matthew-medical-blogs-blog

[matthew-medical-blogs-blog]

How to treat varicose veins?

Effective for large, more serious varicose veins, this treatment involves threading a thin catheter up the vein and heating using radio waves to heat the veins to begin the absorption process. Performed under local anaesthetic, this procedure is virtually pain-free and produces incredible and fast results. Sandgate Doctors is the most trusted varicose veins specialist in Brisbane’s North. We provide a first consultation bulk billed for varicose veins. For more information, please call us on (07) 3269 1131 or visit our website. Do you suffer from varicose leg veins that cause you discomfort, pain, aches and cramping? Fortunately, modern treatments for varicose veins are generally pain-free, quick and easy. In fact, at Sandgate Doctors, we provide three types of treatments that are non-surgical and don’t require you to stay overnight in a hospital.

Treatment 1 - Microsclerotherapy/Direct Vision Sclerotherapy (DVS)

Often considered the first choice and “golden standard” for small reticular and spider veins, this treatment involves micro needling a sclerosant detergent solution into the vein. This safe method causes the veins to dissolve and disappear as the body gradually absorbs them. Although it involves injections, the micro needles have such a tiny diameter that patients do not report pain or discomfort, but rather a slight tingly feeling.

Treatment 2 - Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)

Used to treat medium sized veins and small, but bulging veins, this treatment involves using an ultrasound to detect where best to safely inject a sclerosant detergent solution or foam. Although this method can cause mild pain for up to a few minutes, it rapidly produces results in just a few weeks as the body absorbs the veins.

Treatment 3 - Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation

Effective for large, more serious varicose veins, this treatment involves threading a thin catheter up the vein and heating using radio waves to heat the veins to begin the absorption process. Performed under local anaesthetic, this procedure is virtually pain-free and produces incredible and fast results. Sandgate Doctors is the most trusted varicose veins specialist in Brisbane’s North. We provide a first consultation bulk billed for varicose veins. For more information, please call us on (07) 3269 1131 or visit our website.

[matthew-medical-blogs-blog]

Sandgate Doctors specialise in cosmetic medicine, leg vein treatment, skin cancer treatment, and more serving across Sandgate, and surrounding areas.

[matthew-medical-blogs-blog]

Are wisdom tooth extractions as scary as they sound?

Wisdom teeth. Just hearing those words can make a patient shiver. We associate wisdom teeth with being painful and inconvenient with scary procedures. However, wisdom tooth extractions don’t have to be as scary as you may think.

Remove them early (before they hurt)

Most patient’s wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 16 and 21. Some people rely on symptoms, such as pain, damage to teeth or infection, to indicate that it’s time for them to be removed. However, if you want to avoid pain and other symptoms, we recommend regular visits to the dentist.

Frequent check-ups are essential for preventative dental care. They, alongside dental x-rays, will allow your dentist to identify when wisdom teeth will start to cause problems. Many dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal so that you won’t have to deal with damage or pain in the future.

Sedation – local or general anaesthesia?

When it comes time to remove your wisdom teeth, it will be done so under anaesthesia – so you won’t experience any pain.

Whether the procedure is done under local or general anaesthesia can be determined on how anxious the patient may be. However, many dentists just perform the procedure under local anaesthesia. So, if you’re feeling nervous, we recommend looking for a dentist that gives you the option of both.

Local anaesthesia, also known as an in-chair procedure, only numbs the part of gum and mouth where the tooth is being removed. Whereas, general anaesthesia puts the patient to sleep.

The procedure

Wisdom teeth extractions are quite quick - normally over and done with within around 20 minutes (rarely over). In fact, simple procedures can be done within a few minutes.

Your dentist will recommend whether you should take all of your wisdom teeth out at once, or whether you should come back from multiple appointments. While most people have four wisdom teeth, it’s also common for patients to only have three, two, one or even none.

If the teeth haven’t fully erupted, then a small incision (cut) will be made to the gum to access it. Your dentist will wobble the tooth back and forth to widen the socket before taking it out. This may cause some pressure, however no pain because of the sedation.

Recovery

If an incision was made during the procedure, your gum will be stitched up with dissolving stitches. Your dentist will place a gauze over the area to help with bleeding.

Post extraction pain is quite common, however your dentist can prescribe antibiotics (which will also help with infections), pain killers or analgesics.

At Maryborough Dental, we pride ourselves on our gentle dental care. We understand the common anxiety that some patients feel, which is why we’re equipped to provide treatment both under local and general anaesthesia.

To book an appointment, visit here or call (07) 4122 2110.

[matthew-medical-blogs-blog]

Getting a Vasectomy: It’s Not As Scary As You Think

It’s very common for middle aged men to reach a stage in their life when they consider getting vasectomy. Some decide that they have finished having kids and others may get a vasectomy because of the serious side effects that birth control may have on their female partners.

Although these procedures are very common to doctors, it’s normal for you to feel nervous or scared about what they entail. I’m here to reassure you that getting a vasectomy is not as scary as you may think.

Modern procedures are less invasive (non-scalpel)

Vasectomies work to make a patient infertile by accessing their vas deferens, which are the tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles to the urethra.

The difference between conventional and modern vasectomy procedures is how the doctor accesses the vas deferens.

 Up until the 80’s, conventional vasectomies required the doctor to access them by using a scalpel (a sharp blade) to make two incisions on either side of the scrotum.

 Modern vasectomies are known as non-scalpel vasectomies. They’re less invasive and considered more comfortable to patients (most doctors also prefer this procedure). 

A non-scalpel vasectomy involves “clamping” the vas deferens from outside the scrotum while using a needle to make a small hole in the scrotum to access the tubes.

Minimal pain and bleeding

Non-scalpel vasectomies are performed under local anaesthesia – so you won’t feel any pain. You may, however, feel some discomfort, which is completely normal.

Bleeding after the procedure is also normal, although you shouldn’t notice too much blood since there are no incisions involved. This small amount of bleeding should stop within the first 24 hours.

Little recovery time

The procedure takes approximately 60 minutes and recovery is pretty smooth. Although you’ll feel some discomfort after a non-scalpel vasectomy, you shouldn’t be in terrible pain.

You’re free to go home straight after the procedure, with no waiting time. In just 48 hours, you can return to regular, low-effort activities (including work if your work duties aren’t too strenuous).

In just 7 days, you’ll be able to resume sexual activities, heavy lifting, running and other strenuous activities.

You’ll have a consultation before the procedure

Remember that you’ll never go into a medical procedure blindly. The first consultation is your opportunity to ask any questions while your doctor explains the procedure and recovery period.

At Sandgate Doctors, our first consultations are bulk billed. This gives you the chance to discuss any concerns you may have with Dr Gadiyar – our trusted specialist who runs our vasectomy clinic. For more information, contact us here or call (07) 3269 1131.