Browsemedic - Online HealthCare Information

Plastic Surgeon

Plastic Surgeon

A surgeon, who can correct deformity, scars and disfigurement caused by accidents, birth defects and treat diseases like skin cancer (melanoma), is called a plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon also performs surgeries purely based on cosmetic purposes, e.g. rhinoplasty. The first plastic surgeon of the U.S. was Dr. John Peter Mettauer who performed his first surgery of cleft palate in the year 1827. Plastic surgeons perform various levels of surgeries on human body to beautify and restructure it. The main surgeries performed by plastic surgeons:

Reconstructive surgeries: The most common surgeries in the reconstructive section are breast reconstruction, palate surgery, cleft lip, surgery for patients suffering from burns called contracture surgery. Another technique called microsurgery is performed where tissue is transferred from one place to another where tissue is damaged and needs replacement.

Cosmetic surgery: The most famous and common surgery in the area of plastic surgery is cosmetic surgery and is performed purely from beautification point of view. Cosmetic surgery also known as aesthetic surgery is done just to enhance the beauty of any part and may possibly be a reconstructive surgery. The surgery improves the beauty or looks of any part of the body and is usually referred with the name of that particular part of the body. For e.g. Abdominoplasty/tummy tuck - reconstruction of the abdomen, Blepharoplasty/eyelid surgery - application of permanent eyeliner or reshaping the eyelids.

Cosmesis: Another common procedure called as cosmesis is a blend of reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic plastic surgery. In the process of reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery techniques are utilized thus improving cosmesis.

In addition to these branches of plastic surgery, there are also surgeries such as craniofacial surgery - mainly dealing with pediatric deformities, maxillofacial surgery - improvement of the jaw and the face.

The risk of handing over your beauty lies with the plastic surgeon. Ensure your surgeon is

Certified by a board, e.g. American Board of Plastic surgery.

The surgeon is rightly qualified, cross check his qualifications with the right body. He should have completed medical school and then specialized for five years in the field of general surgery and then plastic surgery. After this should have cleared oral and written examinations held by the board.

Has the right infrastructure and facilities to handle surgeries. They should be well-equipped with the latest gadgets and facilities thereby making the procedure easy.

Has enough experience in the field of plastic surgery.

Latest trends in plastic surgery

Use of lasers and fiber optic telescopes to in the field has led to better results and satisfying customers. The outcome of the surgery is more enduring than earlier times.

This method has made plastic surgery more economical and trouble-free as a result reduced side effects.

An endoscopic method for facelifts and forehead corrections.

Modern techniques mean smaller incisions and practically no scars left behind after the surgery.

Also modern sedation techniques like the intravenous sedation save a lot of trouble and risk for the patients.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women in the age group of 15-54. It continues to remain as a common form of cancer in women. Let us examine various risk factors associated with Breast Cancer:
1. Women who have never had children.
2. Women whose mothers or sisters have had the disease.
3. Women who have had their first baby after age thirty.
4. Women with a history of prior breast cancer in one breast.
5. Females with fibrocystic breast disease are at a greater risk for breast cancer
6. Women with a history for early onset of menses.
7. Higher socioeconomic groups
8. Women born in North America or Northern Europe.
9. Urban women were noticed to be a more susceptible to breast cancer than rural women
It has been noticed that a fat diet and birth control pills increased the risk of breast cancer occurence.

Keep in mind the following symptoms of breast cancer. Early detection goes a long way in the successful treatment of breast cancer. Nearly 90% of localised breast cancer cases are curable but they need to be detected at a stage when the disease is still amenable to cure.
1. A lump that does not go away (including under the arm).
2. Dimpling of the skin over the breast.
3. Any nipple discharge.
4. Retraction of the nipple or changes in the nipple.
5. Any changes in breast shape or contour.

It is recommended that women over the age of 19 conduct self-examination of the breast every month. Regular check ups by a physician are preferable if done annually by women over 40 and once every 3 years by women in the age group 20 - 40.

Mammography is a vital tool used to detect abnormal lumps and tissues within the breast. This special x-ray can help in detecting over 90% of all breast cancers. Women who have suspicious lumps in their breasts must have a mammography done to rule out breast cancer. The Department of Health recommends mammography every 3 years in females 50 and older. There has been no evidence to suggest that the mammogram itself increases the risk of breast cancer

A biopsy (tissue specimen) is done on any suspicious lumps found during a mammography screening. The lump is surgically excised (totally removed using local anaesthesia) and studied under the microscope. Definitive diagnosis of breast cancer requires a positive tissue biopsy.

The course of treatment to be followed for breast cancer depends on the biopsy findings. Most breast biopsies are negative. The ones that show up as positive are treated based on the extent to which the tumour has spread, the type of tumour as well as the individual patient needs. Read up more on lymph node biopsy to understand how this procedure aids in diagnosis of cancer.

Breast cancer treatments target two main purposes - preventing local recurrence as well as prevention of spread of the cancer outside the breast. Surgical removal of the breast (mastectomy) is one way of controlling the incidence of local recurrence. This is done in combination with radiation therapy. Hormone therapy in the form of tamoxifen or doses of chemotherapy are used to prevent the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body. After a mastectomy, it is possible to get a breast reconstruction surgery done with the help of a Plastic Surgeon.

An important part of therapy for any type of cancer is a nutritious diet. Look up the cancer diet to understand what kind of food would help in tackling this dreaded disease.

A study is currently underway to determine if the medication tamoxifen has any beneficial effect in the prevention (prophylaxis) of breast cancer in some women.

Tips to good health:
1. Do not smoke.
2. Lower fats in your diet. Read up on cardiac diet to understand its implications.
3. Perform routine self-examinations of the breast.
4. Go for routine check ups.
5. Get a Mammography done if suggested by the physician.

Rhytidectomy

Rhytidectomy or Rhytidoplasty is commonly called a facelift. This is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves removal of removal of excess facial skin so as to reduce loose skin folds and wrinkles. The facial skin is lifted and the tissues underneath are tightened so that the skin can be repositioned smoothly again. An incision is usually made from the hairline to the end of the ear. Deeper tissues can be slightly removed or tightened with sutures. The skin is then repositioned and some excess is cut if needed by the plastic surgeon.

Some patients might face complications after rhytidoplasty such as bleeding under the skin, infection, blood clots and tissue loss. There might be damage to the nerves of the face too. Persons suffering diabetes or hypertension are more likely to suffer medical risks when undergoing rhytidectomy. Post surgery a patient might experience numbness of the skin along with a rough and dry feeling.