April 21st, 2009 Robert Wald M.D.
A woman with large breasts may experience multiple problems. These include neck and back pain, chest discomfort, and chronic headaches. Following breast reduction surgery, most of these symptoms are improved.
This surgery requires a removal of breast tissue with contouring and reshaping the breast. Even though this surgery is considered reconstructive and covered by many insurance companies, the aesthetic results are also very important. All plastic surgeons are not as proficient in achieving the aesthetic results following this surgery. A surgeon must have extensive experience to achieve these excellent results. It is important that a patient chooses a plastic surgeon with this knowledge and expertise.
Dr. Robert Wald
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April 21st, 2009 Robert Wald M.D.
Most breast reductions are performed at a hospital. However, breast reductions may also be performed in outpatient surgicenters.
The advantages of an outpatient facility is the privacy and personal care one gets when performing this surgery in this setting. The infections rate is less because in the hospital patients are sick and germs may spread. The surgical team is also the same providing consistent, expert care to the patient.
In my care, I only utilize Mesa SurgiCenter for these surgeries. This facility provides the advantages as described and gives the best possible patient care. Being associated with this facility, allows me the comfort and assurance that my patients will receive excellent care.
Dr. Robert Wald
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April 15th, 2009 Robert Wald M.D.
Patients who are faced with breast cancer and require a mastectomy, have many options for reconstruction. Our techniques continue to improve. One of the newest techniques is the use of alloderm or strattice dermal sheets of prepared tissue. By using these materials at the time of mastectomy with tissue expanders, a more natural breast shape and contour can be achieved. Immediate expansion of the overlying breast skin is accomplished. In patients that are candidates for skin sparring and nipple/areola preservation, a breast implant may be placed immediately and avoid the need for prolonged expansion.
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These regenerative tissues help mask implant palpability and visibility and bottoming out of the implant. In my experience, I have found these new tissues to be beneficial and improve my results in breast reconstruction.
Dr. Robert Wald
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April 15th, 2009 Robert Wald M.D.
The Miracles of Breast Reduction
In our society, large breasts are quite fashionable and emotionally uplifting to the patient. However, breasts can be too large causing multiple problems. The problems include shoulder strap grooving, back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches and occasionally shortness of breath. Some patients complain of poor posture and an inability to exercise because of the pain in their chest areas.
With breast reduction surgery, most of the symptoms disappear or are markedly diminished. This surgery is covered by most insurance companies when there is evidence of these problems. This surgery is performed as an outpatient and the patient is back to work within two weeks.
The patient must must accept scars on her breasts but these scars fade nicely over one year. I am amazed how much this surgery changes a woman life. These patients are now able to exercise, fit in normal size bras, and live their daily life without pain. It is for this reason, that I have found this surgery to be one of my most gratifying procedures.
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Dr. Robert Wald
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April 14th, 2009 Robert Wald M.D.
Women following childbirth develop aesthetic problems in their breasts, abdomen, and thighs. With pregnancy, women’s bodies stretch causing thinning of tissue, sagginess and stretch marks. Unfortunately, despite diet and exercise, the stretched and loose skin can only be corrected with surgery. Breasts also deflate following nursing which causes a decrease in breast size.
In order to correct these problems, breast augmentation, tummy tuck and liposuction may be indicated. All of these procedures may be done at the same time minimizing recovery time and cost.
Recovery time for all these procedures is approximately 2 weeks. Exercise may be resumed at 4 weeks. Women with young children should have help for one week. After this surgery, women are back to their pre pregnancy appearance.
Dr. Wald
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April 8th, 2009 Robert Wald M.D.
Male Breast Reduction- Treatment of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia or excessive fat or glandular tissue in the male breast, is a common problem among adolescents and older men. An estimated 40 to 60 percent of men suffer from this condition. This condition can occur in one or both breast and can be seen at some time in their lives. The cause of gynecomastia is n0t well understood, but it is suspected that hormonal changes often play a role. Anabolic steroids, marijuana use, prescribed hormones and various medicines can contribute to this condition. Massive weight loss can also result in hanging breasts that detract from a man’s appearance.
Plastic surgery offers a solution for men who are troubled by this embarrassing condition. Through the use of liposuction and surgical procedures to remove skin or glandular tissue, plastic surgeons can create a firmer, flatter and better contoured male breast.
My preferred technique is liposution alone. This minimizes scarring and achieves a better contour to the breast. It the patient presents with loose breast skin, surgical excision of the skin may be necessary.
I have found this procedure to be extremely satisfying to the patients who have undergone this minor surgery.
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April 2nd, 2009 Robert Wald M.D.
Depending on the patients desire, a small amount of surgery can be performed to correct the aging skin of our face. With age, we develop loose skin of the cheeks with the development of prominent folds at the cheek-lip border. Some people prefer fillers to soften these indentations, other individuals prefer a tightening of the cheek skin which also improves the jowls.
Under local anesthetic, a small incision is made in the hairline. The skin is then freed from the underlying tissue. The tissue under the skin is then tightened and pulled toward the ear. The procedure takes one hour. There is minimal bruising and swelling and the person is back to work after 3 days. In the individual that has realistic expections, this procedure can be extremely satisfying.
Dr. Wald
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March 16th, 2009 Robert Wald M.D.
As we age, many of us notice the puffiness of our lower eyelids. This is due to excess fat accumulation. Not uncommonly, this worsens with allergies or the time of the day.
To minimize these bags, a minor surgical procedure is performed. This procedure is called (Blepharoplasty) or commonly known as eyelid surgery. Blepharoplasty can be peformed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both.
A small incision is made on the inside of the lower eyelid, and the excess fat is removed. The overlying skin shrinks and contracts leaving a flat lower eyelid. Occasionally, laser therapy is performed at the same time to smooth the skin and minimize the wrinkles. When there is a lot of excess lower eyelid skin, some skin is removed.
Patients are back to work within a few days. There is essentially no discomfort following this procedure.
I find that patients are extremely satisfied with the results of this procedure.
Dr. Wald
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March 13th, 2009 Robert Wald M.D.
While most patients seeking cosmetic surgery are females, men are also excellent candidates for facial and body rejuvenation.
Men commonly develop bags of the lower eyelids and loose skin of the neck and are common candidates for Rhinoplasty. My male patients constantly complain of all the loose skin in their necks. This is corrected with a necklift. In some patients, a direct excision of neck skin is indicated.
Male patients have less bruising of their skin than women. Recovery is fast!!!! Most men are back to work at one week. After performing hundreds of these surgeries, and being considered an Orange County Male cosmetic surgery specialist; I have found my male patients to be extremely pleased with this surgery.
Dr. Wald
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February 16th, 2009 Robert Wald M.D.
Eyelid surgery is one of the most satisfying surgeries I perform. As we age, our forehead falls and we develop extra eyelid skin. This can, in extreme cases, interfere with our vision. This extra skin, usually with associated puffiness or fat, causes a tired appearance.
A one hour surgery corrects this problem. It can be done with local anesthesia or with sedation. The results are immediate. Pain and discomfort is minimal. The swelling and bruising is minimal after 1-2 weeks. Patients are back to work within a few days. My patients are extremely pleased with this procedure.
In some cases, insurance may cover this procedure. I would love to discuss this procedure with you.
Dr. Wald
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