Study: Psychological Well-Being Improves After Breast Reconstruction, Despite Side Effects

Posted on October 26, 2011 by copywriter

A new study in the journal Cancer shows “rapid psychological recovery” in women who had TRAM Flap or DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The study of 51 patients found that after mastectomy and breast reconstruction, significant improvements were reported in patients’ psychological, social and sexual well-being.

Both surgeries obtain the grafted tissue from the abdomen, so lingering abdominal weakness was reported by patients 3 months after the surgery. This came as a surprise to the authors, since surgeons usually expect the side effects to subside after about 8 weeks.

“Maybe there are things we can do before surgery to optimize these patients’ conditions,” suggests the study’s author Dr. Toni Zhong to The Canadian Press. “For example, maybe it’s a good idea for us to have a devoted physiotherapist who can focus on doing abdominal strength training before surgery.”

Despite the side effects on the abdomen, most patients were satisfied with the results of their TRAM or DIEP flap breast reconstruction. “The overwhelming answer was these patients did not regret it and were highly satisfied,” said Dr. Zhong.

Each breast reconstruction procedure has pros and cons to consider. Implants are a popular choice, but do not use natural tissue and often require a future revision procedure. While TRAM and DIEP both use the abdomen as a tissue source, the DIEP procedure spares the abdominal muscle tissue.

When choosing the best technique for your breast reconstruction, seek out a board certified plastic surgeon who is knowledgeable about all techniques.

Read more about breast reconstruction in Bellevue, Washington.

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Anesthesiologist Study: Older Drivers Are Safest After Surgery

Posted on October 24, 2011 by copywriter

After outpatient surgery with anesthesia, older drivers are safer than younger drivers, says a new study released by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

A study of 198 patients tested driving ability with a simulator, before and after outpatient surgery under sedation. Researchers checked for driving violations, swerving and other indicators of poor driving ability.

Swerving and weaving differed little between the two groups, suggesting that the effects of anesthesia had worn off by the time patients were discharged.

The authors also checked how each group, younger and older, managed post-operative pain, and if that affected their driving ability. “We found the amount of pain did not play much importance in the final analysis, but the speed driven did,” said Dr. Asokumar Buvanendran, the lead investigator. “Older patients drove slower and had corresponding better weaving scores because they were able to correct deviations more quickly” he adds.

The researchers suggest that older patients could be more aware of the effects of anesthesia, so they drive more cautiously after outpatient surgery.

According to Buvanendran, as more people undergo ambulatory surgical procedures with short-acting anesthetics, patients are likely to drive before the typical 24-hour waiting period ends. That’s why they decided to perform this research.

Their study was presented at the ASA’s Anesthesiology 2011 meeting in Chicago. The findings have not yet been published in a peer reviewed journal.

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Restylane Lip Augmentation Earns Approval of FDA

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Jamie

restylane lip augmentationPatients may now choose Restylane lip augmentation to treat thin lips, as the injectable has earned FDA approval for the treatment, according to its manufacturer Medicis.

While plastic surgeons in the past had largely used Restylane for its previous FDA approved treatment of lines and wrinkles, this new approval opens up the doors for Restylane lip augmentation. Previously, though it was not FDA approved, plastic surgeons could use the injectable for Restylane lip augmentation, as an off-label treatment.

This announcement comes after the release of findings from a recent study of Restylane lip augmentation treatments. In the study conducted by 12 doctors, it was found that Restylane was “well tolerated and highly effective for lip augmentation for up to six months.”

When measured on several points, researchers found Restylane lip augmentation to be effective and long lasting. The effects of the treatment are said to least up to six months for many patients. Those patients who participated in the study were so pleased with the results of their Restylane lip augmentation, in fact, that 80% of them chose to undergo another treatment after six months.

Restylane is an injectable gel comprised of hyaluronic acid, a key hydrating component of your skin. When injected beneath the surface of your skin at the site of a wrinkle, Restylane provides immediate correction. During a treatment for thin lips, your plastic surgeon will inject a specific amount of the product into your upper and sometimes lower lip. This form of Restylane lip augmentation will provide immediate volume to your lips, creating a larger kissable area.

If you struggle with thin lips, we encourage you to learn more about Restylane lip augmentation in Bellevue. Please join the mailing list of plastic surgeon Dr. Leff to find out about specials on Restylane and other non-surgical treatments.

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How the Economy Affects Choices About Anti Aging Treatments

Posted on October 10, 2011 by copywriter

Two new patient surveys show that many are seeking inexpensive facial treatments, but would prefer to have a procedure with long-lasting results.

The surveys suggest that the recent recession has caused people to delay facial plastic surgery in favor of simpler, but less effective, procedures.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, patients in surveys revealed:

  • Most people would prefer anti-aging treatments with long-lasting results over immediate results
  • Most patients also felt that long-lasting results were more important than cost
  • Physicians however, perceived that patients wanted immediate results, and valued cost saving over long-lasting results
  • 53 percent of respondents considering facial plastic surgery had been affected by the economy in their decision, and many of the same group chose less expensive options or delayed surgery as a result.

Doctors weren’t surprised to find that economic factors have influenced people to choose non-surgical treatments, since recent statistics from ASPS and ASAPS have documented that trend. But the “disconnect” between patient preferences and the physician’s perception was a surprise.

“Contrary to physician views, the survey results suggest that even for nonsurgical facial aesthetic options, treatment plans should focus more on longevity than on immediate impact,” said lead author T. Jonathan Kurkjian, MD, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

“There is an opportunity here to better communicate with patients, discussing the pros and cons of nonsurgical treatments, particularly longevity of these treatments,” added Foad Nahai, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

Sources:

The patient survey was conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and the physician survey was conducted Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation

The full results of the two surveys are published in the article “Impact of the Current Economy on Facial Aesthetic Surgery,” appearing in the September issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

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