Monday, November 23, 2009

What is MOHS Reconstruction Surgery?

The technique commonly known as MOHS Surgery or MOHS Excision is a method designed by a general surgeon Dr. Frederick Mohs. It is now commonly performed by dermatologists and specialists in MOHS Surgery who have completed additional training in the MOHS technique.

The technique involves a unique form of handling, processing and reading the tissue under the microscope to make sure that the margins of the excision are clear of any cancer cells. It is very reliable and uses very thin, small excisions in a step-wise fashion in order to spare the tissue surrounding the lesion. Normally the technique is used for squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma of the face, and is best used in areas near important structures such as the eyelids, nose, and ears. The MOHS specialist can remove a layer of tissue, and then examine the layer under the microscope while the patient waits, and then remove more tissue as needed.

The MOHS reconstruction can then be performed by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon or by the MOHS surgeon, depending on how complex the defect is. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact Seattle plastic surgeon, Dr. Jeff Scott today.

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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Breast Reduction Surgery in Seattle

Breast Reduction surgery, also referred to as Reduction Mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure meant to reduce breast size and weight through the removal of excess breast tissue, fat and skin. With a breast reduction procedure, the plastic surgeon not only makes the breasts more proportionate to a woman’s figure, but also lifts them.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 114 thousand Breast Reduction surgeries were performed in 2005 on women who had excessively large breasts, conditions also known as Macromastia, Mammary Hypertrophy and Mammary Gigantism. Some girls develop breast overdevelopment (Mammary Hypertrophy) during puberty, while some women develop very large breasts (Gigantomastia) during pregnancy. All of these women chose breast reduction surgery because it was the only way to correct the physical and emotional issues that are caused by excess breast weight. For many women with Mammary Hypertrophy, the mere weight of their breasts makes it impossible to maintain any kind of regular exercise routine.

A woman with "F" cup breasts is carrying approximately six pounds more than a woman with a "D" cup. This additional weight is sustained by the neck, back and shoulders, causing chronic pain in these areas. Many women find relief through strong narcotics and muscle relaxants, leading to physical addiction, and emotional trauma. With these considerations, Mammary Hypertrophy is a physical disability. A Breast reduction procedure can be the answer to these issues for women with overly large breasts.

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