Finding Relief From Carpal Tunnel

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hand of person with carpel tunnelWhat is carpal tunnel and how do I get relief?

The carpal tunnel is a tunnel through which nerves, ligaments and blood vessels travel from the wrist to the fingers. In a healthy tunnel, there is plenty of space for everything there to flow comfortably. Carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when this busy tunnel fills with fluid or inflammation which can be caused by a heavily repetitive use of the hands. When the tissue in the wrist becomes inflamed, an individual is likely to experience weakness, pain when using the hands, tingling, aching, or burning. CTS is a painful condition but there are ways to alleviate the pain.

Tips to Treat and Prevent

One thing CTS sufferers commonly share is a vitamin B6 deficiency. Clinical studies at the University of Texas found that the B6 vitamin was a useful treatment for hundreds of patients with the condition. 100mg three times a day is the recommended dosage in combination with a B-complex to prevent an imbalance. Unfortunately, this treatment does not yield overnight results. It can take as long as three months to feel significant relief.

Since carpal tunnel is caused by inflammation, flaxseed is a good treatment option to remedy the condition. The alpha-linolenic acid inside of flaxseed helps to lower the prostaglandin that contributes to inflammation in the body. The tiny seeds also contain lignans that can help neutralize the free radicals that make inflammation worse. A suggested dose is about 30g of ground flaxseed or approximately two tablespoons of flaxseed oil to experience relief.

According to research from the Portland hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Center, overweight individuals are more likely to develop carpal tunnel than individuals who use their hands extensively. The excess weight tends to produce more fluid in the soft tissues of the body, including the wrist. The more fluid there is in the body means more pressure is put on the nerves while restricting oxygen. Participate in regular exercise because this manages your weight and carpal tunnel symptoms like pain, tightness, and clumsiness.

Supplements to try

Before taking part in any supplemental protocol, always consult a doctor to make sure your supplements don’t cause accidental damage to your health.

  • Vitamin C – 500-1000mg three times a day
  • Vitamin E – 200-400IU daily
  • Vitamin B6 – 50-100mg daily
  • Calcium 500mg twice a day
  • Magnesium 250mg twice a day
  • Flaxseed oil – 1 to 2 tablespoons daily
  • A high-potency multi-supplement

Try to Avoid:

  • Cold makes pain and stiffness more likely to occur. Avoid the cold and try to keep the hands warm at all times.
  • Cutting and slicing with knives can create extra soreness. Avoid this by purchase kitchen devices that can help. Some doctors recommend you relax your grip and use tools with wider grips.
  • Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that studies related to the development of CTS symptoms. Stop the intake of the chemical and you should see your symptoms fade within two weeks.

If these treatments don’t bring you relief, schedule a consultation with Dr. Reynolds. He is a board certified plastic surgeon with many years of training and a vast knowledge base. He uses sophisticated surgical techniques and a single port entry for endoscopic carpal tunnel release. For more information about carpel tunnel in Las Vegas, contact 702.410.9800.

Liposuction Procedure Saved This Woman’s Vision

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Liposuction Procedure Saved This Woman’s Vision

Liposuction procedure saves a woman's visionAt the age of 31, a severe headache let Miami resident Julia Matsumoto know she had an underlying problem with her vision called optic neuritis. The condition is caused by the inflammation of the optic nerve and often results in reduced vision in the affected eye. But not even her doctors could expect that the ultimate treatment for this condition would be liposuction.

Liposuction Procedure Cures Vision

Usually, optic neuritis responds to steroids because they can reduce the inflammation that causes damage to the nerves. Matsumoto’s ophthalmologist was confident this treatment would control her declining vision. Unfortunately, the high dose of 100 milligrams per day caused side effects that nearly killed her.

Matsumoto gained over 100 pounds in approximately three months. Surprisingly, detrimental organ and joint damage inside her body were matched by massive stretch marks on the outside of her body. Matsumoto’s doctor couldn’t help but wonder if saving the patient’s vision was important enough to continue placing her life at risk.

It was a heart-wrenching moment when Matsumoto accepted that her declined vision would be permanent. She had to reassure her daughter that she would be able to remember how the little girl looked.

A Miracle Treatment

Instead of giving up, the ophthalmologist continued to look for answers. It was during this quest for alternative treatments that Matsumoto was introduced to Dr. Mark Berman of the California Stem Cell Treatment Center. In his research, he found that fat is loaded with stem cells, which might be able to bring back some of her vision.

In 2011, Matsumoto was able to begin her controversial treatment. After she received liposuction to remove some excess fat from around the abdominal area, the stem cells were separated from the fat and blood. Following this procedure, the concentrated “healing” cells were infused back into her body with an IV.

After only one week, everyone considered Matsumoto’s progress nothing short of a miracle. Four days later, it was noted that Julia felt like a normal mother again, claiming that she had been given a new life. Doctors were then able to successfully wean this young woman off the steroids threatening her life. The treatment is repeated every two months to maintain Matsumoto’s vision.

The cause of optic neuritis is unknown, and what causes a relatively standard treatment such as steroids to turn on a patient is also unknown. It’s exciting that facilities like the California Stem Cell Treatment Center are exploring alternative measures to expand patient options. Unfortunately, stem cell therapies are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, so they are experimental and expensive.

If you are considering a liposuction procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Reynolds. He is a board certified plastic surgeon with many years of training and a vast knowledge base. He has also helped a number of people enhance their confidence with liposuction. He uses sophisticated surgical techniques and technologies to promote safety and aesthetically pleasing results. For more information about a liposuction procedure in Las Vegas, contact 702.410.9800.

Can I Lose Weight From A Tummy Tuck?

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Can I Lose Weight From A Tummy Tuck?

Woman after tummy tuckThere are many different reasons to consider undergoing an abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck. The primary reason is to look and feel good in your own skin. When the skin around the abdominal region is sagging due to excess fat build up, it can be nearly impossible for anyone to feel comfortable inside or outside of their clothes.

While a tummy tuck is a great way to remove the extra fat and skin from the abdominal area, it is not a sufficient method for trying to lose weight. Typical candidates for an abdominoplasty, like post-pregnancy women, non-smokers and people within 25 pounds of their ideal weight, will want to consider all the facts before deciding to have this operation done.

Breaking Tummy Tuck Myths

The idea that a tummy tuck can help you lose a significant amount of weight is a myth. Even the most expertly performedabdominoplasty only firms and tightens the abdomen to a certain extent. This is because the procedure only helps to shed fat and skin from the stomach region. Since that doesn’t weigh much, it is up to you to maintain your new figure with proper diet and exercise.

Choosing to have a tummy tuck should be the last step in a weight loss regimen, not the first. A tummy tuck helps define existing contours by removing the extra few inches that no work out can eliminate. If you have an excess of skin in this area due to pregnancy, tummy tucks are a great option. But it is important to know that a tummy tuck is not a permanent solution when a lifestyle of diet and exercise are not present afterwards.

Tummy Tucks & Liposuction

There is a common misconception that having a tummy tuck means a liposuction treatment is necessary. This isn’t true. Since the purpose behind undergoing abdominoplasty is to create a sleek and slender, streamlined look, your surgeon may suggest the secondary procedure. The two treatments together have been known to shorten recovery time and can help you avoid the need for drainage.

Surgeons suggest waiting a varying period of time after having surgery, giving birth or significant weight loss before recommending having a tummy tuck. This is to allow your weight to stabilize. Once that time has passed, pursuing a tummy tuck procedure can be a viable option to become even more satisfied with the body you’ve earned through hard work and dedication.

If you are considering undergoing an abdominoplasty procedure or any other Las Vegas plastic surgery, Dr. Reynolds may be the right surgeon for you. He has wide array of expertise will make you feel comfortable in choosing the best procedure for you. To schedule a consultation with the best Dr. Reynolds, contact 702.410.9800.

Las Vegas Breast Augmentation

Younger Women Opting For Breast Augmentation

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Breast Augmentation and Younger Women

Breast Augmentation & Breast Implants

Breast Augmentation & Breast Implants

There are a variety of reasons why women choose to undergo breast augmentation procedures. Years can take a toll on the appearance of a woman’s breasts, and some choose to get a breast augmentation to improve their appearance. Recently, more women are getting breast augmentations solely to boost their confidence. A study revealed that women undergoing the procedure are gradually getting younger and younger every year. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 3,325 women under the age of 19 underwent a breast augmentation procedure in 2013. This is a 64 percent increase of young women within the last ten years.

Young Patients Getting Breast Augmentation

There are a variety of reasons why younger women opting for breast augmentation is not so surprising anymore. 25-year-old Lori Rupp is a young adult who got a breast augmentation procedure after college graduation. She gained confidence after getting the procedure, which helped in her search for a career. Rupp stated, “I work out, eat healthy, and try to take care of myself, but there’s only so much you can do for other aspects of your body.”

The procedure has improved her confidence dramatically. Even shopping has become more fun, offering the opportunity to find clothes that suit her new body.She said, “I can feel more comfortable being at the pool in a swimsuit and not worry about thinking I’m a 12-year-old boy.”

Along with Rupp, there are many other young women undergoing breast augmentation procedures. Every year, more and more young women are becoming interested in the procedure. Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. William Adams explained that his patients are now falling in the demographic of 18-to-26 years old.

Adams stated, “They’re young. They’re going to live a long time. There’s potential for having to replace the implant or having to do other surgeries. There could be unexpected risks and complications. All that has to be discussed.”

Lifespan of Breast Augmentations

The average lifespan of a breast augmentation procedure is about 10 years—from either wanting to upsize, having a leak in the implant, needing a breast revision, or patients suffering from capsular contracture. Overtime, they usually need to be replaced.

When younger women choose to undergo the procedure, they need to be carefully screened. Plastic surgery is a major decision, no matter what procedure a young woman chooses to undergo. They need to be getting the procedure for the right reasons.

Age does play a major role in breast augmentation, as both types of implants aren’t available to women at the same age. Women have to be at least 18 years old to get saline implants, but are required to be at least 22 years old to get the silicone implant.

If you are considering a breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Reynolds. He is a board certified plastic surgeon with many years of training. He has helped a number of women enhance their confidence with a breast augmentation procedure. He uses sophisticated surgical techniques and technologies to promote safety and aesthetically pleasing results. For more information about breast augmentation in Las Vegas, contact 702.410.9800.

Botox a Fix for “Gummy” Smiles?

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Botox a Fix for “Gummy” Smiles?

Girl without a gummy smile

52-year-old Susanna Miller-Pence didn’t feel comfortable smiling. It wasn’t because of her teeth, but the appearance of her gums bothered her. Every time she smiled, her upper lip was up so high thata large portion of her gums was exposed. This gave her a gummy smile, which she was not a fan of it. Miller-Pence stated, “The doctor explained that my gums were longer than my teeth, so the dimensions weren’t right.”

In 1999, Miller-Pence had an operation to remove the extra gum tissue, which is known as a gingivectomy. Just one month later, she couldn’t stop smiling. Finally, she didn’t have a gummy smile.

What causes gummy smiles?

There are a variety of reasons why people have gummy smiles. The most common reasons include having a short upper lip, excessive gum tissue or small teeth. Unfortunately, all of these problems are hereditary. Ideally, a smile should only show about two millimeters of gum.

Dr. Stan Heifetz, New York cosmetic dentist, stated, “Anything over three to four millimeters of gum showing starts to look gummy.”

Dentists, plastic surgeons and dermatologists have all done research on the matter. Nearly all the participants agreed that two millimeters or less of gum tissue produced the most normal smiles. Participants of the studies began noticing excessive gum tissue at three millimeters, and most people felt that over four millimeters was too much. Doctors concluded that approximately 14 percent of women and 7 percent of men have gummy smiles.

Dr. Jessica Suber, a physician in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth, stated, “I believe the incidence is probably higher than we think, but we specialists just see and count the ones we treat, which are on the low side since not many people come to the doctor and ask about treatments for this. It’s something a lot of patients aren’t aware of.”

Botox as a Solution

Years ago, surgery was the only option to treat the problem. This is a very painful and costly solution. Fortunately, a study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal from March found that Botox could eliminate the appearance of a gummy smile.

Botox does provide a more cost efficient alternative to surgery. Typically, Botox costs a couple hundred dollars. The surgery that Miller-Pence underwent cost her $15,000, which is not covered by insurance. Botox is also a safer alternative.

Unfortunately, the use of Botox to correct a gummy smile will only work if the problem is in the lips. If the problem is in the bone, surgery would be the only option.

An exact number of operations done to correct gummy smiles are hard to determine, as most patients that undergo the procedure will combine it with other medical treatments. From 2005 to 2006, the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute estimated that 569,160 gingivectomies were performed.

If you suffer from a gummy smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Reynolds. If the problem is in your lips, he can fix it by injecting Botox. He is a board certified plastic surgeon so you can be sure he will produce aesthetically pleasing results. For more information about plastic surgery in Las Vegas, contact 702.410.9800.