American Academy of Dermatology Establishes New SPOT Skin Cancer Initiative

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Briana

Approximately two-million people annually are affected by skin cancer – making it the most common form of skin cancer in the U.S. At its earliest stages, skin cancer is a very treatable condition. Unfortunately, a new survey has found that many people are unable to detect early warning signs of skin cancer.

Survey results

According to the survey, nearly 74 percent of respondents were unaware that skin cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Another 53 percent were unsure of how to examine their body for early signs of skin cancer. While 30 percent of respondents were unsure or did not know if skin cancer could be treated easily, if caught early.

SPOT Skin Cancer

In order to shine a public spotlight on the issue, the American Academy of Dermatology has initiated a new SPOT Skin Cancer public awareness program.

“Unlike other types of cancer that can’t be seen by the naked eye, skin cancer shows obvious signs on the surface of the skin that can be easily detected by properly examining it,” said board-certified dermatologist Daniel M. Siegel, MD, FAAD, president, American Academy of Dermatology. “The goal of SPOT Skin Cancer™ is to help save lives by educating the public on how to protect themselves from the sun and how to examine their skin for suspicious spots.”

Recognizing Skin Cancer

Warning signs of skin cancer can often be detected using the A-B-C-D-E method. If you notice any of the following irregularities, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your physician:

  • Asymmetrical differences
  • Border irregularities
  • Color changes
  • Diameter changes
  • Evolution in size, shape or color

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, contact a plastic surgeon to learn more about treatment options. Find out more about skin cancer surgery in Arlington, TX.

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What Is Ear Surgery?

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Briana

Ear SurgeryThe ears are a modest, yet important aesthetic component of the face, making them a popular target for cosmetic improvement. Though hardly discussed, ear surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures. Ear surgery typically involves the readjustment, reshaping or resizing of the ears.

Ear pinning surgery is sought out by children and adults alike to correct the appearance of overly protruding ears which may appear out of proportion with the rest of the face. Through the use of permanent sutures, the ears can be permanently readjusted closer to the face.

Earlobe repair is often sought out by women who have worn heavy earrings for years. Over time, the earlobes become stretched, strained and more vulnerable to injury. Instances of trauma, where an earring is suddenly pulled from the ears, often from a hair brush or child, can also give the appearance of torn or stretched lobes.

Earlobe repair is a fairly straightforward procedure for plastic surgeons. Performed under local anesthesia and requiring almost no downtime, most patients are able to re-pierce their ears within a couple of months.

Earlobe reduction is used for those men and women who are dissatisfied with the overall size of their earlobes. As we age, the ears continue to grow, which can cause earlobe stretching or enlargement. Earlobe reduction is frequently sought out as a facial rejuvenation procedure and works by removing wedge of tissue from the lobe.

Ear surgery is not typically covered by health insurance. If you’re interested in ear surgery, anticipate the overall cost to range from $400 and $1,200.

In many cases, earlobe damage or deformity can be prevented. Consider the tips below:

• Avoid wearing heavy dangling earrings on a daily basis. Save them for special occasions.
• Do not wear dangling or hoop earring while holding or playing with a young child.
• Remove your earrings every night before bed. Always be extra careful when removing clothing.
• Always take your earrings out before combing your hair.

Are you interested in learning more about ear surgery? Contact us!

Source: Huffington Post Blog

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Herbal Supplements May Pose Risks During Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Briana

cosmetic plastic surgeryOver-the-counter herbal supplements are more popular than ever. While many patients choose these “natural” treatments for their long term health benefits, they fail to recognize that these supplements can still pose health hazards. Like prescription medication, herbal supplements can have drug-like effects on the body. This also means they can cause negative side-effects, especially for patients undergoing surgical procedures.

Unfortunately for plastic surgeons, many patients fail to mention all of their herbal or homeopathic remedies prior to cosmetic plastic surgery, placing them at a higher risk for complication.

“Many patients don’t disclose their intake of herbs or supplements, and they are often not aware of the risk of complications, which can seriously compromise surgical outcomes and patient safety,” said Dr. Foad Nahai, MD, editor-in-chief of Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

A new book entitled “Bleeding Risks of Herbal, Homeopathic, and Dietary Supplements: A Hidden Nightmare for Plastic Surgeons?” released by researchers at Loma Linda University aims to address this very issue for plastic surgeons and patients.

Even herbs that are considered generally safe can have dangerous side effects under the wrong conditions. For instance, some herbs are capable of interacting with anesthesia or other medications commonly used during surgery, negatively affecting the operation or causing surgical complications.

Before undergoing a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, it is essential to provide your plastic surgeon with full disclosure when it comes to your daily health routine. Some potentially dangerous herbs and supplements prior to surgery may include Chinese peony, ginko, ginger, garlic, ginseng, wintergreen and Saw palmetto.

If you are taking a supplement which may increase dangerous bleeding effects, your plastic surgeon may ask that you wash off for at least three weeks prior to surgery. Certain minimally invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections may also be affected by herbal supplements or over-the-counter medications.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Prior to your consultation, making a list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any herbal supplements you have taken in the past month will ensure safer conditions for your plastic surgery procedure.

Learn more about cosmetic plastic surgery in Arlington, TX.

Source: ASAPS

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New Study Reveals Medical Tourism Risks

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Briana

Medical TourismExotic travel and low prices have created a recent surge in plastic surgery medical tourism. Medical tourism, a term used to describe the act of seeking health care abroad, isn’t always the safest or cheapest option for plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction or breast augmentation, according to the results of a new survey.

“Usually people going abroad are not going abroad to the world’s expert on a procedure; they are going to have something done cheaper.  If you have any complications at all, it could end up costing you four to five times the amount if you would have if you just stayed here in the first place,” said Dr. Mark Elliott, a board certified surgeon and advisory board member for ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com.

According to the survey, which received responses from nearly two-thousand ASPS board certified plastic surgeons, nearly 80 percent of respondents had previously treated patients for complications following plastic surgery procedures abroad. The majority of these patients were treated for post-operative infections.

Additionally, the study also claimed that nearly half of medical tourists receiving breast augmentation or body contouring procedures such as liposuction required numerous surgeries to correct complications incurring from their initial surgery. Many of the surgeons surveyed felt that a lack of post-operative care was a main contributing factor to many of these complications.

“The process of surgery really encompasses a good analysis, a carefully done operation, and very careful post-operative care. To give up post-operative care you’re assuming you won’t have questions, problems, or any complications afterward. And quite frankly, I think it’s naïve and unsafe,” said Dr. Lou Bucky, a board certified surgeon and advisory board member for ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com.

While choosing plastic surgery abroad isn’t necessarily a poor decision, patients unfortunately aren’t doing their research. Finding references and information on surgeons abroad can also prove to be far more difficult. Ditching the beach for local care may just be the safest option.

Source: theplasticsurgerychannel.com

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