Author Archives: Dave

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

breast reconstruction in Las Vegas Breast reconstruction surgery is a common procedure that is performed after a mastectomy is done after breast cancer. This type of surgery is done to replace skin, breast tissue, and the nipple that is removed during the mastectomy. The amount of tissue that is removed during these procedures is different for each patient, so a pre-operative exam must be done in order to see whether you are a candidate for this surgery.  The ultimate goal of this surgery is to restore symmetry between both breasts.

Thinking about breast reconstruction

When it comes to breast reconstruction in Las Vegas, the choices that may be right for one woman won’t be right for you, and the choices that may be right for you may not be right for anyone else. This is why it’s important to consult your doctor before undergoing any of these procedures. The long-term prospects of living without a breast or even part of a breast will affect every woman differently.

After you undergo a mastectomy, you may opt to wear pads or external breast forms, or you may choose to make no attempt to alter your appearance. Conversely, you may choose to undergo breast reconstruction, which can be done with breast implants, or your own tissue.

Why should this be considered?

Restoring the breast is not considered cosmetic surgery, done by many today to enhance the appearance of their existing breasts. Reconstructive surgery, done to restore anatomy and symmetry, are considered reconstructive surgery. Because this is done as treatment after a disease, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act mandates that insurers proved coverage for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.

This procedure not only changes your appearance, but it has psychological benefits as well. It can promote a sense of wellness for you and your family.

When should this procedure be performed?

Timing of this procedure is based on many different factors including the patient’s desires, medical conditions, and cancer treatment. It is actually quite common to have the breast reconstruction performed in conjunction with the mastectomy. This not only reduces the trauma and psychological effects from having the breasts removed, but it also removes the expense and discomfort of having two separate surgeries.

It is also possible to do a breast reconstruction months or even years after a mastectomy – provided chemotherapy and radiation treatments have been completed. Consult with a doctor to find out what timing will be right for you if you wish to undergo this procedure.

Breast reconstruction is a fairly common procedure and can work wonders in improving the appearance and feelings of a woman regarding her physical well-being. Undergoing this procedure will ensure that you can feel and look as healthy as possible, and return to a relatively normal life after your battle with cancer. This type of procedure can and should empower women to feel their best, and continue on to conquer their every day lives.

Endoscopic Brow Lifts

endoscopic brow lift Technology has provided many advances in all different types of surgical procedures. One of these new technologies, called the endoscope, has been the key development in this trend. It helps surgeons in nearly every specialty, which includes plastic surgery. With this new technology comes a less invasive procedure.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for this procedure?

Surgeons examine the face as a whole to better determine which procedures should be put into place to create the most balanced natural appearance. When evaluating the face for any procedure, the face is typically divided into three zones: face/neck, brow, and eyes. As these techniques and technologies advance, the analysis of the face became more complex and changed relationships between these zones. If a brow lift is being considered, the upper region of the face will be examined, as well as the face and neck to determine what effects the procedure may have. Just because a brow can be raised does not mean it should be. Consider the following if you wish a brow surgery to be done:

  • Your brows are low from heredity or from changes associated with aging
  • You wish to improve the symmetry of your eyebrows
  • You wish to change the shape of your eyebrows
  • You wish to remove the static wrinkles from your eyebrows
  • You wish to decrease the function of muscles in the brow that cause dynamic wrinkling.
  • You wish to remove excess skin from above your eyes

How is this procedure done?

A scope with a xenon light is the most commonly used endoscope. This will provide a small incision size that is very minimal comparatively. It will also provide adequate light to see what is being done underneath the instrument. A wide variety of instruments are used in this procedure.

Several small incisions are typically made just behind the hairline. This is then done to lift the skin above the brows just enough to improve their appearance. If one has a high hairline or is balding, the incisions or scars can be well placed within a forehead crease.

Fixation may be required in order to keep the brows in place. This type of procedure simply means that titanium screws can be placed in the hairline to hold the skin and bones in place. However, these procedures can be done and successful without fixation, but are far less predictable.

As with any medical procedure, be sure to consult your doctor before you undergo this surgery. While less invasive with the endoscopic tools, it may still be very painful post-op. Talk to your doctor to see if you are a good candidate, and to learn more about the procedure and techniques associated with this surgery. This surgery is approved by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and can be very successful in creating that beautiful, high-brow look you are going for.

Reynolds Reconstruction can help you with your Endoscopic Brow Lifts in Las Vegas. Contact us today to learn more.

 

Understanding Skin Cancer

skin cancer las vegasSkin cancer is a common condition in the United States and the world today. This article will explain more about skin cancer and what it is.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer, commonly known as Melanoma, involve abnormal changes in cells on the outer layers of the skin. This type of cancer is by far the most common type of cancer in the world, which makes up for about 75% of all cancer diagnoses. Most cases are cured, but this disease is a major health concern because it affects so many people. The incidence of skin cancer is rising, even though in most cases it could be prevented by limiting the skin’s exposure to UV radiation.

This type of cancer is about three times more common in men than in women, and the risk increases as one gets older. Most people who are diagnosed with skin cancer are between ages 45 and 54, although many forms of the disease are often found in those of younger age. If you or any close relatives have had skin cancer, you are more likely to get the disease.

Every skin tumor in time becomes visible on the  skin’s surface, making skin cancer the only type of cancer that is almost always detectable in the early stages, which makes it easier to diagnose and treat quickly, and gives a better chance of a full recovery.

What causes skin cancer?

Excessive exposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer, as well as the most commonly known cause. Sunlight contains ultraviolet rays that can alter the genetic material in skin cells, which cause mutations. Sunlamps, X-rays, and tanning booths can generate rays that damage skin. These can also cause malignant cell mutations. Most carcinomas are linked to prolonged and chronic sun exposure. Melanoma is more associated with infrequent exposure that causes sunburns that scorch. One blistering sunburn during ones childhood can double a person’s risk for developing melanoma later in life.

As well, fair-skinned people are more susceptible to skin cancer, because they are born with less melanin in their skin, which causes them to have less protection from the sun. People with many freckles or moles may also be very susceptible to melanoma.

Skin cancer is a very difficult condition, but if caught early, can be treated quickly and usually presents good chances for a proper recovery. Seeing a plastic surgeon for skin cancer treatment is a wise idea, simply because they can help detect problems early on and provide diagnoses for the problems. This also allows for proper reconstructive surgery if necessary. This type of surgery may be required if the melanoma is over a large portion of the skin that needs to be removed, or if there are other symptoms that may change the appearance of the body after it is removed.

Talk to your doctor today if you are concerned you have skin cancer. If you think you might, you may need to get it removed immediately. As well, it is imperative that you start now to protect yourself from prolonged sun exposure.

To learn more about skin cancer, click here.

 

Cleft Palate Repair

cleft lip and palate las vegasAlong with the common problem of a cleft lip, there is also something called the cleft palate. This can form in the same way as the cleft lip – in which there is not enough tissue present in a developing baby, so the palate does not close together properly. Unlike the cosmetic problems associated with a cleft lip, there are other, more serious problems associated with cleft palate. This article will explain those, and how to repair this issue.

What is a cleft palate?

Unlike a cleft lip, a cleft palate is an opening inside the mouth. This occurs on the roof of the mouth – either in the soft palate or the hard palate. The soft palate is the soft back portion of the roof of the mouth, while the hard palate is the bony portion in the front of the mouth.

Are cleft lip and cleft palate related conditions?

Cleft palate and cleft lip are separate conditions. This is due to the fact that the lip and the palate develop separately. Because of this, it is possible to have a cleft lip without a cleft palate, a cleft palate without a cleft lip, or both occurring at the same time.

How is this condition repaired?

Repair of a cleft palate typically requires multiple surgeries over the course of the child’s early to adolescent years. It may take several reconstructions over 18 years to completely correct the problem. The first surgery is performed when the baby is about 6 to 12 months old. In this surgery, a functional palate is created, which reduces the chance that fluid will develop in the middle ears, and also aids the proper development of teeth and facial bones.

Because a cleft palate is essentially a condition in which the bones are missing, children with this condition may need a bone graft when they are about 8 years old to fill in their upper gum lines. This is because without those missing bones, the jaw may not be able to support permanent teeth and may also be very unstable.

Another problem associated with cleft palate is a speech impediment. Because of this, some children may require a further surgery to help improve their speech. Speech is very difficult when part of the palate is missing. Braces may also be needed to help improve the appearance of your teeth.

This condition is something that is difficult for children all throughout their lives. It not only causes cosmetic issues, but it harms the ability to speak the ability to have proper bone structure, and a variety of other things. Luckily, modern medicine has gained advancements in reconstructive surgery that can improve quality of life for children with this issue. Cleft lip and palate repair in Las Vegas is a great option for improving your overall quality of life and creating that healthy feel you need to in order to feel good about yourself. Not only will this surgery correct cosmetic issues, but it will improve the ability to digest food and speak properly. Talk to your doctor today about this surgery for you or your child.

To learn more about cleft palates, click here.

 

Understanding Cleft Lips

cleft lip and palate repair in las vegasCleft lip is a common problem in infants. While it is an unfortunate condition cosmetically, there are other complications that may result from a cleft lip. This article will help to explain what they are, and what you can do about them.

What is a cleft lip?

A cleft lip is a facial malformation that may occur very early in pregnancy, while the baby is still developing inside the mother. This comes when there is not enough tissue in the mouth or lip area, and the tissue that is available does not join together properly. This is a separation or physical split of the two sides of the upper lip and appears as a narrow opening or gap in the skin of the upper lip. It is dangerous, because in some cause this separation can extend beyond the base of the nose, and it includes the bones of the upper jaw or the gums. This can impair breathing, or it can impair proper digestion and mastication of food.

What causes this condition?

Unfortunately, in most cases, the cause of this condition is unknown. They also cannot be prevented while the child is in the womb. It may be even impossible to detect it until the baby is actually born. Most scientist have observed and believe that clefts are due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There also appears to be a greater chance of contracting this condition if someone else in the family has had it previously.

What can be done to treat this condition?

There are a number of different types of things to be done in order to treat this type of condition. Due to the medical and other health problems that can possible result from this malformation, it is important to get it treated as quickly as possible. Plastic surgeons can perform cleft lip and palate repair in Las Vegas, and other doctors can as well. Having this procedure performed by a plastic surgeon is often the best option, because they are not only trained in surgical procedures, but are also trained to make things look the best cosmetically as they can. It is important to find the best doctor to help with this condition.

Other options may need to include orthodontists to straighten or reposition teeth (because they will not be in their proper places due to the displacement of the lip), and an audiologist or speech therapist to help the child with any speech impediments that result from this.

This is a difficult condition to have happen to your child, but there are steps that can be taken that can improve their quality of life. If your child has this condition, contact a doctor and see if they may be able to help you. You want to ensure that your child can have as normal of a life as possible, and fixing this malady with surgery and other techniques is the best thing you can do for them.

To learn more about this condition, click here.