January 2010 Glossary Archive
Monday, January 18, 2010
How Hymenoplasty is Performed
Hymenoplasty is a procedure that helps women in Orlando, Florida and throughout the country reattach the skin membrane that covers the opening of the vagina. This procedure is considered by some to be a 'revirginization' and has sparked controversy around the world. Some groups see it as deceptive or a form of female genital-mutilation. Some women turn to this procedure for religious, cultural or social purposes or to keep their past sexual lives discreet once they are married. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has voiced its concern about the procedure, but has not taken a stand on either side of the fence.
The hymen is a ring-like skin membrane that is located in the lower third of the vagina. The hymen may break upon sexual intercourse, by falling, the use of tampons or by other means. When it does tear, it often tears in several places, which may cause bleeding and pain.
Vaginal surgery has grown more and more popular in recent years. Surgeons are noticing that they are performing more vaginal surgeries than before and women are turning to these procedures to correct certain conditions or to suit their own needs or those of their lover's. With a variety of vaginal surgeries performed today, women interested in learning more should contact a medical professional at a reputable clinic in the area.
Controversial or not, hymenoplasty is a rather simple procedure. A surgeon will use dissolvable stitches to reattach the skin membrane that had once covered the opening of the vagina. When it is once again broken, it will cause pain and blood loss. A local anesthetic is used for patient comfort and no hospitalization is required following this procedure.
Patients are often in recovery for about six weeks. Infection and fever are complications that have been associated with this procedure, although they are rare and risk is minimal. There is also the small possibility of over-recession, which may cause pain during intercourse. Patients are encouraged to discuss hymenoplasty in further detail with a medical professional in the Orlando area for more information regarding patient recovery.
Surgeons may not perform the procedure for women who have already undergone childbirth. Most hymenoplasty surgeries are performed at the request of a woman trying to satisfy certain religious, cultural or social norms or expectations. Women are encouraged to discuss their candidacy for this procedure with a medical professional experienced in the field.
Learn more about hymenoplasty in Orlando, Florida.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Will LAP Band Help Me Lose Weight?
Losing weight has become the focus for many patients in Los Angeles, California and throughout the nation. Those interested in safely shedding pounds are strongly encouraged to speak with a medical professional before jumping into any diet or exercise program. In addition to nutritional programs and exercise regimens, many patients have successfully lost weight through procedures performed by a cosmetic physician or surgeon. LAP Band is a restrictive procedure that utilizes an adjustable band and a balloon to help patients lose weight.
The balloon is connected to a band around the upper part of the stomach. A reservoir is then placed under the skin which is used to inflate the balloon, adjusting the gastric band around the stomach. If the balloon is inflated, the band restricts, limiting the amount of food that is able to get in the stomach. If the balloon is deflated, the band loosens and the amount of food allowed in the stomach at a given time is increased. Patients, with the assistance of a physician, are able to adjust the amount of food allowed in their stomach, thus controlling weight loss.
One of the benefits of LAP Band is that it does not alter the anatomy of the stomach on a permanent basis, unlike some procedures. It also does not cause severe nutritional deficiency and is considered safer than gastric bypass based on these factors. This procedure may not help patients lose as much weight as they may lose with gastric bypass, however. Interested patients are encouraged to speak with a medical professional for more information and to determine if this procedure is right for them.
Some patients have reported requiring additional procedures to correct problems resulting from complications with the adjustable band. However, many patients have reported their weight related problems as improving. These include sleep apnea, type II diabetes, asthma and hypertension. The degree of improvement may be less than with gastric bypass, however.
Patients are encouraged to discuss the possible risks associated with LAP Band before undergoing the procedure. Possible risks include the band eroding into the stomach wall, the band moving or slipping or the port leaking or twisting which may require an additional operation.
What attracts patients to this procedure is the fact that it may be reversed and may be adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of food allowed in the stomach. Patients lose an average of about 47% of excess weight as a result of this procedure, though individual results vary.
Overweight patients who would like to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of LAP Band and other weight loss procedures are encouraged to speak with a medical professional. They are advised to locate a reputable clinic and a knowledgeable weight loss specialist who can help them make the best decision.
Learn more about the Lap Band in Los Angeles, California.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Breast Augmentation Basics
Those in Chicago, Illinois interested in cosmetic treatment are often faced with several options. While most patients know what ends they are looking for, they may be unsure of the possible means for getting there. Consulting a cosmetic physician at a reputable clinic is very important in learning about all of the treatments and procedures available in achieving a particular cosmetic goal. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures in the cosmetic industry. Women interested in this procedure are often seeking larger breasts, more symmetrical breasts or breast reconstruction following loss of tissue in the breast, possibly resulting from a mastectomy.
Breast augmentation is often referred to as breast enlargement. Women are often able to achieve a more streamlined figure as a result of this procedure and should speak to a cosmetic surgeon at a reputable clinic in their area for more information about desired results. Women are encouraged to discuss the entire procedure with a cosmetic surgeon and go over any possible risks or compilations associated with the procedure. Once both the patient and the surgeon are on the same page, they may begin discussing the specifics about the individual procedure.
Either general or local anesthetic is used in this procedure. Patients should discuss their particular needs or desires with the surgeon performing the procedure to determine which type of anesthesia may suit them the best. Once the patient has been anesthetized, incisions are made. The incision is made either below the breast, on the nipple, on the armpit or around the navel. Like all aspects of the procedure, patients should consult a cosmetic surgeon to discuss risks associated with each incision location and the likelihood of scarring at each location.
The implants are then inserted through the incision either in front of or behind the pectoral muscle. Implants inserted behind the muscle may be at less risk of the body rejecting the implants than those inserted in front of the muscle. The precise location of the implants will vary depending on the patient. To ensure satisfaction and a healthy recovery, patients are strongly encouraged to discuss breast augmentation with a physician in detail.
The degree of recovery involved in breast augmentation will vary depending on which type of anesthesia was used. If a general anesthetic was used, patients generally go through a more involved recovery period. Those who opted for a local anesthetic often have an easier recovery. The breasts may be sore immediately following surgery and bandages and drains may be used to protect the incision sites and to get rid of excess fluids.
A compression garment is often used to promote healing, for support and to help minimize swelling. Ice may be applied to the incision sites for a few days following treatment and a support bra may be required 24 hours a day for several weeks. For the first few weeks, patients should not lift their arms above their head and should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activities, including sexual activity.
Patients will be provided with specific recovery instructions that they should follow strictly. Any tampering with or rushing of the recovery process may have negative effects and could potentially slow healing time.
Infection is one of the risks associated with any surgery. The risk of infection is often reduced by taking antibiotics. There is also the possibility that the breasts stretch or change in unattractive ways following surgery. Scar tissue may also form after surgery, which may cause the breast to feel firmer than normal or may distort the breasts. Breast implants may also affect breast cancer screenings or make them more difficult. Other risks have also been associated with this procedure and should be thoroughly discussed with a cosmetic surgeon in the Chicago area.
Learn more about breast augmentation in Chicago, Illinois.
Monday, January 04, 2010
The Purposes and Possibilities of Liposuction
In Miami, Florida and in other parts of the nation, many patients inquire about liposuction and whether it will help them lose weight. Contrary to what many people believe, liposuction is not a magical fix for obesity and is not considered a substitute for weight loss. In most cases it is intended for healthy individuals with body contouring needs. Patients interested in body contouring should discuss liposuction with a cosmetic physician while patients interested in weight loss may be encouraged to discuss other options.
The procedure may be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures to be discussed with a physician. To begin any cosmetic endeavor, patients should consult with a cosmetic physician at a reputable clinic in the Miami area. During a consultation patients should discuss any medical conditions that may be present and their goals. Once the patient and physician are on the same page, they may begin developing a treatment plan.
Patients considered the best candidates for liposuction are healthy individuals of average weight who have good skin elasticity. Older patients with poor skin elasticity may not experience the same results as a younger individual with tighter skin. Patients with diabetes, heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation and patients who have recently undergone surgery in areas close to the part of the body being contoured may not be considered ideal candidates.
To perform liposuction, the patient is placed under a general anesthetic. If the area being treated is small, a local anesthetic may be used along with an intravenous sedation. Patients should discuss this with a physician.
Small incisions are then made in conveniently placed skin folds to avoid overly noticeable scars. In the tumescent liposuction technique, the surgeon will use saline containing a numbing agent (Lidocaine) and adrenaline. The adrenaline is meant to temporarily constrict blood vessels to prevent bleeding during and after the procedure.
Once this is injected, a metal tube connected to a plastic tube connected to an aspirator machine (cannula) is passed around the treatment area. This assists in breaking down the fat cells which are then removed from the body. Only the layer of fat between the skin and underlying muscle should be removed to prevent large indentations in the skin. Patients are encouraged to discuss the procedure in greater detail with a medical professional so that they fully understand what they should expect.
Some patients are able to return home the same day following the procedure, while others may require an overnight stay in the hospital or clinic. A drainage tube may be used to aid in the draining of excess fluids at the incision sites. To best promote healing, compression garments may be required for several weeks. If necessary, pain medication may be prescribed. Patients should discuss specific recovery guidelines with a medical professional and should follow their instructions. Trying to speed up recovery may actually slow down the healing process.
Risks are inherent with almost any surgical procedure and should be discussed with a knowledgeable physician. Possible compilations include irregularities of the skin, seromas, hematomas, focal skin necrosis, allergic reaction to certain drugs, scarring, discoloration of the skin, fainting during or after surgery and temporary bruising, numbness or nerve injury. More serious complications are rare but may include anesthesia problems, blood clots in the legs or lungs, injury to certain organs, excessive IV fluids, excess loss of blood or body heat, infections, serious allergic reactions, heart attack and permanent nerve damage.
Patients are encouraged to discuss all possible risks and complications with a knowledgeable physician. Learn more about Liposuction in Miami, Florida.
