Understanding Cleft Lips

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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.

 

lip augmentation las vegas

Lip Augmentation Surgery

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lip augmentation las vegas

Lip augmentation is a procedure that is used by a lot of people today in Las Vegas in order to get a fuller, plumper look in the lips. It is a relatively safe procedure and can be done with or without surgery. This article will explain more in depth about what to expect when considering lip augmentation.

What is lip augmentation?

To put it simply, lip augmentation is a procedure that will give you fuller, and plumper lips. A common way this is accomplished is through an inject-able filler placed into the lips. These fillers are known as “dermal fillers” and can be injected either directly into the lips, or around the mouth. The most common fillers that are injected are made of substances that are typically found in the body. A previously used agent, Collagen, is used less often today, because there are more dangers associated with it, and the newer compounds have proven more effective, as well as less dangerous.

These types of fillers can improve the following characteristics of the lips:

  • Volume
  • Shape
  • Structure

Unfortunately, these injections do not last forever, but typically for about 6 months. After the effects have worn off, more injections can be done to maintain the look you desire in your lips.

What are the benefits of these injections?

  • The amount can be carefully controlled. Because it is being directly injected into your skin, your doctor can measure carefully how much he places in the area, and thus can control how much lip volume is created.
  • The treatment can be given gradually. These can be given during different appointments, thus allowing the desired results to be achieved and look like a more natural process.
  • Less bruising. Because this is a natural substance found in the body, it is likely that there will be less bruising than with other fillers.

What are the risks?

Common side effects and risks include:

  • Swelling and bruising
  • Bleeding from sites of injections
  • Tenderness and Redness at injection sites

Some other known possible serious side effects may include:

  • Lip asymmetry (parts of your lips are different sizes)
  • Infections
  • Allergic reactions causing itching, swelling, and redness
  • Severe and prolonged bruising

If you experience any of these symptoms or develop a fever, call your doctor immediately to seek attention.

Lip augmentation can be a great procedure that can enhance the appearance of lips, but it may not be right for you. Be sure to consult your doctor before undergoing this procedure. Fortunately, the possible bad side effects will simply go away on their own after a while. Just like the treatment will need to be repeated, this is also true about the side effects. There are not likely any serious complications from this procedure, yet it is still wise to do your research before deciding to undergo it yourself. Be sure to find a doctor in whom you can trust to give you the best care possible, and to make sure you are a good candidate.

 

Gynecomastia Surgery

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Picture of a man without shirt

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia is a condition that affects males. While not life threatening or harming, it may cause harm to one’s self esteem if suffering from this condition. This article will shed some light on this condition and how to treat it.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is known as the benign enlargement of the male breast tissue. Over 50% of males have some breast development during puberty. This may also arise as an abnormal condition that is associated with another disease, such as metabolic disorders, side effects of medication, or Klinefelter syndrome. It may also be caused by a decrease of testosterone production in older males.

What are some common causes?

  • Aging. Hormone changes always occur with normal aging. A common change is a decline in testosterone levels, which can cause gynecomastia. This is typically found in men aged 60 and older.
  • Endocrine tumors. Testicular tumors such as leydig cell tumors or sertoli cell tumors may result in this condition. Other tumors can produce hormones that alter the male-female hormone balance and cause gynecomastia.
  • Hyperthyroidism. When this condition is present, the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine and influences the levels of sex hormones. This can cause gynecomastia, but it may return to normal after the hormones are regulated.
  • Kidney failure. Patients with this condition often experience a state of malnutrition, which may contribute to development of gynecomastia. There may also be a hormonal imbalance due to the suppression of testosterone production and damage to testicular areas.
  • Liver failure. When this condition is present, the liver’s ability to metabolize hormones such as estrogen may be impaired. If alcoholic liver disease is present, there may be a further risk of developing gynecomastia.

Treatment of Gynecomastia

If this condition has been present for more than one year, then surgery is usually required in order to remove the glandular breast tissue. This is similar to a mastectomy procedure that is done in female breast-cancer patients. Some complications may include hematoma, surgical wound infection, breast asymmetry, changes in breast sensation, noticeable or painful scars, or contour deformities.

Many cases of this condition may resolve without a treatment, though medical treatment is effective in most cases. If there are severe cases in which the breast tissue has become scarred, surgery can help restore a normal-looking appearance. This condition is not typically associated with long-term problems.

Risks of this condition

Men with gynecomastia five times more likely to develop male breast cancer, in comparison to the rest of the population. Gynecomastia itself is not a precancerous condition, but the hormonal changes that are present in men when they develop this condition may also increase their risk of developing breast cancer.

Gynecomastia is an embarrassing condition for most men and it is understandable that they would want to correct it if at all possible. Surgery is a great option, but there may be other treatments that are less invasive that get the job done as well. It is important to consult your doctor before deciding surgery is the only option. While it may be a very effective option, you might be able to do something easier in order to solve this condition.

For more information about gynecomastia surgery, contact us today at 702.410.9800.

 

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

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Carpel Tunnel Release Surgery

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Carpal Tunnel syndrome is a fairly common condition. What most do not realize, is that is also common for plastic surgeons to do surgical procedures to correct complications that arise from this syndrome. This article will explain what this surgery is, and what to consider before undergoing this procedure.

What happens during surgery?

During carpal tunnel release surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut which releases pressure on the median nerve and relieves symptoms of carpal tunnel.

The doctor will make an incision at the base of the palm. This will allow him to see the transverse carpal ligament. After the ligament is cut, the skin will be closed with stitches. The place where the ligament was cut is left alone and will fill up with scar tissue.

Carpal Tunnel surgery is an out-patient procedure, which means you typically do not need to stay overnight in the hospital. You should be able to go home on the same day.

What can I expect after surgery?

After the surgery is complete, the hand will be wrapped. The stitches will stay in place and will be removed 10 days to 2 weeks after the surgery. The pain and numbness that are caused by carpal tunnel syndrome may go away right after the surgery, or take several months to completely be relieved. Doctors will typically recommend that you avoid heavy use of your hand for up to three months after the surgery.

When you return to work can depend on whether the dominant hand was involved, what you do with your hands at work, and how much effort you put into physical therapy.

How do I know if I should consider this surgery?

You should consider this surgery if:

  • Tumors or other growths need to be removed
  • There is damage to the median nerve, which is shown by the test results and loss of hand or finger function.
  • Symptoms are still present after a long period of treatment other than surgery. Surgery is not typically considered until after several weeks to months of non surgical treatment. This also assumes that you are having ongoing symptoms but no nerve damage. Nerve damage would always make surgery more urgent.
  • Severe symptoms such as persistent loss of coordination in fingers or hand, or no strength in the thumb that restrict normal daily activities.

Does it work?

After surgery, most people don’t have symptoms of pain and numbness. In other patients, these symptoms are greatly lessened and make it easier to do everyday activities.

In some cases, the pain and numbness may return after surgery, or there can be temporary loss of strength when gripping or pinching an object. If the muscles in the thumb have been weakened severely, hand strength and function may be limited even after surgery is completed.

What are the risks?

The risks involved with this surgery are actually very low. Major problems such as nerve damage happen in less than 1% of surgeries. There is a small risk that these nerves may be damaged during surgery. As well, recovery may be slower than other types of surgery. There may also be pain in the wrist and hand, as well as tenderness around the scar area.

As with all surgeries, there are always risks. However, this type of surgery is very minor and the benefits seem to outweigh the possible complications. Talk to your doctor today about getting relief from that hand pain.

 

Considering Breast Reduction

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Considering Breast Reduction

Doctor consults with patient about breast reduction in las vegas

Undergoing breast reduction surgery is a difficult decision. If you choose to go through this process, it is typically because you are seeking relief from symptoms that are caused by the weight of large breasts. Reduction of breasts can solve these problems and improve the shape and size of your breasts. After Breast Reduction, your breasts should be more proportional to the rest of your body, and clothes will fit you much better.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for breast reduction?

Below are a few conditions that, if you have them, may make you a good candidate for this procedure.

  • one breast is much larger than the other
  • heavy breasts with areolas and nipples pointing down
  • back, shoulder, or neck pain caused by breast weight
  • skin irritation underneath your breasts
  • breasts that are too large proportionally, compared to your body frame
  • indentations in your shoulders due to bra straps that are too tight
  • dissatisfaction or self-consciousness about the large size of your breasts
  • restriction of physical activity due to the weight and size of your breasts or bra

Breast reduction can be done at any age. However, plastic surgeons typically recommend that waiting until breast development is complete is the best time to do it. Breast-feeding and childbirth may also have unpredictable and significant effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Regardless of this, many women decide to have this procedure done before having children and feel they can worry about any other changes later. If you plan to breast-feed in the future, discuss this with your plastic surgeon before undergoing this procedure.

During the consultation with you doctor, you will be asked about the size of breast you desire. You should also be asked anything else about your breasts that you would like to change or improve. If you do this, your plastic surgeon will be able to more fully understand your expectations and know if they can be achieved.

During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast size as well as anything else about your breasts that you would like to see improved. This will help your plastic surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.

How will I be evaluated for breast reduction surgery?

During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will examine your breasts. He should take measurements and perhaps even photographs to place in your medical record. The shape as well as the size of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of your nipples and areolas will all be documented.

Come to the consultation prepared with information on your medical history. You need to know past medical conditions, medical treatments you have undergone, drug allergies, and previous surgeries and medications you take. Proving complete information is crucial.

You should also inform your plastic surgeon if you plan to lose a large amount of weight, especially if you have noticed a fluctuation in your breast size with weight loss. Your surgeon may recommend you get at a stable weight before you have surgery.

Breast reduction is a great option if you want to reduce pain and other problems associated with breasts that are too large. If you are ready, you can call our office today to set up a consultation at 702.410.9800.