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Differences between a Panniculectomy and a Tummy Tuck

Karim Sarhane, MD

Weight loss helps address health issues like the risk of congenital conditions and can boost self-esteem due to body contouring. The loss, however, can result in loose and sagging skin that does not respond to exercise, and may require removal through surgery to enhance the contouring further. Two primary surgical options exist - panniculectomy and tummy tuck. The choice between the two may be confusing. Though the end goal remains the same, there are differences in the process, candidates, cost, and risks. A panniculectomy involves removing the panniculus, the excess loose skin that forms a flap below the waistline and over the thighs. The panniculus does not emanate from pregnancy, excess weight, or regular weight loss. It emanates from losing excess body weight, typically over 100 pounds, mostly from extensive weight loss procedures like gastric bypass. The extent of a panniculectomy, considered a medical procedure, depends on how much skin is removed. A tummy tuck, on the other hand, is considered a cosmetic procedure that involves removing excess stomach skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. Sometimes surgeons add an abdominal mesh to reinforce muscle repair. This woven mesh surgically temporarily or permanently supports organs after surgery or damaged tissue during healing. The second difference between a panniculectomy and a tummy tuck is eligibility. The former is best for patients with life-impacting sagging skin, which follows heavy weight loss, especially gastric bypass. Other candidates include individuals experiencing hygiene issues under the skin such as ulcers and infections, especially below the pubic region. The excess skin flap can also affect the individual's mobility. On the other hand, a tummy tuck addresses sagging skin that does not affect the individual's health and is mainly for cosmetic purposes, especially contouring the body for a more hourglass shape. Other good fits include individuals with sagging skin following a pregnancy who cannot get rid of the excess skin despite exercise and diet changes. In conjunction with liposuction, a tummy tuck can help resolve body-related self-esteem issues and those seeking to get rid of more skin after a panniculectomy. The third difference is the recovery time after each procedure. Recovery from any mild to major surgery involves surgical drains, skin glue, steri-strips, and the dressing. The surgeon provides instructions on how to care for each over the recovery period. A panniculectomy typically takes eight weeks to heal. However, the time may vary depending on the surgery's extent and the patient's attendance to the wound after the surgery, especially daily tasks and nutrition. Even weeks after the healing has taken place, however, the patient should refrain from strenuous activities like heavy lifting. Tummy tucks take less time to recover from due to less surgery complexity - usually four to six weeks. With proper care, especially hygiene of the surgical area, the patient should resume regular activity, including strenuous tasks, in the first few weeks following the procedure. Due to the extent of the surgery, panniculectomies are more costly than tummy tucks. A procedure typically costs between $8,000 and $15,000, plus additional fees like anesthesia, compared to an average of $6,000 for a tummy tuck. However, as a medical procedure, insurance companies may cover part or all of a panniculectomy. There is also the cost of taking time off work, especially for self-employed individuals - patients should set aside a minimum of eight weeks for recovery, compared to four to six weeks for a tummy tuck. Finally, the risks and side effects differ. Although both procedures cause discomfort and pain, the side effects tend to be more severe for panniculectomy. These can include pain post-surgery, fluid retention, and numbness. Other effects, though rare, include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and infections. Conversely, tummy tuck patients may experience bruising, numbness, deep vein thrombosis, and bleeding around the surgical area.Karim Sarhane, MD

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Board Certification matters! 🎓We can not stress this enough to all the patients out there doing research 💻 As you've seen before on our SnapChat 📲drJsurgery and on IG @drjplasticsurgery , patient education📚 is a big part of our practice. Being informed is being empowered💪🏼. Dr J is certified by the 1️⃣#AmericanBoardofPlasticSurgery ✔️and the 2️⃣#AmericanBoardofSurgery ✔️ This = #DoubleBoardCertified ..a true Expert‼️ #certified #expert #plasticsurgeon #boardcertified #drj #LiveTheDream #DrJplasticSurgery #drJ #Liposuction #ButtLift #education #lipocontouring #rodeodrive #BeverlyHills

[karimsarhane]

An Overview of Laparoscopic Surgery

Karim Sarhane, MD

Laparoscopic surgery is a revolutionary surgical technique that utilizes innovative methods to deliver improved surgical outcomes. Through the insertion of short, narrow tubes known as trochars into the abdomen via small incisions, this procedure paves the way for transformative medical possibilities. Surgeons skillfully employ long and narrow instruments within these trochars to manipulate, cut, and suture tissue, granting them great precision. In stark contrast to traditional open abdominal surgery, which necessitates substantial incisions ranging from 6 to 12 inches, laparoscopic surgery embraces a more precise approach. With a mere two to four small incisions measuring half an inch or less, the benefits can be substantial. This technique allows for enhanced visualization and optimal surgical maneuvers. These incisions serve distinct purposes: one acts as an entry point for a camera, while the others accommodate the surgical instruments. A vast array of common surgeries can now be accomplished through laparoscopy, heralding a new era of medical advancement. The procedure entails using a laparoscope, a slender tube equipped with high-intensity light, and a high-resolution camera at its forefront, granting doctors a clear view of the abdominal organs. Guided by these live images projected onto a video monitor, physicians gain invaluable information without resorting to extensive incisions. Moreover, they can extract biopsy samples and perform surgical interventions, all during the same procedure. Eligibility for laparoscopic surgery hinges upon the complexity of an individual's condition. This technique is rapidly emerging as the preferred choice for an expanding range of common operations, driven by its cost-effective nature and improved patient outcomes. Doctors now recommend laparoscopy to examine various organs, including the liver, appendix, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, small and large intestines, and reproductive organs. Exceptional advantages associated with laparoscopic surgery include reduced bleeding, accelerated healing, and diminished pain and scarring. Unlike standard open surgery, recovery time after laparoscopic surgery can be remarkably reduced from several weeks to a few days. A vital aspect contributing to these favorable outcomes is the minimal manipulation of abdominal contents during laparoscopic procedures. Before undergoing most laparoscopic surgeries, patients typically receive general anesthesia. Adequate preparation is vital, and doctors typically advise patients to abstain from eating or drinking for approximately eight hours before the procedure to minimize the risk of anesthesia-induced nausea. In addition, it’s essential to arrange for a reliable means of transportation home considering the potential disorientation resulting from the anesthesia's effects. Specific instructions regarding medications may also be provided by the attending physician. While laparoscopy generally carries a low-risk profile, it is important to remain vigilant for any potential complications. Although rare, instances of bleeding, infection, or organ damage may occur. If symptoms such as fevers or chills, escalating abdominal pain, redness or discoloration, bleeding, and shortness of breath persist, consult the doctor. Other signs that might warrant a doctor’s attention include swelling, bleeding, continuous nausea or vomiting, inability to urinate, or lightheadedness. There is a minor threat of organ injury during a laparoscopy, which might result in the leakage of blood or other fluids into the body if an organ is accidentally pierced. In such circumstances, additional surgical intervention is required to repair the damage and restore function. Less prevalent risks of laparoscopic surgery include issues from general anesthesia, inflammation of the abdominal wall, and the formation of blood clots that could spread to the pelvis, legs, or lungs. While these dangers are rare, it is critical to be aware of them and get proper medical assistance if any of these symptoms occur.

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Benefits of Robot-Assisted Surgery

Karim Sarhane, MD

Surgical robots have transformed how surgeons deliver medical solutions. Robot-assisted surgery allows doctors to perform complex surgical procedures faster and with more precision and control than was previously possible with conventional surgical techniques. Today, many surgeons frequently use robot-assisted surgery for various medical procedures. Among others, robotic surgery is used by general surgeons, urologists, gynecologic surgeons, colorectal surgeons, and cardiothoracic surgeons. Also known as robotic surgery, robot-assisted surgery comes with numerous benefits for both the patient and the surgeon. Doctors, through robotic technology, make tiny incisions that allow complex surgical procedures. Surgical robots are computer-controlled, self-powered devices programmed to aid surgeons in the positioning and manipulation of surgical instruments. During the procedure, three to four tiny robotic arms are inserted through a small incision on the patient’s body. One robotic arm holds a small camera while two arms assume the role of a surgeon’s hands. A fourth arm may help move tissue out of the way. Through a small console, the physician controls the robotic arms with a standby surgical team nearby for any needed assistance during the procedure. Because the robot’s “hands” are very dexterous, surgeons can operate in very tight body spaces that they would normally find very challenging to access through open surgery. The robotic arm’s reach is also greater than that of a human hand. In addition, robotic arms can rotate and maneuver the small surgical instruments in tight spaces in ways human hands cannot. A sophisticated high-definition camera provides enlarged 3D views of the surgical area that a human eye couldn’t possibly generate. Robot-assisted surgery is a great option when the surgeon needs to access hard to reach parts of the body. The tiny surgical instruments help avoid the necessity of the large incisions made when using conventional surgical tools. Since robotic surgery involves the use of smaller instruments, it becomes much easier to navigate around healthy tissue or organs. This reduces the potential impact the surgery can have on the patient’s body, as less tissue is touched or damaged. It also contributes to less pain and a more comfortable recovery journey. Robotic surgery is considered minimally invasive, and compared to conventional surgery tends to have a shorter recovery period. However, because people are very different, the healing times will of course vary for the same procedure. Also, patients can save on the cost of hospital stays, since most robot-assisted surgeries can be performed on an outpatient basis, which also saves time. Because of the greater precision and smaller incisions, the chances of surgical site infection are also reduced. Smaller incisions may also mean less bleeding and swelling after surgery. This can translate to requiring less pain-relieving medication that is typically associated with conventional surgery. Compared to conventional surgery, incidences of a patient requiring a blood transfusion or experiencing major complications after robot-assisted surgery are generally much fewer. However, it’s important to point out that robot-assisted surgery may not be an option for every procedure or patient. The suitability of the procedure will depend on the particular medical case. Therefore, patients should talk with their healthcare providers about the benefits, risks, and how robot-assisted surgery compares with conventional open surgery and other minimally invasive surgery options.

[karimsarhane]

Advances in Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Karim Sarhane, MD

Thyroid cancer affects endocrine glands that regulate crucial bodily processes via hormone production. Tumor growth in the neck region, which characterizes thyroid cancer, can result in discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and inflamed lymph nodes. Previously, radiation was the go-to treatment option. However, recent advancements have enabled the medical community to understand the disease better, leading to more advanced diagnoses and treatments. Overdiagnosis, which refers to detecting small, slow-growing nodules or tumors that may not be cancerous, is а significant issue when diagnosing thyroid cancer. Studies from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) reveal that in one-third of instances where а questionable nodule (tumor) is removed from the thyroid, it is not cancerous. Researchers backed by the NCI have devised novel genomic tests to identify if these dubious nodules are cancerous, reducing unwarranted surgeries and enabling the selection of the most suitable treatment alternatives. Optical diagnostic imaging (OI) is a new technology that utilizes light to observe cellular, tissue, or organ structure and function, assisting in diagnosis. Compared to traditional imaging methods like x-ray, OI provides molecular specificity, flexibility, and safety, potentially mitigating issues of overdiagnosis and enhancing diagnostic efficacy. Additionally, it supports precise and non-invasive treatments for thyroid cancer. Fluorescence imaging (FI) is another promising modality for cancer diagnosis. It involves intravenous injection of a fluorescent dye before the operation. Upon exposure to а specific light wavelength, the dye emits fluorescence that helps highlight the parathyroid glands and other cancerous tissues. This technique offers several advantages over conventional imaging methods, including reduced invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and superior spatial and temporal resolution. FI has demonstrated clinical potential in various applications, such as image-guided surgery. Doctors typically recommend radioactive iodine therapy (RIT) to treat differentiated thyroid cancers, such as papillary cancer originating from follicular cells in thyroid glands. RIT involves the patient taking a pill or liquid containing high doses of radioactive iodine, which collects in the thyroid gland and targets cancerous cells. Before treatment, doctors may conduct tests to determine if the cancer will likely respond to RIT. Targeted therapy is another thyroid cancer treatment involving drugs that specifically attack certain targets on cancer cells. Kinase inhibitors and anti-angiogenesis drugs are examples of drugs used in targeted therapy. Kinase inhibitors help treat thyroid cancer cells with mutations in specific genes, while anti-angiogenesis drugs disrupt the formation of new blood vessels supplying tumors with nutrients and enabling them to grow. An alternative treatment for thyroid cancer is ethanol ablation, whereby a doctor injects alcohol into the targeted nodule to shrink or kill tumor cells by changing the structure of their proteins. The procedure involves inserting a thin needle, guided by ultrasound, into the nodule to inject alcohol. It is one of the safest therapeutic profiles and has successfully been used to treat toxic and benign cystic nodules. Alcohol ablation is a good alternative for patients unwilling or unable to undergo surgery. RNA therapy is another innovative approach to treating thyroid cancer. It involves using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target and silence genes associated with cancer cells. Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), a difficult-to-treat form of thyroid cancer, can now be targeted with novel nanotechnology that allows for the precise delivery of RNA therapy to ATC cells. Animal testing has demonstrated RNA therapy's effectiveness in halting tumor growth and preventing cancer from spreading to other body parts.

[aestheticsurgery-blog]

Dr. J Is Recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery: @drjplasticsurgery ・・��� Board Certification matters! 🎓We can not stress this enough to all the patients out there doing research 💻 As you've seen before on our SnapChat 📲drJsurgery and on IG @drjplasticsurgery , patient education📚 is a big part of our practice. Being informed is being empowered💪🏼. Dr J is certified by the 1️⃣#AmericanBoardofPlasticSurgery ✔️and the 2️⃣#AmericanBoardofSurgery ✔️ This = #DoubleBoardCertified ..a true Expert‼️ #certified #expert #plasticsurgeon #boardcertified #drj #LiveTheDream #DrJplasticSurgery #drJ #Liposuction #ButtLift #education #lipocontouring #rodeodrive #BeverlyHills

[aestheticsurgery-blog]

Plastic Surgery Board Certification matters! P.S.A. By @drjplasticsurgery 🎓We can not stress this enough to all the patients out there doing research 💻 As you've seen before on our SnapChat 📲drJsurgery and on IG @drjplasticsurgery , patient education📚 is a big part of our practice. Being informed is being empowered💪🏼. Dr J is certified by the 1️⃣#AmericanBoardofPlasticSurgery ✔️and the 2️⃣#AmericanBoardofSurgery ✔️ This = #DoubleBoardCertified ..a true Expert‼️ #certified #expert #plasticsurgeon #boardcertified #drj #LiveTheDream #DrJplasticSurgery #drJ #Liposuction #ButtLift #education #lipocontouring #rodeodrive #BeverlyHills