Tag Archives: plastic surgery risk

Loss of vision as we age is probably one of the conditions everyone will face eventually. Vision is impaired as we age not only because of eyesight but for some patients also due to droopy eyelids. As the laxity of the skin on the eyelids becomes a greater issue with aging the eyelid skin can become so droopy that patients cannot see clearly. Unfortunately the body compensates for this and patients lift their brow eventually add habit without ever realizing that they cannot see well. Dr. Seify treats patients who have excessive loose skin on their upper eyelids. The procedure is called blepharoplasty. A small ellipse of skin is removed from the upper eyelid in the crease. The incision is sutured and well hidden in the crease. This lifts the eyelid and allows the patient to have better vision. A side benefit of the procedure is that the eyes have a much more youthful appearance once the loose skin is removed. If the vision is severely impaired for the patient there is a chance that the procedure could be covered financially by insurance or Medicare. Recently private advocacy groups have published some negative reports regarding the coverage of blepharoplasty by Medicare and or private insurance. In their published reports they have surmised that a majority of patients seeking blepharoplasty are really cosmetic cases just trying to take advantage of Medicare or private insurance. While it is understandable that an outside group may believe that plastic surgeons would falsify necessary information to have payment covered through Medicare or private insurance; the reality is that most plastic surgeons are committed to following necessary guidelines for submitting proper claims to either Medicare or private insurance. It is important for patients to understand that submitting their blepharoplasty claim to insurance is not something they should be ashamed of. If the claim falls within the guidelines of the insurer whether it is Medicare or private insurance then the patient has passed the necessary requirements and is entitled to have the procedure covered. Dr. Seify will submit claims for patients when he believes there blepharoplasty should be covered. Patient should be prepared to provide payment should be insurance or Medicare be unwilling to deem the blepharoplasty as necessary. Blepharoplasty is an excellent solution for patients who are living with compromised peripheral vision. The cosmetic aspect is a welcome to benefit. Patients who are considering blepharoplasty are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation. Review all of Dr. Seify’s Procedures and Treatments:
Breast CancerBreast cancer risk can be traced to different sources. It’s been 10 years since the first warnings appeared concerning hormone replacement therapy as a treatment for unpleasant menopausal symptoms. According to a recent online article 15 top medical organizations have  united to published  a statement of agreement regarding the benefits of hormone therapy for symptomatic menopausal women.10 years ago, July 9th the World Health Initiative published a review of hormone therapy as a preventative measure for chronic diseases and in conclusion surmise that the risk far outweighed the benefits. Breast cancer risk were amoung the biggest fears.

Breast Cancer Fears Magnified

At the time the report was controversial and remains controversial to this day. In a new joint statement that was published by the North American Menopause Society, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Endocrine Society, the conclusion was made that hormone therapy remains an acceptable treatment for menopausal symptoms. Breast cancer fears should not prevent women from asking their health provider about the benefit of HRT. The statement was been endorsed by 12 other leading organizations in women’s health and breast cancer prevention. The main goal of the statement was to provide reassurance for women and their providers that hormone therapy is considered acceptable and relatively safe for women were healthy yet symptomatic as well as recently postmenopausal women. As a result of the controversial WHI study, over the last 10 years women have completely abandoned the idea of using hormone replacement therapy because of the fear of breast cancer. As a result many women  don’t receive  HRT benefits  that could provide relief from their unpleasant menopausal symptoms. Breast cancer fears can be discussed with their health care provider. The problem is that most women are extremely confused concerning the conflicting recommendations. Is best for patients to have the conversation with their primary care physician about breast cancer risks and whether or not HRT is a viable option for them.

Breast Cancer Fears Not the Only Issue with HRT

Dr. Seify explains to patients who are prescribed hormone replacement therapy from their primary care physician that prior to surgery especially facelift or abdominoplasty surgery patients may be asked to discontinue their hormone medication. This can be discussed with their primary care physician when obtaining lab work and preoperative test prior to surgery. Due to the   inactivity that follows procedures like abdominoplasty or facelift it is best that patients do not continue taking any medications that contain hormones. It is important to patients share all medical information with Dr. Seify prior to their plastic surgery procedure. This allows Dr. Seify to make the best recommendations and ensure patient safety.  
breast cancerBreast cancer and Birth control risk have long been associated. According to a newstudy the Depo-Provera shot is linked to a risk of developing breast cancer. There seems to be a link between the injectable form of progestin-only birth control, best known as Depo-Provera, and an increased risk of breast cancer in young women, new research suggests. For the study, researchers prepared a comparison of more than 1,000 Seattle-area women, aged 20 to 44, who were given a breast cancer diagnosis, and more than 900 women who did not have breast cancer. Recent use of the injectable contraceptive (formally called depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate or DMPA) for a year or longer was linked with a 2.2-fold increased risk of invasive breast cancer, the study found.

Breast Cancer Risk A Consideration

Breast cancer increased risk seemed to dissipate within months after women no longer used the contraceptive, and women who had the contraceptive administered for less than a year or who had quit using it more than a year earlier did not show any increased risk of breast cancer, according to the findings published online and in the April 15 print issue of the journal Cancer Research. While the research unveiled a link between Depo-Provera and an increased breast cancer risk, it could not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. Patient should have detailed consultations with their primary care physician and/or OB/GYN prior to deciding which contraceptive will work best for them.

Breast Cancer Risk Just One Risk of Birth Control Pills and Shots

Birth control prescriptions should be discussed.Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery should always disclose any contraceptive that have used. This includes birth-control pills as well as the Depo-Provera shot. Dr. Seify provides  prospective patients with detailed information concerning the risk of prescription drugs containing estrogen and the surgical risk associated with them. The risk of blood clots associated with patients taking estrogen is known for patients considering abdominoplasty, facelift, or other procedures that may include extended time being sedentary and less mobile. This does not mean that patients should dismiss the risk for shorter procedures like breastaugmentation or small areas of liposuction. Dr. Seify discusses risk of complications with patients during the initial consultation as well as the preoperative visit.  
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