Medical Information: April 2009

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Like canker sores, cold sores also known as fever blisters, can hurt like dickens. But that is where the similarity ends. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are caused by a virus, the herpes simplex virus and usually erupt outside rather than inside your mouth. One more thing, cold sores are highly contagious. Most people acquire the herpes virus in childhood. And most of the time, this silent invader lurks unnoticed in your system, only to flare up when you are under emotional stress, when your resistance is low, or even when you have been exposed to too much sun. You will first feel a burning, itching, tingling, or numbness around the area. Then, you will develop a small blister that ruptures and forms a crust. The pain of a cold sore tends to fade during the first few days, and the sore itself is usually history within 7 to 10 days. However, here are some tips that you can consider to adopt to ease your cold sore.

1. Keep The Cap On The Steroids

It is recommended not to use a topical steroid on a cold sore. Topical steroids can cause the herpes virus to spread.

2. Lick Blisters With Lysine

For an acute outbreak of cold sores, it is recommended to take 1,000 milligrams of the amino acid lysine three times a day. You will find lysine supplements in the vitamin sections of drugstores or health food stores. Lysine supplements can reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks. Once the blisters have healed, take 500 milligrams a day to prevent a recurrence. Consult with your doctor, however, before you take this supplement. In some people, lysine can cause the liver to step up its production of cholesterol.

3. Have Some Cold Comfort

As soon as you feel the telltale tingling, warning you that a cold sore is coming on. Wrap an ice cube in a washcloth and hold it directly on the tingling spot. Ice the area two or three times a day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Remove the cube every 2 minutes for about 15 seconds.

4. Keep The Sore Moist

Dab the cold sore with a lip ointment such as Blistex several times a day. Do not let a cold sore get too dry. It can crack, which can delay healing and increase the pain.

5. Stop The Spread

To keep your family safe, too, you need to guard against common forms of infection. Wash your hands carefully before you touch your eyes or genitals. Anyone with cold sores should use separate silverware, drinking glasses, toothbrushes, and washcloths.

6. Avoid Arginine

If you are prone to cold sores, it is recommended to avoid peanuts, chocolate, cereal grains, gelatine, carob, and raisins. These foods contain an abundance of the amino acid arginine, which promotes the growth of the virus.

7. Zap The Pain With Zinc

It is recommended to apply zinc sulfate ointment to a cold sore every hour it first appears, and then several times a day after that. Zinc sulfate stopped the pain of a cold sore within 2 to 3 hours. And regular use of the zinc greatly reduced the chance of the sores coming back.

posted by Moderator @ 10:12 PM 6 comments

Thursday, April 2, 2009

10 Questions You Should Ask Your Cosmetic Surgeon

More and more people these days are having some type of cosmetic surgery done to enhance or keep their youthful appearance. As with any type of surgery, there are benefits and risks to consider. Before you decide on that face-lift or tummy tuck, you should find a reputable cosmetic surgeon and prepare a list of questions to ask before making a final decision on the procedure. Here are the top ten questions you should ask your cosmetic surgeon:

For your specific needs, what type of procedure would your physician or surgeon recommend?
Although you may think you need liposuction or breast reduction, your physician may determine that the type of procedure you want is not appropriate for you, your body type, or possibly due to other health related issues you might have. Once your doctor has decided on the type of surgery to be performed, make sure the procedure is clearly explained to you: how it will be done, what techniques will be used and what should you expect afterwards.

What is the surgeon's expertise in this type of procedure?
Most cosmetic surgeons have an area of expertise in which they practice. It's important to find a surgeon who is an expert in the field of the type of procedure you will be having done. Ask him about his experience with this type of surgery, what the success rates are, what type of complications he may have encountered, and where the procedure will take place. You should also ask where the surgeon has studied and where he received his training, education or certification.

Ask for brochures, leaflets and websites.
Do not just take the surgeon's word for it; ask for informative brochures, leaflets and websites specific to the type of procedure you are considering before you make such an important decision. If your surgeon is reputable and honest, he will appreciate the fact that you need more information to determine if the surgery is something you want to have done.

What are the risks involved?
Your surgeon should be able to tell you all of the risks involved with the type of procedure you're having done. These risks should include what could happen during and after the surgery. Ask how common the complications are, and if complications do occur, how they will, or can, be treated.

Ask for referrals
Similar to asking for references during a job interview process, you should know what past patients have experienced with the results of the surgery, or the surgeon. A good surgeon will be happy to provide you with a list of his patients who have had the type of surgery that you are considering. If the surgeon denies your request, ask him why. If he is not willing to provide references of past patients, you may want to consider another surgeon.

Ask to see before and after photos.
By seeing real photos of past patients, you will gain a better perspective of what the outcome will be for your specific procedure. It will be helpful to see the differences.

What is the recovery process?
Procedures vary in terms of wound recovery time and length of rehabilitation programs. You should know the long-term program before your surgery to plan for time away from work and household responsibilities. Determine if your procedure will require you to stay overnight at a hospital, or if it will be performed as an outpatient procedure. Ask if medications will be necessary, and how long before you can resume normal routines. Ask your surgeon what to expect, such as bruising or swelling, how long it should last and what to do if the pain or swelling persists after the determined recovery period.

What are the cost or payment options?
Before you decide to have the surgery performed, you should know what your options are for the cost of the procedure. Ask your surgeon how much it will cost, if your insurance will cover the type of surgery you are having done, and if not, are there any financing options available through his practice, or can he refer you to a financing company. If you need to finance your surgery, make sure you know the terms of the contract, the interest rate, how much your monthly payments will be and whether or not you can afford to make those payments each month.

What kind of anesthesia is required for the procedure?
Determine if the procedure will be performed under a local or regional anesthetic and the risks involved. Ask if there are any sedatives or other medications that you will be required to take prior to or after the procedure.

What are my alternatives?
Not everyone is a good candidate for cosmetic surgery and depending on your medical history, you may need to consider an alternative. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with some effective alternatives, or he may refer you to another physician who will be able to best fit your needs.

posted by Moderator @ 5:43 AM 1 comments

Natural Results From Your Facial Plastic Surgery

Our appearance plays an important role in our daily lives. The way we look has a dramatic effect on the way we act and perceive the way people are viewing us. That's why choosing to have facial plastic surgery can be one of the most influential decisions a person will ever make.

A facial plastic surgeon is typically a board certified surgeon who specializes in addressing surgery of the head and neck. These surgeons perform the majority of these elective facial plastic surgery procedures and a wide variety of other procedures. These procedures include:

Blepharoplasty , or surgery of the eyelids. This procedure can correct droopy eyelids that can make you look older and impair your vision.

Facial scar revision . Facial scarring is caused by a wide variety of sources including accidents, surgery, a burn or acne. Successful facial plastic surgery can reduce the signs of some facial scars.

Forehead lifts . Often the first signs of aging begin to appear in the brow and forehead area due to the effects of sun, wind and the pull of gravity. This facial plastic surgery procedure will tighten loose skin and remove the excess forehead wrinkling and drooping.

Mentoplasty , or surgery of the chin. A well-defined chin can have a dramatic effect on one's profile and is often combined with Rhinoplasty, or surgery of the nose, to create facial balance.

Otoplasty , or surgery of the ears. Redefining one's ears can have a powerful effect on self-consciousness and self esteem. Both children and adults can benefit from this relatively straightforward facial plastic surgery technique.

Rhinoplasty , or surgery of the nose. One of the most common requests for facial plastic surgery starts with a request for the nose. Whether it's being unhappy with the nose they were born with, aging or injury, nothing will have a greater impact on your overall appearance.

Rhytidectomy , or surgery of the face. Aging is inevitable. As the years go by, the effects of aging begin to appear on the face and neck, including crow's feet near the corner of the eyes, forehead lines, and folds around the chin and front neck area. Both heredity and personal habits such as sun exposure have a huge impact. Having Rhytidectomy, or a face lift, can improve not only your looks but also your self-confidence.

Wrinkle treatment , or botox injections . The gradual development of facial wrinkles, whether it is fine lines on the surface or deeper creases and folds, can be reduced by this clear-cut procedure.
While results from just one facial plastic surgery procedure can have a dramatic effect on not only the way you look at yourself, but also the way you live your life, the best place to start is with more information. Visit with the staff at a reputable facial plastic surgery center and find out which procedures are right for you.

Labels: Plastic Surgery

posted by Moderator @ 5:40 AM 1 comments

Five Common Questions About Cosmetic Surgery

What makes someone a good candidate for cosmetic surgery?
The answer to this question has several elements. Most importantly, you need to be in reasonably good health without any medical conditions that preclude you from undergoing an elective surgery. Next, you need to have realistic expectations about how cosmetic surgery will improve your appearance. You need to accept that your cosmetic surgery will change a feature of your body – not change your body into someone else's body. You need to approach cosmetic surgery with the goal of making yourself happier with your body and not expect other people to see or treat you differently.

How painful is cosmetic surgery?
Pain is limited or entirely avoided during a cosmetic surgery procedure with local or general anesthesia. During your recovery however, you would typically experience a range of feelings from mild discomfort to some pain, which would be managed with pain medication. The extent of the cosmetic surgery will determine the potential for pain and the time it will take you to recover. A tummy tuck for example, is a cosmetic surgery that affects a larger portion of the body compared to a brow lift. You should also note that pain is typically controlled immediately after surgery with long lasting anesthetics at the surgery site. This process will ease you into recovery. Because of long-lasting local anesthetic commonly used during the procedure and pain medicines taken after the surgery, most people don't complain much about pain.

What age should people be to get cosmetic surgery?
Although some procedures are only applicable to individuals approaching or experiencing middle age, such as a facelift, this does not mean that younger people never get cosmetic surgery. Younger people often get rhinoplasty, breast augmentation or other procedures to change a body feature as opposed to alleviating the effects of aging. As long as you are over age 18, you can freely pursue cosmetic surgery but it would be important for you to seriously consider your motivations and not change something about your body lightly.

What anesthesia is used during cosmetic surgery?
The type of cosmetic surgery you have generally determines the type of anesthesia used but you can discuss your preferences with your cosmetic surgeon. For less-invasive procedures, a local anesthetic that blocks nerve impulses at the site of the surgery combined with a sedative to calm you would be used. General anesthesia, in which you are made completely unconscious and oblivious to pain, is necessary for more extensive surgeries.

Does insurance cover cosmetic surgery?
Usually medical insurance policies do not cover cosmetic surgery. It is an almost universal exemption from insurance coverage. Such procedures as Beverly Hills breast enlargement are simply considered cosmetic and discretionary in nature. However, select policies may pay for plastic surgery costs if the surgery corrects a birth defect that interferes with healthy functioning or to repair the damage left by an injury. For example, there are nasal breathing difficulties that can be corrected with nose surgery, and your insurance policy may cover it. Examining your policy and checking with your insurance company is advised because you can never assume that insurance will cover a cosmetic procedure.
During a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, it is important that you ask whatever questions you like and have all your concerns addressed. You will be investing time and expense into the process, and you need to make sure that you are comfortable with what will be happening.

posted by Moderator @ 5:38 AM 1 comments

Plastic Surgery Cost

By: Tammy Garcia

If you've been thinking about plastic surgery but the idea of plastic surgery cost is holding you back, its time to take the next step. In 2004, over 14.7 million people in the United States had cosmetic or reconstructive surgery and that number is increasing every year. As more people are becoming aware of the different procedures and are comfortable with having the procedures performed, you'll receive the benefits by having top quality doctors at affordable prices.

While plastic surgery costs are usually considered elective and not covered by your regular medical insurance, there a number of ways you can pay for your chosen procedure. Check with your plastic surgery center. Most centers will be able to offer you a variety of ways to cover the plastic surgery costs. To get you started, consider these options.

If you've been with a bank for a number of years and have been a good client, you may decide to open up an unsecured line of credit. If you have considerable equity in your home, you may consider taking a second mortgage out on your existing home. Many financing companies exist that will provide you with healthcare financing. The easiest way to find a reputable company is to check with your plastic surgery center for more information. Before you start arranging your financing options, check with your doctor to find the total cost of the procedure.

Plastic surgery centers typically list their pricing information in one of two ways: the cost of the procedure alone; or the entire cost including the procedure, the anesthesia, and the pre and post operative exams. Keep this in mind if you see drastic differences in listed plastic surgery costs with several businesses. If you have any questions, check with the staff at each location and make sure you understand the complete cost of the surgery.

Also remember that doctors adjust plastic surgery costs based on the number of years they've been in business, the amount of experience they have and the complexity of the surgical procedure. All plastic surgery costs should be fully disclosed and agreed to before the procedure begins.

The easiest way to find out about plastic surgery costs is to contact your local plastic surgery center for a complimentary consultation. All reputable surgeons will provide you with a complimentary consultation to help you understand the procedures, and provide you with information to answer all of your questions

posted by Moderator @ 5:35 AM 1 comments

Benefits of Cosmetic Surgery

The merits of cosmetic surgery are one of the more debated subjects these days. Joining that debate, let's talk about the benefits of cosmetic surgery.

Benefits of Cosmetic Surgery
With its recent increase in popularity, it seems that everyone these days is getting plastic surgery. The most popular procedures – breast augmentation, facelifts and liposuction – all have something in common. All of these procedures seek to create a better look for the patient, as well as conforming to society's standards. Are these procedures really good for the client, or are they just a product of today's unrealistic ideals? Here are some of the benefits of cosmetic surgery that you might not have thought about.

The physical benefits of cosmetic surgery are very obvious to the eye. People who get plastic surgery show benefits that are immediately noticeable, even if at first they may not look beautiful due to swelling and bruising. For example, if a woman undergoes breast augmentation, her larger cup size will be seen right away, even if her breasts have scars or bruises. The same is true for rhinoplasty and most other types of plastic surgery – these physical benefits are right there.

But what about the emotional benefits of plastic surgery? These results can many times be greater than the physical rewards. If you have felt bad about the way you look, due to a flaw such as a nose that you feel is too large or wrinkles that make you feel old, plastic surgery can make you feel better about yourself. While some doctors and psychologists feel that plastic surgery is not the answer to poor self-esteem, if you feel that there is just one area that needs to be corrected on your body, it can be a solution to better emotional wellness.

There are risks to plastic surgery, which are the same risks that you'll find if you undergo any surgery. There's a risk of a reaction to the anesthesia, as well as a chance for infection or other post-surgery complications. Finally, you can be unhappy with the way that your surgery has turned out after healing; you may expect some results that are impossible due to your underlying structure, or your surgeon may not be able to complete the dramatic transformation you're hoping for.

Whether you're going under the knife for a surgery you've always wanted, or if you just want to erase some wrinkles and make yourself feel younger, the benefits of cosmetic surgery are obvious. Be sure to see a certified plastic surgeon for any of your procedures, and think carefully about the results before undergoing any surgery.

posted by Moderator @ 5:34 AM 1 comments