Today skin cancer is very frequent. This is due to a large degree from excess sun exposure we have growing up. Occasionally these cancers can be herefitary. Most patients believe that their dermatologists are the best doctors for treating these problems. However when one realizes the extensive surgical training a plastic surgeon receives, it is easy to understand that the quality of surgical care is superior.

Not all plastic surgeons trat skin cancers. For this reason, the patient must inquire of that doctor before making an appointment.

In my practice I see several patients a day for facial and body lesions. My first step is to determine whether a biopsy needs to be done. If the lesion appears to be suspicious for skin cancer, a shave biopsy is performed and the ledion is sent to the lab. After the pathologist examines the lesion and the diagnosis is skin cancer, treatment options are discussed. In most cases, minor surgery is required to remove the lesion. Frozen sections or immediate pathological examination is performed to insure free margins around the tumor. At this time, reconstruction using skin flaps or skin graft is performed. After several months of healing, these surgical scars blend well with minimal, if any deformity. The doctors in my community realize the superior cosmetic appearance following a plastic surgeons care and treatment of these problems. It is important that the patient realizes the advantages of a plastic surgeon performing skin cancer excision and reconstruction.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 24th, 2008 at 4:42 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.

Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass for weight loss are left with redundant skin located throughout their body. This excess skin can be located in their arms, face, chest, breast, abdomen and thighs. In order to correct this excess loose skin, the patient must undergo multiple surgeries to eliminate this loose skin. It is not uncommon that an individual who has lost over 150 pounds will undergo two to three surgical procedures to correct all of these problems. In my office, I have a long discussion with the patient about what concerns her most about her body. Depending on her desires, the excess skin can be removed from the abdominal, back, thigh upper, arms or breast areas. Insurance generally covers the marked loosenes of skin in the abdominal area if there is noted to be excess rashes located underneath the abdominal pannus. A patient must understand that there will be permanent scars, but these scars blend well over time. I have found that patients are extremely satisfied with these operations since no diet or excercise will help eliminate this marked looseness of skin.

Dr. Wald

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 at 10:26 am and is filed under Body Procedures.

frequently I see Patients who complain of flabby or loose skin located in the upper arms. This can be due to excessive weight loss, either from dieting or gastric bypass surgery. It also occurs commonly with age. As we age, this loose skin becomes even more cosmetically displeasing and it is not uncommon for many patients to want this to be improved. Unfortunately, liposuction will not improve loose skin. The only way to eliminate this flabbiness is to remove this extra skin. This results in a long scar extending from the arm pit area to near the elbow. This scar is placed in the best possible position the the upper arm in order to minimize any visibility. In time, this scar fades nicely and easily blends with the surrounding skin. I have found in my practice that people are extremely pleased with the results of this surgery.

Robert Wald

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at 10:22 am and is filed under Body Procedures.

It is quite common for people to be born with congenital deformities of the ears. One of the most common birth deformities that we are born with are prominent ears. This gives the appearance of a Dumbo like appearance with marked protrusion of the ears from the side of the head. It is not uncommon for children to be teased because of these prominent ears. Women who continue to have these prominent ears cover their ears not commonly with their long hair and are very hesitant to wear their hair up. 

In order to correct this problem, surgery is required. In this procedure, incisions are made behind the ear and the excess cartilage is either removed or bent backwards. The scar is essentially invisible. The surgery is approximately 1 1/2 hours and the person needs to know that there will be bruising and swelling of the ears for 2-3 weeks. The patient must wear sterile protection of the ears for on week. It is generally recommended that the individual take one week off work.

Patients are extremely pleased with the results of this procedure. The woman is able to wear her hair up and the male individual is not self-conscious about these very prominent ears.

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at 10:40 am and is filed under Ear Surgery.

Many people think that plastic surgery is best performed in highly affluent areas such as Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, and New York City. Perspective cosmetic patients have preconceived ideas that these cities are the hot beds for this type of surgery. What they don’t understand is that their local community plastic surgeons may perform cosmetic surgery as well, or better than surgeons located in these areas.

Patients should do the appropriate research for their cosmetic surgeons. There are many surgeons right in their communities that are extremely qualified to perform their cosmetic surgery. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons are all trained well and have the expertise to perform these surgeries.

Patients should do the homework prior to selecting their surgeon. Patients should evaluate their doctor’s credentials, their Board Certification and their experience. By visiting the surgeon, the patient must be comfortable with the surgeon. Prices will vary depending on location. An experienced competent surgeon will not be the cheapest in town.

Robert Wald

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at 11:35 am and is filed under Uncategorized.