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How can it help?
While best treated early to avoid the complications that could arise with increase in size, there is no urgency in this situation. It is a very different story with an haemangioma, which is first noted as a little red dot, about 3 weeks after birth and increases significantly in size and colour over the next 2 months. If you are concerned about a birthmark on yourself or your child please arrange an initial consultation with Dr Arianayagam who will make an assessment and provide you with recommendations.
Procedure
The traditional approach is one of “waiting and watching” and in a large percentage of cases, the growth stops by 6 months and by 2 years most of the haemangioma has disappeared. However, the problem is the unpredictability of the growth in the first 6 months, with some haemangiomas increasing in size by 1000 times making it too difficult to treat and causing severe problems to the patient and parents. The better approach would be for close monitoring of the problem, and if size increase is noted, for early intervention and removal of the problem with surgery or with laser or IPL treatment. This short-circuiting of a potential major problem is highly recommended to avoid getting into difficult and untreatable situations.
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How can it help?
A mastectomy drastically alters body appearance and can negatively impact self-image. Women who choose to undergo breast reconstruction generally do so to return their bodies to their former shape and regain confidence in their appearance.
When is the right time?
When you have a mastectomy you must make many important decisions during a physically and emotionally challenging time. The first decision is whether to have breast reconstruction at all. If you want to proceed then you must decide whether to have reconstruction at the time of the mastectomy or sometime afterwards.
Immediate reconstruction, done in conjunction with the mastectomy, has the advantage of avoiding a second surgery. No scar tissue has formed from the mastectomy and the remaining breast skin is still stretched to the original size and shape of your breast, so the results of reconstruction are likely to be better.
Delayed reconstruction may be recommended in cases involving intermediate or advanced breast cancer. Sometimes patients opt to wait simply because they need more time to think through their options.
Procedure
Once you have decided to have a breast reconstruction, you need to decide between having your breast replaced with an implant or an autologous tissue flap (your own body tissue). An implant is the most popular option because of the aesthetic appearance and minimal surgery time. Read our article on breast augmentation to find out more about implants.
Autologous tissue flap is a transplant of live skin, fat and muscle from another part of the body (usually the abdomen, buttock, thigh or hip). The advantage of this procedure is that the reconstructed breast remains live tissue, so the body will not reject it.
Grafting techniques are available that can create an areola and nipple. This is often done in a later operation. Once the new breast has been done, the opposite breast may need to be lifted, reduced or augmented to achieve symmetry.
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]]>The post Skin Cancer Laser Removal appeared first on PCLS Coffs Harbour.
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How can it help?
A Carbon Dioxide or CO2 Laser is a “fractionated” laser, which means a single wavelength of light frequency is used, providing greater precision than is possible with a surgical scalpel. Lasers are able to remove certain cancers with minimal scarring, which is obviously welcome particularly in sensitive areas like the lips, nose and face.
The CO2 Laser is also used for facial rejuvenation, to remove general sun damage, age spots and fine lines. By removing unwanted pigmentation and stimulating collagen formation, the treatment will have the welcome side effect of making your skin firmer and fresher looking.
Consultation
During the initial consultation Dr. Arianayagam will carefully and thoroughly examine your skin. We recommend a total body check to ensure that no skin cancers or pre-cancerous spots or lesions remain undetected. If you prefer, Dr. Arianayagam can examine only those spots or lesions that you are particularly concerned about.
He will also ask you a variety of questions about your current health situation, medications, allergies and any past medical treatments, before discussing the options available and his recommendations.
Procedure
CO2 Laser treatments are performed at the Scarba Street Clinic. Depending on the area covered the treatment can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. You will be able to go home soon after your treatment.
Usually only one treatment is required.
Recovery
After treatment you should expect your skin to be red and there may also be some swelling. Some people experience stinging or itching, which subsides after 12-72 hours. After 5-7 days the treated area of skin will dry and peel.
While your skin is healing you will be asked to apply an ointment to the treated area to keep it moist, and to avoid all sun exposure. The downtime will depend upon the depth and breadth of the treatment. Dr. Arianayagam will discuss this during your consultation and at the time of treatment.
Your skin may be temporarily lighter after treatment as a new layer of skin is exposed. It is critical to keep the skin well moisturised and use a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect the new skin.
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