NVPS Blog

Typically, laser treatments are recommended for cosmetic purposes. Lasers may improve the overall texture and tone of the skin, while maintaining a youthful glow.

Current research shows that particular laser treatments can have an impact not only for cosmetic patients; but, for those who have skin cancer, in more surgically sensitive areas such as the face, head, or neck.

Lasers have been used since 1961 to treat skin tumors. Lasers can be used to shrink or destroy the tumor/cells with heat; and, they can activate a chemical known as photosensitizing agent that kills off the cancer cells.

The Carbon Dioxide Laser, commonly referred to as the CO2 laser, has been used to resurface the skin, for mostly cosmetic indications. In recent studies, the CO2 laser has been used to treat and successfully remove skin cancer cells and actinic keratosis (thick, scaly, crusty patches of skin that may lead to cancer) when found, and diagnosed in the early stages.  Actinic keratosis can progress to more aggressive forms of cancer including squamous cell carcinoma, if left untreated.

According to Medical News Today, a study was conducted by Haemi Lee, M.D., and the University of Western Ontario, Canada, to compare the recurrence rate of surgical Lentigo Maligna (LM) removal versus CO2 Laser Ablation.

The article concluded, “Surgical excision is established at the gold standard of LM, complete excision is not always feasible in large lesions of the head and neck. The decision to perform complete excision in the setting of LM, a non-invasive disease, must weight the benefits of excision against the morbidity of the procedure.”

Following the procedure, patients came in for routine follow-up appointments for up to 77 months. The data collected showed, “CO2 laser ablation may be advantageous because it treats large lesions in cosmetically sensitive regions of the head and neck in a short period, with minimal morbidity.”

Here at North Valley Plastic Surgery, our board certified Plastic surgeons, and our board certified Dermatologist, offer safe and effective CO2 laser treatments. Most insurance companies will cover the CO2 laser treatment for cancer patients.

Call us today to schedule your appointment to learn more about how the CO2 laser can benefit you, 480.991.6877.

Arizona Plastic Surgeon Helps with New Year’s Resolutions by Turning Back the Clock

It’s the start of a new year and once again we have a list of resolutions.  Diet and body improvements are on most resolution lists, but sometimes we need a little help to reach our goals.  2012 is the best year yet to make New Year’s Resolutions for your body, because there is so much help available.  Arizona Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Steven Gitt says, “The latest cosmetic tools and techniques are all about giving natural results that people are excited about.  People are afraid of having an “overdone” look, and we don’t want that kind of outcome.  The newest developments in Plastic Surgery technology have improved our offerings so much in the past few years that patients are blown away with what is possible.”

An example of how far cosmetic procedures have advanced is Ulthera in Phoenix. Ulthera is often referred to as the ultrasound facelift because it uses concentrated  ultrasound energy to tighten deep layers of skin.  A recent Ulthera patient Jennifer S. says that “[They] turned on the machine and I could feel my skin tightening up.  It’s just the subtle difference I wanted so that people notice the improvement but not so much that they think I had something dramatic done.”  North Valley Plastic Surgery usesUlthera for legs, Ulthera for breasts, Ulthera for arms, Ulthera for thighs and buttocks, and any other area the patient wants.  With one treatment the skin normally reaches it maximum tightness within three months and lasts for at least a year and longer. The discount price Ulthera treatments allows patients to try out Ulthera for as little as $250 for an eyebrow lift.

Another dramatic improvement in plastic surgery for 2012 is SLIM Lipo in Arizona. Previous types of liposuction in Arizona only suctioned out a certain percentage of fat cells. SLIM Lipo, the best kind of laser assisted liposuction, has a specific laser wavelength that liquefies fat cells and tightens the overlying skin.  The laser is guided by the surgeon that can shape body parts and contours to perfection.  With this method, more fat can be removed from the body than any other method.  Dr. Gitt says, “There are no fat cells or “problem areas” that can hide from our lasers!”

For patients interested in facial rejuvenation procedures, the Lifetime Lift^TM is a popular choice in 2012.  The Lifetime Lift^TM is a lower facelift that makes a person look ten years younger.  The procedure is the brainchild of the board certified plastic surgeons at North Valley Plastic Surgery.  It is the result of decades of experience with other procedures of the face.  The Lifetime Lift^TM is in no way associated with the Lifestyle Lift^TM in Arizona which is a copyright of Lifestyle Holdings.  It’s less expensive than the traditional facelift in Arizona but gives the same skin tightening in Arizona and similar results.  Dr. Gitt explains, “Patients love that the Lifetime Lift^TM can be performed without general anesthesia and there is a fast recovery time.  The procedure gives such great results that many Lifetime Lift^TM patients cause many of their friends and family to come in for consults.  Lifetime Lift patients are walking billboards….it’s amazing!” Lifetime Lift^TM, unlike Lifestyle Lift^TM (which is performed by non-Plastic Surgeons in an office examination room, a much less sterile and less safe setting), is only, and exclusively, performed by board certified plastic surgeons in the safety of a modern and well equipped operating room

At 6pm, January 26^th, 2012 there will be Lifetime Lift seminar.  RSVP here.

There has never been a better time than 2012 to look into making a safe and reliable cosmetic improvement for you.  North Valley Plastic Surgery is a group of board certified plastic surgeons, a dermatologist, two nurse injectors, and three estheticians who can perform virtually every plastic and reconstructive surgery imaginable.   North Valley Plastic Surgery offers complimentary cosmetic surgery consultation.   Our surgeons perform a variety of insurance plastic surgery and insurance reconstructive surgery cases.  Call 480-304-5477 or visit the website online at www.NVPSAZ.com.  North Valley Plastic Surgery’s January specials can be found here.

Why Consider Lip Augmentation?

Lips have a huge impact on the rest of the face.  They move constantly when we talk, smile, or show expression.  They can be covered and outlined by makeup but that can only do so much.  Genetics gave us the lips that we’ve got and that’s it, right?  Well, maybe back in 1912 we had to accept our lips the way they were but this is 2012! Lip augmentation has come a long way in the last 100 years.

Lip enhancements have been ubiquitous in tribal communities since antiquity.  Right or wrong, there is something primal about lips that exude a since of fertility, sensuality, and sexuality.  Western cultures have tried to enhance the lips with bizarre concoctions of paraffin wax and other materials will little success.

It wasn’t until the 1980’s when people started modern techniques using collagen lip injections. The problem with collagen was that it didn’t last long and some people were allergic to it.   When proper precautions were taken, the patient would have to wait about a month for the allergy test results to get back before her first injection.  The world would have to wait several more decades before there was something better for lip augmentation.

Subsequent studies of molecular structures related to lip enhancement led to the use of hyaluronic acids that are still in use today.  Hyaluronic acids are naturally occurring in the body so they can be used in patients even if they have allergies.  Hyaluronic acids last anywhere from six months to a year so they are have outstanding longevity.

The success of hyaluronic acids have led to their wide spread use by unqualified medical personnel.  This has led to horror stories freighting to the general public about lip injections.  Susan, R.N., a top injectable specialist at North Valley Plastic Surgery, says that “Patients are consistently happy with the results they get with fillers in the lips.  I’ve been in the industry for a long time and know all of the products.  Understanding what patients want and how to maximize the lips they have is everything. Lip augmentation involves more than just injecting the lips with filler.  The outer areas of the mouth must also be addressed ensure natural looking lips without causing an overdone look.”

Some patients want the best prices for Restylane or Juvederm in Arizona but you should let the provider determine which filler is best for you.  Susan says, “I love working with new Juvederm XC because it provides such consistently great results.  It is interlaced with an anesthetic so patients don’t have the discomfort and movement during the procedure.”  North Valley Plastic Surgery is a Black Diamond level practice with Allergan Aesthetics because of their incredibly high volume use of Juvederm, Botox, and breast implants. For the best results in lip filler injections, go to North Valley Plastic Surgery

To learn more visit www.NVPSAZ.com or call 480-304-5477 to schedule a complementary consultation for lip augmentation with Juvederm.

Post Bariatric Body Lifts Tighten Skin After Weight Loss

Many patients that have recently lost a significant amount of weight are finding that their body has loose skin that is unresponsive to diet and exercise.  Sagging skin is more than unsightly; it can cause infections and discomfort.

Dr. Steven Gitt, a top plastic surgeon who specializes in post bariatric body lifts Scottsdale, explains that “Patients are always amazed at how much can be done to tighten up their body.  Twenty years ago when I first starting doing body lifts, I didn’t have all of the tools I have now.  In a day, I can give someone an entirely new body.”  Body lift before and after photos dramatically show the reshaping of the body and volume of skin removed.

Post-Bariatric Body Lift Scottsdale, after major weight loss is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the body or other area with hanging skin. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of loose hanging skin. Body lift surgery does cause permanent scars but the surgeon will place them in inconspicuous areas of the body as much as possible.  After the scars have healed you should keep them out of direct sunlight and keep sunblock on them.  Your scars can also be reduced with a series of laser treatments in our office’s skin department.

Common Questions from Prospective Body Lift Patients

Who is the best candidate for Post-Bariatric Body Lift Plastic Surgery?

The best candidates for a Post-Bariatric Body Lift Scottsdale are in relatively good shape but are have loose skin after major weight loss. The ideal candidate will exercise regularly, not smoke, and The surgery is for patients that have stretched their skin beyond the point where it will recover on its own. Although skin elasticity reduces with age, elderly patients can still expect amazing results.

Why can’t I just liposuction my excess fat?

Liposuction does relatively little to address skin tightening in patients that have had substantial weight loss.  Our newest type of laser liposuction does cause skin to constrict and shape the body but most patients seeking a body lift in Arizona must have excess skin removed surgically.  Surgery has the added benefit of removing parts of the body that often have stretch marks, scars from previous surgeries, and skin stretched to its limits.  Your surgeon will determine if you case would benefit from liposuction.

How Long is Post-Bariatric Body Lift Surgery?

Body lift surgery can last from two hours to the entire day, depending on the extent of work required. Surgery time varies depending on the body part(s) being contoured.

Popular Procedures for Post Post-Bariatric Body Lift Surgery

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A complete lower Body Lift treats sagging buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips and outer thighs in one procedure or in staged procedures. Incision patterns vary and may include a circumferential incision around the body to remove the “belt” of excess skin and fat. Other patients may benefit from a panniculectomy to remove excess from their pannus (the area of skin in the lower abdomen that hangs over pubic bone).   Get more details about Tummy Tuck.

Breast Lift
The incision patterns for lifting a sagging breast will be determined based on the amount of excess skin to be removed.  These may include one or a combination of incisions in a circular pattern around the areola, in a line extending from the areola to the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease. A breast implant may also be recommended to enhance breast shape and size. Get more details about Breast Lift Plastic Surgery.

Arm Lift
Sagging skin in the upper arms is treated with an incision from the underarm area extending along the inside or back of the upper arm. Additional incisions on the arms may be necessary anywhere excess skin has formed sagging pockets. The smoother, tighter contours that result from upper arm contouring are apparent almost immediately, although initially obscured by swelling and bruising. In addition, skin quality is dramatically improved in both appearance and texture. Get more details about Arm Lift Plastic Surgery.

Thigh Lift
Reshaping of the thigh is achieved through incisions in the groin that can extend downward to the knee along the inner portion of the thigh.  Improving contours of the outer thigh may require an incision extending from the groin around the hip. Through these incisions your plastic surgeon will tighten tissues for a smoother, better toned thigh. Get more details about Thigh Lift Plastic Surgery.

What Happens After Post-Bariatric Body Lift Surgery?

After your Post-Bariatric Body Lift surgery procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. A small thin tube we be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood and fluid.  A pain pump is also attached to your body to give you a constant dose of medication for pain.  You will be scheduled for several follow up appointments so the doctor can check on your progress.  Following your physician and nurse’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.

All Post-Bariatric Body Lift Scottsdale procedures require incisions to remove excess skin.  In many cases these incisions may be extensive. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed.  The body heals slowly from a body lift.  As the swelling goes down, your body’s shape will become more apparent.

How do I get started?

Dr. Steven Gitt and his staff will be happy to discuss Post-Bariatric Body Lift Scottsdale Surgery with you.  Dr. Gitt is an active member for Obesity Help.  You can read some of his reviews here.  If you meet certain criteria your insurance may cover some of the costs of your procedure.  Contact our insurance specialist for details.  Please call for a complementary consultation at 480-304-5477 or visit our website at www.NVPSAZ.com.

What Is Vaginal Tightening Surgery?

Vaginal tightening, or vaginoplasty, is a surgical procedure that tightens the vagina. This is done by removing excess vaginal lining and tightening the surrounding soft tissues and muscles.

Why Would I Want Vaginal Tightening Surgery?

Childbirth and age related factors cause the vagina and surrounding area to become stretched and weak. The bladder can sometimes fail because of stretching near the front of the vagina. The rectum can also prolapse into the vagina in extreme cases of damage. Patients with severe problems will complain of pelvic pressure, incontinence, and possible chronic constipation.

The majority of women in need of vaginal tightening notice a lack of friction during vaginal intercourse resulting in lower levels of sexual satisfaction. Often the vagina fails to return to its pre-pregnancy size causing both partners to have deceased sensation during sex. Even patients that have never had children may be in need of this procedure.

What is done during Vaginal Tightening Surgery?

Vaginal tightening will constrict the fascia and muscle of the vaginal wall.  During surgery, there parts of the vagina that may be strengthened are:

The anterior (front) vagina.

The posterior (back) vagina

The perineum (area between the anus and the vaginal opening).

The areas are tightened separately, with exacting detail that is unique for patient.

What Are The Risks Associated With Vaginal Tightening Surgery?

The most common risks of surgery may include bleeding, infection, and scarring, however these are very unusual. Bleeding is controlled at the time of surgery and antibiotics are given post-operatively to prevent infection. Scarring is very rare.

What is it like right after the procedure?

You will have discomfort at the surgical site for the first few days which get better daily. Most patients return to work within two to five days. Sex should be abstained for six weeks after surgery. After recovering from your procedure, you and your partner will feel a dramatic improvement in vaginal tightness and control.

We can combine vaginal tightening with our most cosmetic surgical procedures.  Vaginal tightening can be combined with:  liposuction, breast augmentation, breast reduction, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), eyelid surgery, and face lift surgery.  For a complimentary consult on vaginal tightening call 480-304-5477 or visit www.NVPSAZ.com.

What is the Mons Pubis?

The mons pubis is the lower bulge on a woman’s body.  If the mons pubis becomes disproportionately large for a woman’s body, it can be difficult to wear modern fashions that fit short and tight on the hips.

Although weight often plays a role in mons pubis enlargement, it is not always related to behavior.  It is well known that the mons pubis region contains a large percentage of hormone dependent fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.  In addition, the mons pubis can become enlarged with pregnancy and aging.

Mons Pubis Reduction with Mons Pubis Liposuction Procedure

If the skin is mildly to moderately stretched and there is only excess fat, we recommend mons pubis liposuction which is laser assisted liposuction of the pubis with SLIM Lipo or Smart Lipo in Arizona. In cases where the skin is severely stretched, the skin of the pubis can be reduced through a small “bikini line” incision right at the junction of the pubis and the abdomen.  Mons Pubis Liposuction can be done during the same procedure for optimal results.

What to Expect During the Recovery Period

Post-operatively, a compression garment will be worn around the lower waist area to help reduce the swelling and promote skin retraction, which can take six weeks or more to subside.  It is normal for the incisions to ooze and drain fluid. Maxi pads or gauze should be used to cover these ports to absorb the fluid.

The use of bath tubs, Jacuzzis, or anything that allows the body to submerge is not allowed, until clearance from the physician has been provided (usually three weeks after the surgery). Showering is allowed 48 hours after surgery. It is important to pat the operative areas dry and replace the dressings and compression garment.

Many of our patients who have a mons pubis reduction find that their body is more proportional, clothing fits better, and they feel more self-confident in their appearance.

If you have questions regarding mons pubis liposuction or mons pubis reduction, please call to make a complimentary consultation at North Valley Plastic Surgery at (480) 304-5477 or visit us at WWW.NVPSAZ.com.

A clitoral hood reduction, also known as Clitoridotomy and Clitoral Hoodectomy, is the surgical removal of the protective fold of skin that surrounds the clitoris.   A clitoral hood reduction can be done to increase sexual satisfaction or to improve the appearance of the vulva.

What is the Clitoral Hood?

The clitoral hood is a protective sheath of skin that covers the clitoris on three sides.  The clitoral hood protects the clitoris from over stimulation.  The clitoral hood is pulled back during sexual arousal, to allow for greater accessibility to the clitoris.

Picture Copyright Wikipedia

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When is Clitoral Hood Surgery Necessary?

Clitoris function can be hampered by an abnormally large clitoral hood.  The clitoris is sometimes entirely covered by the clitoral hood causing a condition known as clitorial phimosis.  In this condition, the sensitivity of the clitoris can be completely or partially decreased.  In most cases, the clitoral hood partially prevents stimulation.

The clitoral hood may also be abnormally large or disfigured to the extent that that patient would like to change its cosmetic appearance.

What is the Goal of Clitoral Hood Surgery?

During sexual stimulation, a clitoris that is accessible will receive more simulation than when it is covered.  The goal of clitoral hood reduction surgery is to increase exposure of the clitoris thereby increasing clitoral stimulation.  Removing the skin fold to expose the clitoris will make sexual intercourse more pleasurable and increases the ability to reach sexual climax.

Clitoral hood surgery also can improve the cosmetic appearance of the vulva.

What will happen in the recovery period?

During the recovery period, avoid sitting for long periods and do not drive.  Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should also be avoided.  Recovery varies from person to person. It could take up to two weeks to fully recover.

For more information on cosmetic genital surgery in Arizona or learn more about our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons that preform clitoral hood reduction surgery please call 480-304-5477 or visit WWW.NVPSAZ.com.

With cosmetic surgery on the rise, people are looking to remain youthful by undergoing Rhytidectomy, more commonly referred to as a face lift in Arizona. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were 127,600 face lift procedures performed in 2010.

TV shows such as NipTuck, and Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and Doc 90210 give a simplified version of what will happen after surgery. Film editing gives the appearance of looking stunning immediately with a minimal, if any, recovery process.

The following details will make your surgical procedure the best experience it can be. A facelift in Arizona is and will always be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available. With the advent of the Lifetime Lift lower face lift, facial rejuvenation surgery is now available to the masses. Herein, we will address every portion of the procedure from the consultation to the follow-up appointments.

The Consultation

When scheduling a consultation for a facial rejuvenation procedure, it is important to include your partner and potential care giver (for the recovery process) in the consultation. It shows support for the potential surgery patient; and, provides another set of ears to pick up on minor details that can easily be forgotten. A few important questions to ask during this consultation include:

• What is the down time for the procedure?
• What are the restrictions with showering, driving, hair washing immediately following the procedure?
• How long, typically, does the bruising and swelling last?
• How can I expedite the healing process?

Once you have chosen a surgery date, you will be booked for a pre-operative appointment. You will meet with the nurse, along with your chosen Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, who will address prepping for surgery, and how to take care of the incisions after surgery.

You will meet with one of our licensed paramedical aestheticians for preparative skin care treatment, along with take home products to prep your skin for surgery. You will receive a power peel, (microdermabrasion along with a chemical peel) to get rid of unhealthy skin cells and promote cell turnover.

Extensive skin preparation allows your skin to recover faster and decreases the risk that you will have post-operative healing difficulties.

The Pre-Operative Appointment

The pre-op appointment will allow you to ask all of your questions that have accumulated since your initial consultation, with both the nurse and your chosen Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. You will learn what is expected of you and your chosen care giver to help prevent infection, emergency surgery, and increased healing time. This is one of the most important appointments your significant other or care giver can attend.

Your hair cannot be washed for 48 hours after surgery. When you are able to wash your hair, leaning forward can cause swelling and dizziness. Your care giver may need to help you with this task.

When showering, it is important to not let warm water hit you directly in the face, as it can be uncomfortable, and your skin may be hypersensitive. You can take a bath, as long as your face is not submerged in the water.

It is ideal to sleep elevated, and on your back, because it will help bring down the swelling, and make you more comfortable.

Our patient will have one or two JP Drains attached that help to prevent infection. These drains will be sutured into place and removed once the content in the drains is below 30cc over a 24 hour period. It is important to strip the drains regularly to get any remaining drainage out of the area. In order to strip the drains, you must pull all the fluids through the hose and into the bulb. This keeps fluids out of the incision site and helps prevent infection and fluid build-up.

After you meet with the nurse and the plastic surgeon, you will meet with your licensed paramedical aesthetician for a microdermabrasion. This will remove any remaining dead skin on the surface and give you a healthy glow prior to surgery.

After the Surgery

After the procedure, your partner will be bandaged from his/her hairline to the chin. The chin strap will help provide compression, and provide comfort. There will be some immediate swelling, but anticipate more the following day, along with bruising. It is very common to have numbness in the face. The numbness does subside as you move through the healing process; but, it can take up to a year to fully recover all feeling.

Day 1 – Post Surgery

The first day after the surgery is always the most difficult. Your face will be sore, achy, and bruised. It is normal for the bruising and swelling to increase overnight. This is a normal, natural response of the body to repair itself. Soon you will recover completely.

The First Week Following Surgery

Here a few tips that will help alleviate some of the discomfort after your Lifetime Lift lower face lift. Bruising will typically stream from the face down to the décolleté (collar area). This bruising is caused from being under anesthesia for an extended period of time, and from the procedure itself.

One trick to help expedite the healing for the décolleté is to apply topical arnica (usually in a gel form). Arnica is a natural supplement that reduces bruising. By applying this to the chest area, the bruising fades much faster which helps you feel better. At North Valley Plastic Surgery we place all of our surgical patients on Arnica pills around the time of their surgery.

Applying a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel or a gel ice pack, with a towel/gauze in-between for protection, will help with face swelling. The cold pressure will help to dissipate the swelling and provide comfort. Leave the frozen peas or gel ice pack in place for about 20 minutes, and then remove. You can repeat this as often as your partner would like/tolerate.

If your partner tends to be a side sleeper, anticipate some difficulty in the sleeping department, which may affect you as well. One way to make your partner more comfortable is to invest in reclining chair. This will keep the head elevated, and provide comfort for soreness.

An airplane pillow will keep the head elevated and provide neck support to avoid increased soreness. Even if you feel like resting, keep moving around. Moderate physical activity helps speed up the recovery process and decreases the risk of developing blood clots after surgery.

At this time, you will meet with your paramedical aesthetician again. This appointment will cover post-care products for you to use. These products will help you maintain your face lift results for years to come. For women, you will also receive your post-surgical makeup consultation. You will receive brand new powder, concealer, and two brushes. A full makeover will be done to show you how to camouflage any remaining bruising. We will teach you how to use the makeup and help you look your best.

Follow-up Appointments

You will have regular follow-up appointments with the doctor and nurse to make sure everything is going according to plan. Typically you will have a next day follow-up appointment that will last about 30 minutes. At this appointment your drains will usually be removed. One week following surgery there will be another appointment to remove the first set of sutures. This appointment is typically 30-45 minutes. As you heal, your appointments will be more infrequent. By this point, bruising and swelling will have decreased significantly. The remaining sutures will be removed at 10-14 days post-surgery.

It always good to keep you skin protected from the sun, but it is essential to keep your surgery scars out of sunlight. Scars can darken and remain visible longer when exposed to sunlight. Our esthetician will also discuss sunblock and makeup options before your surgery.

Conclusion

There are few surgeries that provide as dramatic of an improvement in a person’s physical appearance as a Lifetime Lift lower face lift or face lift. Tightening the skin and lifting the soft tissues of the face provides patients with a dramatic change that many patients say make them look and feel “15 years younger.”

The staff at North Valley Plastic Surgery is here to answer your questions and to make sure you are informed about your Rhytidectomy,  or face lift Arizona surgery. Always ensure your safety and choose an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon to perform any cosmetic surgical procedure. The more you learn about the aftercare of your face lift, the more relaxed and confident you will be after your procedure. For a complimentary face lift or Lifetime Lift consult please call 480-304-5477 or visit www.NVPSAZ.com

We offer the best acne treatment in Arizona to all types of people. We treat acne when it is mild, moderate or severe at any age. We use the latest technological advances to eliminate acne with skin treatments, lasers, and medicine. At Desert Ridge Dermatology and Skin Care, we treat different forms of acne every day. Some of the most common questions and concerns of patients with acne have been compiled below.

What is Acne?

Acne is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles that results in red pimples on the skin. When oil glands in the skin break open, acne is formed. The oil glands in the skin start producing sebum, an oily material. When the wall of the oil gland ruptures, it irritates the skin tissue and causes a pimple.

What Caused my Acne?

You didn’t do anything wrong to cause your acne. There is no way to prevent acne. Acne has no relationship to health. Acne symptoms often worsen during the menstrual cycle. Stress doesn’t cause acne but it can make it worse temporarily. Acne does have a genetic component.

Do only Teenagers Get Acne?

No. Puberty is the normal onset time for acne but a person of any age can get acne, from infants to the elderly.

I Keep My Skin Clean So Why Do I Still Have Breakouts?

Acne is deep within the skin so dirt and oil on the surface of the skin do not cause acne. Your face should be washed with a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening. Excessive washing and scrubbing of the skin can cause skin irritation. Resist the temptation to pop pimples as this can cause scars and spread the acne to other areas.

What Foods Make Acne Worse?

Despite popular belief, greasy foods do not cause acne. Detox or cleansing diets that promise clearer skin rarely helps. Chocolate, soda, and milk have long been blamed on acne in teenagers. Some studies appear to show a correlation with food products and acne but there is no known food that causes acne in everyone. If you notice that your skin flares up after certain foods avoid them just to be safe.

Why is Desert Ridge Dermatology & Skin Care the Best for My Acne Treatment?

Desert Ridge Dermatology & Skin Care has a passion for treating acne. We understand that there are many misconceptions about acne treatment. The best treatment for acne is one that works for you. At Desert Ridge Dermatology & Skin Care, we will formulate a specific treatment plan for your complexion and lifestyle. Dr. Vincent Fowler, our board certified dermatologist in Arizona, may prescribe topical retinoids, topical or oral antibiotics. Topical medicines that contain vitamin A products (like Retin-A, Differin, and Tazorac) are often prescribed for the treatment of pimples. We have several acne laser treatments are available such as microdermabrasion acne chemical peels, and lamprobe.

Please call Desert Ridge Dermatology & Skin Care at 480-513-3376 to schedule an appointment regarding Acne Treatment in Arizona with Dr. Fowler today. You can also visit us online at www.nvpsaz.com/skin/derm.

What is Phalloplasty in Arizona?

Phalloplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure to increase the size of the penis.  During penis enlargement surgery, the penis is lengthened, widened, or both.

Penis size is a taboo topic for many, but many men suffer from a feeling of inadequacy due to small penis size.  Other men would like to have a slightly larger penis to enhance the pleasure of their partner or boost self-confidence.

There are several options for penis enlargement which have been developed, but only surgery can provide permanent results.  Recently there have been surgical innovations that make penis enlargement surgery, or phalloplasty, far simpler and safer than it has been in the past.

Patients should have realistic expectations about penis enlargement in Arizona.  Penis enlargement patients must have realistic expectations.  Phalloplasty will slightly increase the size of the penis but it will not make the penis twice the size.  There have been thousands of satisfied patients with penis enlargement surgery.

As one of the leaders in penis enlargement surgery in Arizona, North Valley Plastic Surgery uses the most advanced materials and techniques for penis enlargement currently available.

Penis Lengthening

Almost half of the penis is inside the body.  The penis is connected to the pubic bone by the suspensory ligament.  In males, the suspensory ligament of the penis holds the penis close to the pubic bone and supports during an erection.  When this ligament is cut, it permits more of the penis to hang outside the body, increasing its length.  The ligament is then encouraged to heal in an extended state, which creates a longer penis.  Until this ligament is fully healed, the penis will not be able to have a high angle of erection.  The procedure is performed through a small incision in the pubic region where pubic hair will help hide the incision site.  There are no incisions made on the penis.

After a typical procedure, a patient can expect a gain of between one to two inches in penis length.

Patients are often surprised to learn that cutting ligaments do not technically change the length of the penis.  Cutting the ligaments will only increase the portion of the penis in front of the skin.  Contrary to misinformation in popular culture, penis-lengthening surgery does not alter the stability or angle of the erect penis.

Like any cosmetic surgical procedure, body type and other factors contribute to patients’ individual results.  A larger penis will result in a bigger gain than a smaller penis since there is usually more penis tissue within the body to extend.  In obese patients, the excess fat located in the pubic region can limit the visible length of the penis.  These patients can benefit from liposuction to accentuate the length of the penis.

Penis Widening  to Increase Penis Girth

The surgeons at North Valley Plastic Surgery recommended technique for penis widening utilizes the insertion of Alloderm^TM.  Alloderm^TM is a high tech dermal-matrix placed beneath the skin of the penis shaft.  Alloderm^TM is derived from donor human skin, which is processed to remove all the cells, leaving only the dermal-matrix.  Alloderm^TM received FDA approval in 1992 and has enjoyed widespread use in a variety of surgical procedures including burn surgery, nasal septum reconstruction, lip augmentation, abdominal wall reconstruction and breast reconstruction.

There are several advantages to the use of Alloderm^TM over the previous techniques.  Alloderm^TMTM is inserted in sheets, which results in a smoother, natural result compared to other techniques that can result in irregularities.  In addition, the consistency of Alloderm^TM is similar to that of the penis, which gives a natural look and feel.

The dermal matrix enters through the same incision that is used with penis lengthening.  Occasionally, a second incision must be made on the glans penis to position the matrix..  Your surgeon will discuss which technique will be used with your body type.  2-3 layers of Alloderm^TM are wrapped around the shaft of the penis just beneath the skin.  It is secured in place with absorbable sutures.  The dermal matrix normally attaches to the penis within about four weeks.  Typical gain in girth with this technique results in a 25-35% increase in circumference. For patients that prefer the look and feel of fat transplantation we offer stem cell fat transfer to the penis.  This technique is preferred by many patients because it uses natural materials and provides great results.

Dermal Filler for Enhancement of the Penis

For some patients with and without penis enhancement surgery, the use of a dermal filler can provide enhancement of the penis.  When Juvéderm is injected into the entire glans penis, the penis increases in size.

The use of dermal fillers for penis enlargement has been preformed in Asia for several years with high-quality results.  North Valley Plastic Surgery is one of the first companies to perform this technique in the United States after the product was approved by the FDA in 2004.  Juvederm is injected through a small needle and can be performed with local anesthesia.  The procedure takes about one hour.  The typical gain is 20% in circumference. The results of Juvederm penis enlargement are not permanent and can only be expected to last about one year.

What to Expect After Surgery

Penis enlargement surgery in Scottsdale is an outpatient procedure that usually takes about one hour.  Most patients leave our surgery center within hours after the operation is completed.  The next few days are spent at home recovering.  The patients legs should be kept elevated and ice packs should be placed the penis to help reduce swelling.  Medications are provided to keep the patient comfortable and safe.  The surgeon will see the patient shortly following the procedure and several times thereafter to ensure proper recovery.

For optimal results, a patient is recommended to use a penis stretcher.  A penis stretcher is worn constantly for four months after surgery except when necessary.  There is little hindrance to wearing a penis stretcher and its regular use is important to achieve maximal results.

If you have questions about penis enlargement surgery, Phalloplasty, or would like to set up a consultation, please call our office at 480-304-5477.  Because of the nature and complexity of this procedure, we require a fee of $100 before your consultation.  This charge is applied towards surgical fees.

Authors: Steven M. Gitt, MD, FACS & Ramon Robles, MD