A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ
In the news
Lawnmower injuries still a serious concern.
Aug 29th
Summer Lawnmower Injuries
Scottsdale – Each summer there is a trend in the number of injuries experienced by adults and children from lawnmowers. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that 247,000 people were treated for lawn mower-related injuries last year. A little more than 18,000 were children under age 19, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.
For this reason, the ASPS, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons are working together to prevent injuries and educate adults and children about the importance of lawn mower safety.
“Lawn mower injuries are not only among the most devastating I’ve seen in over 20 years of practice, they are also the most preventable,” said Peter Neligan, MD.
Typical lawn mower injuries are usually very complicated and require a team of doctors from various specialties, including, plastic surgery, microsurgery, pediatrics, and orthopedic surgery to properly repair.
“Lawn mower injuries often include deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, limb amputations, broken and dislocated bones, burns, and eye injuries,” said Michael McGuire, MD.
Careless use of lawnmowers is a critical factor that often times leads to injuries. Several professional medical societies suggest some simple tips to prevent injuries and keep lawnmowers safe:
- Children should be at least 12 years old before operating a push-style lawnmower.
- You should not operate a ride-on lawnmower unless you are 16 years old.
- Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers.
- Always wear sturdy shoes while mowing. Avoid sandals.
- Young children should be at a safe distance from the area you are mowing.
- Pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent injuries from flying objects.
- Always wear eye and hearing protection.
- Use a mower with a control that stops it from moving forward if the handle is released.
- Never mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Carefully look for those behind you when you do.
Rocking Out after Plastic Surgery.
Jun 1st
Rocking Chair Therapy
Scottsdale – With abdominal surgery some patients develop an ileus, a condition wherein the intestinal tract is transiently impaired and fails to transport contents forward. The low motility of the intestinal tract is due to muscles in the bowel that lack a coordinated propulsive action. We see symptoms such as bloating, gas pains, pressure and constipation in our plastic surgery patients. It now appears that rocking chairs may help to achieve a faster restoration of bowel function. In a recent study, use of a rocking chair shortened the time until passage of first gas following abdominal surgery.
Time to first flatus – or passing gas – the marker for relief of loss of intestinal motility, was 3.16 days in those using the rocking chair compared with 3.88 days in patients who sat in non-rocking chairs, a statistically significant finding (P=0.001). Patients who used rocking chairs after surgery passed gas an average of 16.8 hours sooner than non-rocking patients. These findings were published in the journal Applied Nursing Research.
“Patients often describe the period immediately after surgery, prior to the resolution of postoperative ileus, as the most uncomfortable part of their post abdominal surgery recovery experience,” said Robert L. Massey, RN, PhD, of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
My Take on this Study
The Rocking Chair and Plastic Surgery
I was impressed by this study with its simplicity in design and scope. I agree with the author, this study contributes evidence supporting the use of rocking chair motion to lessen the duration of ileus after abdominal surgery.
The study did not include any plastic surgery patients. We must remember this study is about abdominal surgery. This is far more aggressive surgery than most plastic surgery operations we perform. However, we see ileus-like symptoms quite often, although to a lesser degree.
While in this article, the author outlines important limitations of the study and recommends caution before employing rocking chairs universally, I feel that when a patient has a rocking chair available, they should use it in the early postoperative period. In other words, notwithstanding motion sickness, I cannot see any other reason to avoid using a rocking chair after plastic surgery, if it is already available.
Endorsing Rocking Chair Therapy after Cosmetic Surgery
Rocking chair therapy, along with walking, good hydration, and possibly a stool softener should help to resolve bloating, gas pains, and constipation which is often seen after cosmetic surgery. Rocking chair therapy is another simple tool we can use to improve the patient’s experience after facial plastic surgery and body contouring surgery.
Congratulations Dr. Guerra on joining the prestigious American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery!
May 14th
Scottsdale – On May 5th, 2010 our office was notified about Dr. Guerra’s selection to the prestigious American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The Aesthetic Society is an educational organization promoting the advance of science, art, and the safe practice of aesthetic plastic surgery among qualified, board certified plastic surgeons.
The goals of the society are accomplished through the support and direction of medical education and research, sponsorship of scientific meetings while promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care among aesthetic plastic surgeons. “I am extremely humbled and proud to be included into the finest professional society for plastic surgeons who practice cosmetic plastic surgery”, said Dr. Aldo Guerra.
We believe membership in Plastic Surgery Societies Matters!
Dr. Aldo Benjamin Guerra, MD, FACS is a member of the two outstanding plastic surgery societies, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and now, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. These organizations require members to be accomplished plastic surgeons, achieve board certification, and be committed to quality care. The logos below are symbols that you should look for when seeking a qualified, experienced and highly trained plastic surgeon.
iPad in a Plastic Surgery office in Scottsdale
Apr 5th
Apple's new iPad tablet device.
Scottsdale – Apple has a new tablet computer called iPad and it was released this Saturday. The jury is still out whether it will change the way medicine is done in America but iPad has a lot of potential.
I have been waiting for an advanced tablet product for many years. It is possible that an efficient, light platform like iPad could simplify my daily routine at the AB Guerra Plastic Surgery Center.
Our plastic surgery office will be testing out iPad in the next few months and we’ll report back to see how susscessful it can be in a clinical setting. Technology moves quickly and our practice specializing in plastic surgery in Scottsdale wants to be at the forefornt in medicine by using the latest technology available to help efficiency and quality of care.
Brazilian butt lifts up, plastic surgery down …. overall.
Mar 10th
Scottsdale – The recession has affected plastic surgeons all over the country. One procedure that has beat the trend is the Brazilian butt lift or buttock augmentation! Unlike other plastic surgery operations it turns out that buttock enhancement is more popular this year. See the video from Market Watch below for more information.
Buttock Enhancement Resources
Brazilian Butt Lift Information
Brazilian Butt Lift Before and After Photos
Don’t forget high SPF at higher altitudes…
Mar 8th
Scottsdale – As if living in the desert was not enough… apparently, going to higher ground increases sun damage to your skin. Reuters news story shows higher SPF 70+ formulation was very effective in protecting skin from sunburns under extreme ultraviolet light and sporting conditions. In the study, 43 golfers playing for an average of 4.5 hours each applied the sunscreen themselves. Twenty-one golfers applied the SPF 70+ sport sunscreen over the entire face before they went out to play golf. The sunscreen was reapplied again about half way through their golf game.
Dr. Darrell Rigel from New York University Medical Center presented his findings at the 68th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
“You have to be extra careful at protecting yourself at high altitudes,” Rigel told Reuters Health. “People don’t realize how much additional sun you get at higher altitudes. It’s anywhere from an 8 percent to a 10 percent increase for every thousand feet of elevation. In the summertime, you can get anywhere from 40 percent to 50 percent greater sun intensity than at sea level.”
Dr. Rigel reported that golfers who started out with the SPF 70+ sunscreen on their entire face and then reapplied it to half the face two hours later had no skin reddening at the end of the 4.5 hours, and none of the golfers who used the SPF 70 formulation complained of sunburn. In comparison, 7 of 22 golfers who applied SPF 15 to half the face had noticeable skin reddening on that side.
In a study published last month in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Rigel and his colleagues reported similar results with ski instructors in Vail, who applied two different sunscreens – one with an SPF of 50 and the other with an SPF of 85 – to different sides of their face. The SPF 50 sunscreen was not enough to protect them from sunburn.
“They put the sunscreen on in the morning, before they went out and skied an average of 5 hours a day and when we evaluated them the next morning, the ones who used the SPF 50 formulation were burned,” he said.
The moral of the study here is that higher SPF formulations tend to protect you better at higher elevations, lasts longer and is more effective at preventing sunburns.
A cleft palate for King Tut?
Feb 17th
King Tut's mummified head.
Scottsdale – New findings, from the most extensive study ever carried out on Egypt’s King Tutankhamun, show he suffered from a cleft palate and that he died from complications of a broken leg exacerbated by malaria. The findings were from two years of DNA testing and CT scans on 16 mummies, including those of Tutankhamun and his family (Source: Fox News).
The team that carried out the study established the clearest yet family tree for Tut. The researchers said Tut’s father was most likely Akhenaten, the pharaoh who tried to revolutionize ancient Egyptian religion to worship one god. Tut, who became pharaoh at the age of 10 in 1333 B.C., ruled for just nine years at a pivotal time in Egypt’s history. In 1922, the discovery of his tomb filled with stunning artifacts, including the famed golden funeral mask, made him known the world over.
Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that affect the upper lip and the roof of the mouth. There are many causes of cleft lip and palate. A cleft lip and palate can affect the appearance of the face, and may lead to problems with feeding, speech, and ear infections. Signs may range from a small notch in the lip to a complete groove that runs into the roof of the mouth and nose.
Cleft genes are passed down from one or both parents. Drugs, viruses, and other toxins can cause such birth defects. Cleft lip and palate may occur along with other syndromes or birth defects. These features may occur separately or together. Risk factors include a family history of cleft lip or palate and other birth defects. The chances of having cleft lip or palate are about 1 out of 2,500.
Today, cleft lip and palate can be repaired using plastic surgery techniques. For those who are interested in King Tut’s study, the full article will be published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
A word of thanks….
Feb 14th
Thanks facebook fans!
Scottsdale – We made it! We now have reached 300 fans on our AB Guerra Plastic Surgery Center Facebook fan page. It took a lot of hard work on our part, that is true. However, it is the fans that deserve all the credit for sticking with us. It seems not so long ago that we started our Facebook fan page.
We promise to periodically update our Facebook fan page and continue to provide interesting and thought provoking blogs on plastic surgery related topics… And, don’t forget that we appreciate all your comments!
Thanks,
Dr. Guerra.
A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Scottsdale, Arizona.
FDA approves new drug for Dupuytren’s.
Feb 8th
Scottsdale – On February 2, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) as the first drug to treat a progressive hand disease known as Dupuytren’s contracture.
Dupuytren’s contracture can affect a person’s ability to straighten and properly use their fingers. The disease process affects the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm of the hand. When too much collagen builds up, it forms thick cords of tissue that prevent the fingers relaxing and straightening normally.
Xiaflex is a biologic drug made from the protein product of a living organism, a bacteria. The enzyme collagenase is derived from this organism. The medication works by breaking down the excessive buildup of collagen in the hand. Xiaflex is injected directly into the collagen cords and should be administered only by a health care professional experienced with injections of the hand.
Common adverse reactions included swelling, bleeding, and pain in the injected area. No serious allergic reactions have been observed, such a response would not be unexpected because this foreign protein could prompt an immune system reaction. (Source: FDA)
The Big Day. Colts versus Saints.
Feb 7th
Geaux Saints.
Scottsdale – Even plastic surgeons will be watching today. It should be no secret that we are pulling for the New Orleans Saints. They are not the favorite team, however. The Indianapolis Colts are a very good team and are favored to win.
I believe the Saints have an excellent opportunity to win and at the very least will give the Colts a run for their money.
The Colts have won the Superbowl before and the team has players with experience in the big game.
The Saints, on the other hand, have had an outstanding year. They are also severe underdogs. Importantly, the emotions behind the team and the City of New Orleans could propel them to new heights.
This game will likely be the best we’ve seen over the last few years, and with two high powered offenses, should be very entertaining.
We want to wish the best of luck to all the fans and I hope everyone enjoys the game.
