieve a match.

 

There are simply not enough accolades that can be given to this technique by both patients and myself who are witnesses to its results. The applications of the SPAIR technique are numerous and its potential is unlimited in achieving superior results in breast reduction, lifting, and reconstruction.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 9,000 people with plastic surgeons.

 

Breast Reconstruction – Using Your Own Tissue

For some women, the weeks and months following a mastectomy or lumpectomy can be filled with sadness, periods of low self-esteem or embarrassment regarding the look and feel of their breasts. Many women express a desire to use surgical options to reconstruct and enhance their post-mastectomy figure; however, they are leery of the “fake” look and feel that typical breast implants have to offer.

 

Admittedly, breast implants are a traditional and widely used method in reconstructive breast procedures; however, new technology exists to avoid the use of implants all together for those that desire a more “natural” approach. Instead of implants, a woman’s own tissue is isolated and transferred from various locations in the body to the chest area, in which it is then shaped and formed into a natural breast.

 

One such approach to reconstructive surgery using your own tissue is called DIEP Flap Reconstructive Surgery. During a DIEP Flap procedure, excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen are transferred to the chest in lieu of implants or other foreign bodies. The skin is then isolated down to the “deep inferior epigastric perforators” (DIEP), or blood vessels that feed the skin, and subsequently transferred to the chest wall. The transferred tissue is then reconnected to vessels in the chest, thus sparing the abdominal wall muscle for minimal pain and weakness.

 

Another approach to using your own skin tissue in breast reconstruction is called TRAM Flap surgery. This procedure is essentially the same as the DIEP procedure, except that the TRAM Flap surgery uses the abdominal wall muscle in addition to excess skin and fat. During this procedure, the muscle and skin are isolated from the abdomen and tunneled up to the chest. The tissue is then reconstructed into a natural breast while keeping the blood supply that feeds the tissue intact.

 

A final approach, known as the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap surgery (LDMF), uses a combination of your own muscle, skin and fat tissue, in addition to breast implants to achieve a more natural, yet larger size than possible in the other two procedures. During this procedure, tissue from the latissimus dorsi (the long muscle that runs beneath the armpit and diagonally across the back) is transferred to the chest while leaving the natural blood supply intact. And although the LDMF procedure is generally the less invasive of the three, women looking for a more complete makeover tend to choose one of the first two options, as the patient is left with naturally enhanced breasts in addition to a tummy tuck following the removal of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen.

 

But regardless of what a woman chooses, reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy or lumpectomy is covered under insurance and requires little, if any out of pocket cost from the patient. Therefore, a woman can achieve a natural, yet shapely look, without worrying about financing options.

 

Ultimately, the best option for reconstructive surgery will vary from woman to woman and should be decided with the help of a trusted plastic surgeon. However, a woman can feel confident knowing that natural alternatives exist to shape and enhance her breasts to meet any desired look following a mastectomy or lumpectomy.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 8,000 people with plastic surgeons.

 

Click here to learn more.

 

 

Breast Augmentation and Natural Breastfeeding Concerns

For the vast majority of women who have breast implants, breastfeeding is no more difficult with implants than without. There are some reports that suggest women who have breast implants experience higher rates of inadequate milk supply which could be caused by a milk duct being severed or blocked during the surgery. You need to know this is a possible risk so be very vocal about your desire to breastfeed in the future with your surgeon to make sure he takes extra care during the procedure.

 

Will the placement of the incision have any effect on the ability to breastfeed? Most case studies show that whether you have the incision along the mammary fold, areola, armpit or belly button it has little affect on your chances to breastfeed. The common belief is that when the incision is made around the areola it will most likely interfere with breastfeeding. I have known hundreds of women who have had the incision around the areola and who were able to breastfeed without any difficulties. Go over your options of incision placement with your surgeon.

 

Does over the muscle or under the muscle have any effect on the ability to breast feed? Placement of the implant does not seem to have much effect on breastfeeding. However those who had the implant above the muscle in some research had higher percentages of women who complained of inadequate milk supply than those that had the placement of the implant under the muscle.

 

What if your Plastic Surgeon recommends a breast lift or a Breast Lift With Augmentation? Is it still possible to breastfeed? Yes absolutely. During a lifting procedure the surgeon does not remove any glandular tissue he only removes excess skin under and around the areola and moves the nipple up. The surgeon does not at any time sever the nipple form the gland which is a common misconception. You should be just fine to breastfeed with either a breast lift or a breast lift with augmentation. Again there are exceptions to this and some people do experience issues with either not producing enough milk or not producing any milk at all. This may often not have anything to do with the Plastic Surgery. You should discuss with your surgeon your concerns and goals about breastfeeding in the future.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

Five Things to Think About Before Your Implant Surgery

Women have many reasons for wanting breast augmentation cosmetic surgery. Their left and right breast may not be the same size, so they feel self-conscious about it. Some women may have little to no breasts in which to properly fill out bras and clothing. Being self-conscious about their bodies can undermine their self-confidence and esteem. Other women might be eyeing breast augmentation after having a mastectomy. In all of these cases, the most likely scenario is breast implants. In fact, when it comes to creating breasts or enhancing the size, implants are really the only option for women. As with all medical procedures, there are many things to think about in regards to having breast augmentation cosmetic surgery. Listed below are but a few of those things you should think about when it comes to getting breast implants as part of your surgery:

 

1. The risks

Are you fully prepared for all the risks of breast augmentation surgery? There are numerous complications that can occur when receiving a breast implant. First of all, some people may have adverse affects to the anesthesia. Secondly, infection can occur at one or more of the incision sites or around or within the implant itself. Sometimes, scar tissue will form around the implant making your new breasts feel hard and uncomfortable. There is also the chance of the breast implant rupturing.

 

2. Types of breast implants

While silicone breast implants are not commonly used these days, they are still available. Numerous studies have been conducted regarding the rupture factor of silicone implants. Some scientists say that certain autoimmune or neurological diseases can occur if a silicone leakage occurs. Another camp of scientists says that there is no valid evidence that points to those risks. In any case, silicone implants are soft and malleable and many women who have them say that they produce a more natural looking breast.

 

Saline implants are safer, especially if an accidental rupture occurs. Because the main ingredients are saline and water, it is easily absorbed by the body. Saline implants are firmer than the silicone version. And with saline, there are more options to choose from in regards to shape, size and adjustments. Some versions of the saline implant have tiny valves where your cosmetic surgeon can add additional saline or take some out, depending on the size and shape you want. With this option, an outpatient clinic visit to perform the adjustment can be done practically up to six months after your surgery.

 

3. Breast implant placement

The placement of your breast implant is partly up to you and partly up to the surgeon. You have to know all of your options and decide which one is right for you. Once your cosmetic surgeon evaluates you, they will have a good idea on what method of placement would be most beneficial to you. One type of placement puts the implant between the muscle of the chest and the breast tissue. Recovery time is shorter and not as painful, but the drawback is that the implant might be able to be seen through your skin and mammograms are more difficult to conduct. The second type of placement is behind the chest muscle. The recovery time is tougher, but there are slightly less risks with his option and mammograms are easier to conduct.

 

4. Living with no guarantees

Unfortunately, breast augmentation and breast implants come with no guarantees. Just think about the risks that were mentioned above! There are also no guarantees that the result you get will be exactly what you want. While the cosmetic surgeons try to make incisions where they will be less noticeable, you will always have scars to serve as a reminder of your time under the knife. Luckily, clothing hides these scars.

 

5. Choosing a cosmetic surgeon

You want to feel comfortable allowing a stranger to basically cut you open. So it pays off to do a little research of the cosmetic surgeons in your area. Check out The Patients Advantage. This is a FREE service for prospective patients looking for the best plastic surgeon. Since The Patients Advantage only deals with board-certified plastic surgeons, you are only dealing with the best of the best in their respective disciplines.

 

Implants as part of your breast augmentation cosmetic surgery is something to not be taken lightly. After all, you have to live with the consequences. Consider the steps listed above and hopefully you will make the best informed decision for your future.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

 

Allergan Breast Implants FDA Approved

With the recent approval of silicone gel-filled breast implants for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction, physicians and patients can be assured of the safety of silicone. This confirmation is based on extensive preclinical testing, four years of data on 715 women from Allergan’s Core Clinical Study and a European study that evaluated implant rupture prevalence rates beyond 10 years. In addition, countless published, peer-reviewed studies and research support the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants.

 

A study by the US Government looks at silicone gel-filled breast implants and confirms findings. In 1997, the Department of Health and Human Services began one of the most extensive research studies in medical history by appointing the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science (IOM) to examine potential complications during or after surgery. The IOM consisted of a 13-member volunteer committee, including six women. The committee was composed of members of the medical, scientific and educational communities with experience in radiology, women’s health, neurology, oncology, silicone chemistry, rheumatology, immunology, epidemiology, internal medicine and plastic surgery. No IOM members had on-going relationships or conflicts of interest related to any implant lawsuits.

 

The result: After reviewing years of evidence and research concerning silicone gel-filled breast implants, the IOM found that “Evidence suggests diseases or conditions such as connective tissue diseases, cancer, neurological diseases or other systemic complaints or conditions are no more common in women with breast implants than in women without implants.”

 

Furthermore, a review of research and medical studies shows:

 

- Extensive studies, including a report by the Institute of Medicine, conclude that breast cancer is no more common in women with implants than in those without implants

 

- The American Academy of Pediatrics concluded in September 2001 “The Committee on Drugs does not feel that the evidence currently justifies classifying silicone implants as a contraindication to breastfeeding.”

 

- Epidemiological investigations have not found any increased risk of adverse health outcomes… in children born to women with breast implants

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 8,000 people with plastic surgeons.

 

 For more information, log onto: www.thepatientsadvantage.com.

 

Free Information About Liposuction

Before you decide on which liposuction surgeon to select, you need to embark on a thorough and extensive search. Don’t make the mistake of reasoning that if a liposuction surgeon is expensive in terms of services then he or she is an excellent surgeon. While price is an important consideration in your search for a surgeon, ensure that other things such as the surgeons qualifications, specialization and medical history propel your search as well.

 

Have you ever heard about Lipodissolve? If not, listen up. Lipodissolve is a branch of cosmetic surgery that involves the injection of serums into fat prone areas to tackle the fat and sculpt the body properly. Lipodissolve is a procedure that is fast becoming popular among people because of its non-invasive nature. The beauty about lipodissolve is that you can get back to work in a couple of hours.

 

If you have just had a liposuction and are worried to death about the swellings, don’t worry about it. You see, the swelling that comes with a liposuction surgery is a result of the incisions made on your skin in addition to the activities of both the cannula and the vacuum. Statistically, over seventy percent of swelling retained after a liposuction surgery goes down after six weeks. If you notice that your swelling has not reduced six weeks after liposuction, you should report to your doctor.

 

Liposuction is a form of surgery that is not limited to the theatre. It can be done in a doctors office or an out patient centre if it is not a complicated one. This type of liposuction is generally not expensive.

 

During liposuction the nerves get damaged resulting to numbness. This is however temporary. It disappears after some time.

 

Over fifteen to 20 tiny incisions are made during liposuction surgery. This is to pave way for a cannula to be inserted into affected parts of the body. Mainly microcannulas are better than big ones because they limit bleeding.

 

You must be financially ready, if you are to have liposuction. Liposuction is affordable in costs, but it really depends on how extensively you want the surgery to be carried out on you. At the end of the day, how much money you have may determine the amount of fat that is removed from your body.

 

Lipodissolve is a non-surgical procedure that can be carried out in place of liposuction. It is a simple procedure that shapes the body. It does not cause damage to any structure in the body.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

Click here to learn more.

 

 

Questions about the Mommy Makeover

Many women find that after having children it is incredibly difficult to regain the youthful, lean figure they had before their pregnancy. Some of the most common problem areas for women are the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and breasts; a mommy makeover can help recontour these areas. Many women have questions about mommy makeover, some of the most common questions asked by women considering mommy makeovers are:

 

What exactly is a mommy makeover?

 

A mommy makeover aims to correct many of the body problems women are forced to deal with after childbirth. To correct problems like sagging breasts, stubborn areas of fat, and stretch marks, a mommy makeover combines a few different cosmetic surgery procedures to help women gain back the body appearance they once had. Some of the procedures often considered when having a mommy makeover include:

 

• Breast Lift

• Facelift

• Liposuction

• Tummy Tuck

• Breast Enlargement

• BOTOX®

• Sclerotherapy

• Breast Reduction

• Eyelid Surgery

 

What can a mommy makeover correct?

 

Mommy makeovers can correct many different physical problems women deal with after they give birth. Some of the most common problems corrected are:

 

• Stretch marks

• Stubborn areas of fat

• Stretched abdominal muscles and skin

• Change in breast tissue

• Changes in breast size

• Visible blood vessels

 

Who is a candidate for a mommy makeover?

 

Nearly any woman who is suffering from physical changes after giving birth to a child is an eligible candidate for a mommy makeover. For most women, giving birth to a child can leave them feeling self conscious about their bodies, especially if diet and exercise are not providing the results they are looking for. To determine if they are mommy makeover candidates, women should contact a plastic surgeon in their area to schedule an initial consultation.

 

Can all the Mommy makeover procedures be performed at the same time?

 

Mommy makeovers can be fairly extensive cosmetic surgery solutions, so they can’t always be performed at the same. Depending on the number of different cosmetic surgery procedures being performed, it may be best to schedule your mommy makeovers over the course of a few different surgery days.

 

Mothers who would like to improve their appearances through cosmetic surgery should contact an experienced plastic surgeon through The Patients Advantage to schedule an initial consultation.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 8,000 people with plastic surgeons.

 

Tattoo Removal

As long as there are tattoos (be they intentional or a product of injury) there will be a need of tattoo removal. Some tattoos are mint to live their life forever where they were placed — some are thought of as mistakes. Regardless of your reasons, if it was intentional or from objects being forced into the skin due to trauma, there is a removal process which can lessen the look or completely remove the tattoo.

 

Please know that not all tattoos are capable of being fully removed with lasers or non-scarring treatments and may need to be excised. There are different methods for different colors and types so please consult with a qualified tattoo removal physician for more information.

What Is Tattoo Removal? Tattoo removal is the procedure to lessen the look or completely remove ink or other substances which have been implanted into the dermis either intentionally or by accident. These methods may be excision, laser resurfacing or removal, dermabrasion, chemical removal or with intense pulsed light. Salibrasion is also another method as are injections of a saline solution.

 

This tattoo may be the tribal band, Taz or dolphin you thought you wanted or something as simple as a tattoo left by a jab with a sharpened pencil tip. Some tattoos may be the result of matter implanted accidentally from falls, or accidents which caused dirt and rock to enter a wound.

 

There are several options for tattoo removal, however not all physician’s offices will offer each one. Please discuss this before you consult or make an appointment to discuss your options for more information on what is available.

Laser Removal: Laser removal is the penetration and break up of the ink articles that were implanted into your skin. This procedure essentially speeds up your body’s natural process of ridding your body of the foreign object that is ink. This procedure uses various types of lasers or intense pulsed light therapy machines depending upon the color of the ink. This procedure once took an average about 2 years to fully remove a tattoo and even then it was not guaranteed. Although modern lasers and light systems can remove it in less time, this process is entirely dependent upon the laser type, number of sessions and the patient’s body’s ability to rid it self of the ink. This procedure is performed under a topical anesthetic, or with none at all.

 

Intense Pulsed Light: The same concept as above however Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is utilized. IPL was pioneered by Dr. Patrick Bitter Jr. and is based on emitting high intensity pulses of light (not lasers) to penetrate the skin and rid you of various complaints. There are different machines for different levels or types of penetration. This procedure is performed under a topical anesthetic, or with none at all.

Dermabrasion: This method is not without it’s scars. Most Tattoos are deep within the dermis and in order for the tattoo to be removed this skin and all the ink must be removed with it. Dermabrasion is the procedure which utilizes manual abrasion (with either fine grit surgical sandpaper or a Dremel® like tool) of the skin to usually remove acne scarring, hyperpigmentations, wrinkles such as peri-oral (around the mouth) wrinkles, scar revision and of course, tattoo removal. Although this procedure is usually performed by itself for the above indications, dermabrasion can be used in combination with other types of treatments as well. This procedure is performed under local anesthetic or local and oral/IV sedation. 

 

Excision: This method also leaves a scar but is suitable for smaller tattoos — the results are immediate and the treatment generally inexpensive. The tattoo it literally cut out of your skin and the wound sutured. It is relatively simple and has a mild recovery phase if no infections or other complications arise. This procedure is performed under local anesthetic, depending upon the size.

Salibrasion: This is a very old method of abrasion where the treatment area is literally rubbed with salt. This procedure is probably one of the oldest resurfacing techniques known. This procedure is performed under local anesthetic.

 

Saline Injections: Injections can be given to help break up a tattoo – this usually does not remove the tattoo but they can blurry it significantly. Some tattoo artists suggest this if the area will be getting a cover up anyway. This helps blur and fade the old tattoo to make way for a customized cover up tattoo.

 

Are You a Candidate for Tattoo Removal? Not everyone is a candidate for Tattoo Removal — however if the tattooing process was carried without any complications (keloid, hypertrophy, etc) you are generally able to have a removal procedure. If you are prone to keloids, hyper or hypo pigmentation or do not react well to burns or excessive scarring due to minor cuts and abrasions, tattoo removal may result in more noticeable scar, post-treatment. The abrasive medium literally rubs off the top layers of skin to reveal younger-looking, fresh skin beneath. If you scar badly from abrasions, or scrapes, the results of dermabrasion could be disastrous. Also, if you have ethnicity (i.e. Greek, Italian, Asian or African-American, etc.) in your biological family, you may be prone to hyper or hypopigmentation resulting from any level of dermabrasion. Lasers literally burn the skin so if you scar badly from burns — this could also be a problem. Other methods may also scar you and leave only a thick scar in the place of where your tattoo was — defeating the purpose.

 

Also, you should NOT have a removal treatment on the affected area if you have the following: Undiagnosed lesions, Warts, Active, weeping acne (stages 3-4), Active Rosacea, Unstable diabetes, Auto-immune system disorders, and pigmentation problems.

 

Communication is crucial in reaching one’s goals. You must be able to voice your desires to your surgeon if he/she is to understand what your desired results are. This is a procedure which requires patience and stability in dealing with the healing period.

 

After checking a few physicians’ backgrounds and credentials, you will make an appointment for a consultation. You will meet with these physicians and discuss your goals and you will disclose all information regarding your health; if you smoke, what medications or vitamins you presently take, etc. — this is very important. You really should consider smoking cessation as this can significantly decrease healing.

The Road to Recovery…You will feel as though your skin has a windburn or sunburn when the anesthetic starts wearing off (if you had any) and will find that your skin is tight. Do not make excessive or widely exaggerated movements of the treatment area if you can help it. This can be uncomfortable, cause tearing of the skin and bleeding. Below is a typical after care instruction sheet, please ask your physician or skin care specialist for your own specific instruction sheet.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 8,000 people with plastic surgeons.

 

Insurance Red Tape: Can You Expect To Be Covered For Lasik?

Lasik eye vision correction surgery is an extremely popular choice for those wanting to improve their eyesight. The Lasik procedure can be performed in a matter of minutes and recovery time is minimal. Most Lasik patients are able to walk out of the surgery center and only have a need to limit some activities for a few days. Lasik surgery is not cheap, though. The price can vary greatly from area to area and can vary depending on the condition of the eye. Lasik surgery is also considered elective, meaning that insurance companies will usually not pay for any part of the Lasik procedure.

 

Before you have the Lasik procedure, check into your insurance plans, especially if you have some sort of vision insurance. Most insurance companies consider Lasik surgery an elective procedure. This usually means that they won’t pay. Sometimes an employer will make special arrangements with certain Lasik centers for their patients. These special arrangements are usually available for employees. Often these can give potential Lasik patients a special or reduced price for this procedure.

 

Some companies also offer expanded vision insurance program plans. It used to be that most vision insurance would only pay for basic vision exams, eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some of expanded vision insurance plans now offer Lasik in the plan. Expanded vision plans that offer Lasik may not pay for the whole procedure, but for maybe half of the surgery or even a percentage. If you have an expanded vision health plan, check with your insurance plan to see if your Lasik procedure will be covered.

 

When you are looking into having a Lasik procedure, make sure you check carefully into the pricing options that the Lasik center can offer. Lasik ads can be deceiving. Often commercials for Lasik procedures tell people that the procedure can be performed for $500 per eye. That may be the case for those who have very low cases of vision problems, but the higher your eyeglass prescription, the more your Lasik procedure will cost. The average Lasik procedure costs around $2000. Many times, Lasik will cost more than that. Also, it is important to remember that a less experienced Lasik surgeon may charge considerably less. It is important to not choose a doctor based solely on the fee they charge. That surgeon may not use the latest technology or may have considerably less experience.

 

Before having any Lasik procedure, it is important to find out what your financial obligations will be. In some countries such as Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, Lasik procedures are covered by insurance although it is considered elective. In the United States and Canada, insurance will not cover the costs associated with Lasik procedures.

 

One good way to help pay for your Lasik surgery is through a flexible spending account. Many employers offer these benefits to their employers. Money saved through flexible spending accounts can be used for medical procedures not covered by insurance plans. If you have saved enough money in your flexible spending account, the cost of your Lasik vision correction surgery may be completely covered. If you do not have enough in your account, then it can often partially cover the costs. If you are using a flexible spending account to finance your Lasik surgery procedure, it is important to inform your Lasik doctor before the surgery. Many times, you will need to fill out special paper work with your employer and the Lasik center before the surgery is scheduled. Sometimes you Lasik surgery can be deducted from your federal income tax. Before you decided to have a Lasik procedure, check with your tax accountant to see if this option is possible for you.

 

Whether you have expanded vision insurance or not, it is important to remember that in most cases you will be financially responsible for your Lasik surgery procedure. Although Lasik surgery can be costly, there are ways to help defray the cost. There are also many ways to help finance your Lasik surgery. It is always a good idea to keep your options open when paying for your Lasik surgery. Tell your Lasik surgeon what you can do and how much you can pay and most surgeons will be glad to work out some sort of payment plan to fit your budget.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 8,000 people with plastic surgeons.

 

Click here to learn more.

 

Laser Treatment May Reverse Sun-Damaged Skin

There was a time when sunscreen was not available, and before it became the mandatory beach and pool accessory that it is today. The result for many is skin damaged by the sun.

 

With very few treatment options, dermatological testing has been ongoing, looking for the elusive treatment that will turn back time and revive sun-damaged skin. Now a new procedure has been developed—which uses a combination of topical solution (made by DUSA Pharmaceuticals Inc.) and laser treatment—that stimulates collagen production and can help rejuvenate skin that has been overexposed.

 

A team of U.S. researchers has confirmed that the value of a procedure that is already being performed by some physicians to improve the appearance of skin with wrinkles, sun spots, and fine lines, and helps explain how the treatment works.

 

The researchers from the University of Michigan tested photodynamic therapy, which combines a clear solution called Levulan (dabbed onto the skin to increase its sensitivity to light) and pulsed dye laser treatment, which uses brief flashes of a single wavelength light.

 

In a group that consisted of 10 men and 15 women between the ages of 54 and 83 that had skin that was sun-damaged, the researchers found that the therapy did increase the production of collagen, a protein that helps provide skin its elasticity and texture, and promoted the thickening of the top layer of skin.

 

The team performed this procedure on the sun-damaged skin of the forearm of the 25 volunteers and took samples of the tissue to examine the changes in the skin. The collagen production was twice as great with Levulan with the laser treatment compared to just the laser treatment alone.

 

Dr. Jeffrey Orringer, the director of the University of Michigan’s Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser center stated, “We do believe that the treatment would, in fact, improve the appearance of patients’ skin…. It lends molecular or scientific credibility to a procedure that’s being done out there, and it’s also the first step in understanding how to make this treatment more effective.” Orringer also said that there was no industry money used to fund this study, which was published in the Archives of Dermatology.

 

Many people today are eager to improve the appearance of their skin, damaged by years of sunbathing or other types of exposure to the sun. Photodynamic therapy is currently being performed, often to the face, and can cost hundreds of dollars per treatment session. The U.S. Food and Drug Administrations approved Levulan in 1999 to help with the treatment of precancerous skin lesions either on the face or scalp called actinic keratoses. It is also being used “off-label” in the photodynamic therapy to help make sun-damaged skin approve its appearance.

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 8,000 people with plastic surgeons.

 

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