Visible signs of aging are a natural part of life, but for many, they can be a source of frustration leading to reduced self-confidence. Thanks to plastic surgery, facelift procedures offer a range of options to combat these concerns and restore a more youthful appearance.
Facelift procedures fall into two main categories: surgical and nonsurgical. Nonsurgical options, often referred to as "liquid facelifts," rely on injectable fillers like Botox or Juvederm. These fillers target specific areas to achieve results such as smoothing wrinkles, plumping lips, or adding volume to hollow cheeks. Keep in mind that nonsurgical facelifts provide improvements that are temporary. The effects typically last between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the product used and how the patient’s body reacts to the treatment. Surgical facelifts, on the other hand, provide longer-lasting results by addressing deeper structures of the face and neck. This translates to a more dramatic improvement regarding wrinkles, sagging skin, and overall facial definition. However, it's important to remember that surgery is a more invasive process with a longer recovery time. Each surgical facelift targets specific areas of the face and neck. The deep plane facelift is an advanced technique that is considered the gold standard for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The surgeon reaches beneath the surface and lifts a muscular layer along with fat and skin as a single unit. This deeper approach allows the surgeon to address a wider range of concerns simultaneously, including the midface, marionette lines, jowls, and the neck. After surgery, patients observe that their face has a more sculpted look. The mini facelift is ideal for addressing the early signs of aging. During a mini facelift, the surgeon makes discreet incisions, typically hidden within the hairline or around the ears. Through these access points, they tighten the underlying facial muscles and tissues. Additionally, excess skin is removed and fat pads are strategically redistributed to achieve a more defined jawline and reduce the appearance of jowls. A benefit of this procedure is its short recovery time. Both the S-lift and MACS lift (minimal access cranial suspension) offer a middle ground between a mini facelift and a traditional facelift. They utilize strategically placed incisions, often around the ears and jawline, to tighten muscles and lift sagging skin in the lower face and neck. These techniques are most suitable for people with mild to moderate signs of aging in the lower third of the face. The mid-facelift focuses on the cheek area. Over time, the cheeks can lose volume and become flattened, which can result in a tired appearance. A mid-facelift addresses this concern by repositioning fat pads within the cheeks, often lifting them upward and outward over the cheekbones. Additionally, the surgeon may tighten sagging skin in the midface area to achieve a smoother appearance. The jawline rejuvenation combines two approaches to redefine the jawline. Liposuction removes excess fat deposits in the neck area, creating a sharper contour. The surgeon enhances jawline definition by sculpting the surrounding tissues. This procedure is most suitable for individuals with minimal skin laxity because it focuses primarily on fat removal and sculpting. Drooping brows can create a tired and sullen expression. A temporal facelift, also known as a brow lift, addresses this concern with minimal incisions. The surgeon creates incisions within the hairline or at the temples to reach the tissues below. Through these incisions, the surgeon lifts and repositions the brows to elevate them and create a youthful look. The cutaneous lift (skin only) focuses solely on removing excess skin. Incisions are typically made around the ears and hairline, allowing the surgeon to separate the skin from the underlying muscles. Excess skin is then trimmed and removed and the remaining skin is stretched taut before being redraped and secured with sutures. While offering some improvement in wrinkles and sagging, a cutaneous lift is considered less durable compared to other facelift techniques that address deeper structures. This is because the skin naturally loses elasticity over time, and the stretched skin can eventually sag again.
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One of the most severe types of skin cancer, melanoma, begins in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for generating the pigment melanin and providing the skin with color. Melanoma moves in stages, starting with stage 0 and progressing to stage 4.
Melanoma can affect the face, arms, back, legs, and eyes, especially on skin that has experienced significant sun exposure. In rare cases, it may also occur in internal body parts, such as the throat or nose. The most significant risk factors for melanoma development are ultraviolet (UV) light in sunlight and tanning beds. In its earliest iteration, stage 0, the melanoma sits "In situ” or “in position.” Melanoma remains confined to the outer layer of skin, with abnormal, precancerous cells found only in the epidermis. Symptoms include freckles and moles with ragged borders, irregular shapes, or various such as brown, red, and tan. Therefore, medical professionals recommend that individuals regularly check for moles that grow, shrink, itch, bleed, or change color. Dermatologists should examine and evaluate any changes to skin lesions on the body to determine if they represent the initial stages of cancer or are benign. Medical professionals treat Stage 0 melanoma with excision surgery to target the affected area, often a mole. They also remove skin with margins or the skin at the edges of the tumor to prevent the cancer from spreading further. Medical professionals examine the excised skin under a microscope to ensure they have removed all cancerous cells. In some instances, medical professionals recommend specialized Mohs surgery and radiation therapy. They may also prescribe imiquimod cream for application on abnormal skin growths. Lastly, the medical professionals may order a biopsy to examine the surrounding lymph nodes. Ulcers that measure two millimeters or less in thickness that have broken the skin characterize stage 1 melanoma. However, the tumor has not reached nearby organs or lymph nodes. Medical professionals treat stage 1 melanoma similarly to stage 0. They remove the affected area and stitch and bandage it. By stage 2, the tumor may extend to four millimeters in thickness, but it still hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes or organs. Many localized stage 0 to stage 2 treatments succeed, with five-year survival rates at 97 percent. Stage 3 represents a significant escalation of melanoma severity as the tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs. Stage 3 falls into subcategories, from 3a to 3d, depending on the degree of tumor advancement and severity. Simply excising skin is not enough to halt the tumor’s progression by this stage. Thus, medical professionals will palpitate the lymph nodes and take samples. If a review under a microscope reveals melanoma, they will remove them. Follow-up treatment includes radiation therapy or immunotherapy. The larger excision required for Stage 3 melanoma often leaves a noticeable scar, and five-year survival rates are around 63 percent. Known as metastatic melanoma, stage 4 melanoma indicates that it has spread to distant organs and lymph nodes, possibly affecting the brain, liver, and lungs. Treatment involves a combination of radiation and tumor excision surgery. While the latter is not likely to obliterate the cancer, it can slow its progression. Targeted therapy drugs, which focus on specific cancer-related proteins, are also an option. For those with this advanced and incurable form of the disease, the chance of survival stands at 22.5 percent after five years.
Sofwave, a revolutionary non-invasive aesthetic treatment, uses advanced ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production. In 2019, the FDA cleared the treatment for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, deeming it safe. In 2021, it received clearance for lifting above the eyebrows and firming the chin and neck tissue. Individuals of all skin types and ages qualify as candidates for the treatment, although those aged 60 and under may experience more favorable outcomes. For younger individuals, such as those in their 20s or 30s, the treatment can serve as a preventative measure against aging signs. Additionally, individuals in their 40s or 50s, with mild-to-moderate skin and soft tissue laxity, may qualify as suitable candidates for the procedure. Praised for its non-invasiveness, minimal discomfort, and zero downtime, Sofwave requires only one treatment to achieve visible results. It can address various face and body areas affected by laxity and sagging, including the jawline, eyes, hands, abdomen, arms, thighs, and knees—sofwave treatment results in skin tightening and wrinkle reduction without surgery or downtime. Aside from targeting the signs of facial aging, it also helps achieve a smoother complexion that enhances overall skin texture and appearance. The treatment generates heat beneath the skin's surface to stimulate the natural production of collagen. This high-frequency ultrasound treatment aims to induce tissue coagulation, temporarily injuring the skin. The treatment results in tissue contraction, bringing collagen fibers closer together, followed by a robust collagen and elastin production surge that peaks approximately three to six months post-treatment. During a Sofwave treatment session, trained professionals apply a numbing cream to the treatment areas to minimize discomfort and ensure a more pleasant experience for the patient. After removing the numbing cream, professionals use an ultrasound gel to facilitate treatment. The handheld device administers ultrasound energy through multiple pulses, each lasting six seconds. While most of the treatment is painless, occasional spots may cause momentary discomfort that typically lasts only about two seconds. However, overall discomfort is minimal, as many patients only feel a warming sensation during the procedure. Patients experience virtually no downtime post-treatment. They may immediately notice their skin feeling tight and exhibiting a dewy glow. They can immediately resume their daily activities, thus making Sofwave an ideal lunchtime procedure for busy individuals seeking skin rejuvenation. However, treated areas may temporarily exhibit mild redness. To maintain the results achieved with Sofwave, patients must adhere to specific maintenance recommendations outlined by a dermatology provider. It includes prioritizing sun protection by regularly applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield the treated skin from harmful UV rays. Additionally, following a consistent skincare routine with gentle cleansers and moisturizers helps support the skin's healing and rejuvenation process. Individualized care tailored to each patient's specific needs and periodic consultations with a dermatologist ensure that the maintenance plan remains aligned with expectations to sustain the desired outcome over time. While Sofwave is effective as a standalone procedure, it doesn't necessarily replace all rejuvenation treatments. Combining Sofwave with other cosmetic procedures can result in optimal results depending on the desired aesthetic outcome. Administering Botox treatments before Sofwave and fillers afterward may enhance outcomes. Additionally, patients can opt for light-based treatments like photo facials before or after Sofwave treatment. Dermatology is the study of the human skin, as well as the hair and nails. A dermatologist provides medical care to individuals of all ages who may be experiencing a skin condition or related medical issue. Every year, Americans contend with numerous dermatological conditions, which range from minor inconveniences to potentially life-threatening health emergencies.
Acne is by far the most common skin condition in the United States. Upwards of 50 million Americans are experiencing the symptoms of acne at any given time. Acne is particularly prevalent leading up to, during, and shortly following puberty. Research suggests that roughly 85 percent of Americans between the ages of 12 and 24 have experienced some form of acne. Most individuals do not experience acne after the age of 30, but persistent acne can plague some Americans into their 40s or 50s without medical intervention. Fortunately, acne is also one of the least serious skin conditions a person can develop. Acne occurs when hair follicles beneath the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. As the pores fill up they form into lesions, commonly referred to as pimples. Acne typically occurs on and around the face, but breakouts can occur anywhere on the body, such as the back, shoulders, and chest. There are many different types of lesions, which can vary in terms of size, appearance, and levels of discomfort or pain. Acne is difficult to manage for some people because their body naturally produces more oil, especially during puberty. Others can modify their diets and daily activities to account for excess oil and skin cells clogging the pores. Improved hygiene removes dead skin cells from an impacted region of the body, and also mitigates the chances of bacterial growth, which can aggravate acne. Certain medications may list acne as a side effect. Acne often resolves on its own, especially if individuals eat better and keep the affected area clean. That said, excessive scrubbing or picking at lesions will exacerbate the condition. Individuals dealing with extreme or long-term acne may benefit from antibiotics and other medications. A dermatologist may suggest a chemical peel, which exfoliates the skin while removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells. On the opposite end of the spectrum of skin conditions is skin cancer. About 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Collectively, skin cancers are the most diagnosed form of cancer in the United States, with 20 percent of Americans likely to develop the disease at some point in their lives. Nonmelanoma skin cancer and squamous cell carcinoma combine for over 3 million diagnoses annually. Recent trends in skin cancer are difficult to track. Melanoma rates increased considerably between 1982 and 2011. However, the last decade-plus has seen rates fall for certain groups, such as adolescents and adults aged 30 or younger, while Americans over the age of 79 are experiencing melanoma at record rates. Fortunately, the most common types of skin cancer, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, respond well to treatment if the disease is detected in its early stages. Individuals who receive treatment before cancer spreads to the lymph nodes have a five-year survival rate of 99 percent. Even so, close to 20 Americans die every day from melanoma, making it the nation’s deadliest skin condition. Cardiac imaging involves taking pictures of the heart and its surroundings to assess its anatomy and function. Through these images, cardiologists can detect and diagnose heart conditions, and design effective interventional procedures to manage cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Healthcare providers can also recommend cardiac imaging to determine if a patient experienced a heart attack and the extent of damage to the heart muscle, to establish the cause of symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain, and to monitor cardiovascular function to determine if treatments are working. Other than heart attacks, cardiac imaging is efficient in diagnosing and managing heart failure, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease (CAD), heart valve disease, and pericardial disease, which affects the pericardium, the two-layered sac that envelops the heart.
Echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and nuclear cardiac arrest tests are the most common cardiac imaging techniques. Each modality is selected based on diagnostic accuracy, safety, and accessibility. Echocardiography uses ultrasound to create real-time images of a patient's heart chambers, blood vessels, walls, and valves. This modality can measure the heart’s pumping action and the extent of heart failure. Additionally, echocardiography helps identify infections, blood clots, and valve issues, making it indispensable in diagnosing several heart conditions, including congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathies, and valvular heart disease. Healthcare practitioners use this cardiac imaging technique frequently since it provides vital cardiac information without relying on radiation or radioactive substances. MRI is a noninvasive imaging modality that provides excellent soft tissue contrast and multiplanar imaging capabilities, making it ideal for assessing cardiac anatomy, function, and tissue characterization. This test uses magnets and radiowaves enabling cardiologists to create and access high-resolution images of a patient’s heart components and how well they are functioning. MRI is effective in identifying and diagnosing heart attacks and tissue fibrosis. CT scans involve taking a series of pictures of the heart from various angles and reconstructing these images to create a three-dimensional visualization. To achieve this, cardiologists use X-rays and a computer combines the resulting images. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) are common CT tests. CCTA provides detailed images of the coronary arteries, allowing for the detection of plaque buildup and narrowing, aiding in the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with suspected CAD. FFR-CT, on the other hand, utilizes computational techniques to assess the functional significance of coronary lesions, helping clinicians determine the need for revascularization procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Both CCTA and FFR-CT offer valuable insights into coronary anatomy and physiology, facilitating personalized treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes while minimizing the risks associated with invasive procedures. A nuclear cardiac stress test is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates blood flow to the heart muscle during rest and after exercise. It involves intravenously administering a radioactive tracer, such as technetium or thallium, which is taken up by the heart muscle in proportion to blood flow. The patient then undergoes stress testing, typically through exercise on a treadmill or pharmacological stress is created with medications like adenosine or dobutamine, which increase the heart rate and simulate the effects of physical activity. During stress testing, a gamma camera captures the heart’s images, allowing cardiologists to identify areas with reduced blood flow indicative of CAD. After stress testing, additional images are obtained at rest to compare blood flow. By evaluating the distribution of the radioactive tracer, clinicians can detect areas with ischemia, infarction, or scar tissue, providing valuable information for risk stratification and treatment planning in patients with suspected CAD or known cardiovascular conditions. Nuclear cardiac stress tests are safe and effective in guiding treatment decisions and optimizing patient care. Many factors determine how to best prepare for surgery. Foremost, one must consider the type of surgery scheduled. Procedures like arthroscopic knee repair may allow patients to go home within one or two hours after surgery. More extensive operations like joint or organ replacement usually necessitate longer hospital stays and a post-operative care team to monitor and prevent post-surgical complications, like reactions to anesthesia or wound infections. Knowing the planned procedure guides pre-surgery preparations.
Discuss the surgery with your doctor to understand potential risks, the intended outcome, and the expected recovery timeline. Ask about activity limitations, wound care needs, follow-up appointments, and signs that post-surgery complications may be developing. Before surgery, clarify if you should avoid certain medications, supplements, or foods. Having these details eases pre-surgery anxiety. In the weeks and days prior, focus on overall wellness. Eat a nutritious diet high in protein, vitamins, and minerals to promote healing, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Get adequate rest to avoid feeling fatigued during recovery. Gentle exercise keeps joints and muscles flexible. Manage any existing health conditions, like diabetes, to optimal levels under a physician's guidance. Being in the best physical state possible prepares the body for surgery and recovery. Also plan for the required after-care. Arrange transportation home from the hospital and to early post-surgery appointments if needed. Also organize help at home for basic tasks that may be difficult initially, like cooking, cleaning, or child/pet care. Stock up on easy-to-prepare foods and have readily available pain relievers, medical supplies, and entertainment. Having support systems in place eases stress. The night before surgery, pack suggested personal items for the hospital, like clothing, toiletries, insurance cards, and identification. Consume only clear liquids, like water, broth, Jell-O, or popsicles after midnight. Not eating solid foods reduces the risks of nausea and complications during anesthesia. Get plenty of rest to feel fresh on surgery day. On the day of surgery, shower with an antibacterial soap and dress in clean, loose, comfortable clothing. Leave valuables like jewelry and electronics at home, and arrange transportation from a trusted family member or friend. Check-in at the hospital or surgical center according to instructions, and provide medical history forms and consent documents. During surgery, anesthesia induces controlled unconsciousness, while monitors track vital signs like heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and brain activity. The surgical team focuses on the procedure using specialized tools and techniques. Surgery times vary depending on the procedure’s complexity, but most surgeries take one to several hours. Recovery begins as anesthesia wears off in the post-anesthesia care unit. In the days following surgery, prioritize relaxation and low-impact activities. Use pain relievers as indicated and cold packs to minimize swelling. For healing, drink plenty of fluids and consume nourishing soft meals. Maintain a clean and dry surgical site while looking for indications of infection, such as increased redness, edema, or drainage. Walking promotes circulation, but avoid vigorous exercise that may stress the incision. As strength returns over the next several days or weeks, gradually resume normal activities. You can perform light exercises and stretches, but heavy lifting or cardiovascular exertion may need to wait until approved by the surgeon. Follow all post-surgery instructions, including medication schedules and activity limitations, to aid recovery. Contact the doctor to note any concerns, like persistent pain or fever. Returning to work depends on the surgery type and healing pace. Desk jobs may allow going back to work in one to two weeks, but physically demanding roles could take four to six weeks before full duties resume. Recovery times will vary, so listen to your body and doctor's guidance on individual readiness. During the initial weeks, practicing patience and avoiding overexertion is crucial for optimum recovery. With preparation and diligent post-surgery care, most patients experience positive surgical outcomes and return to regular activities within a short period. Contacting the surgical team with any questions can help ease concerns. Surgery presents an opportunity to improve health that outweighs short-term discomfort, while maintaining a positive outlook aids in the recovery process. Rajan Bhatt serves as the chief executive officer of Spectrum Dermatology (now under the umbrella of Pinnacle Dermatology) and Valley Surgery Center. Beyond his work as a board-certified physician, Rajan Bhatt has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity’s long-term volunteering opportunities consist of both onsite and administrative roles. Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps, a partnership with the U.S. government, gives AmeriCorps members the chance to develop skills in one of several areas, in one community specifically. Besides home building, members may engage in environmental stewardship or assist populations like military families. When a member’s paid service ends, they may qualify for special student loans or other benefits. Meanwhile, Habitat for Humanity Disaster Corps provides immediate aid after natural disasters worldwide. Often working in resource-poor areas, Disaster Corps volunteers restore essential services, so other groups may restore those locations to pre-disaster conditions. Volunteers also learn disaster preparedness skills, and teach them to residents. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Rajan Bhatt founded and currently leads Spectrum Dermatology and Valley Surgery Center, LLC. As the CEO, he oversees six medical centers that employ close to 200 people. In his free time, Rajan Bhatt continues to serve the greater community through his support of Habitat for Humanity.
As a global nonprofit with goals to build accessible housing, Habitat for Humanity has a variety of partnership options depending on interested parties. Due to the organization’s faith-based roots, for example, it offers specific volunteer work for religious organizations, locally and internationally. It provides directions for how congregations can pool donations to fund a house; supplies monthly prayer notes; and even organizes global village trips for attendees of a common house of worship to build houses abroad. For secular organizations like fellow non-profits, businesses, or individuals, Habitat for Humanity has similarly customizable programs. Nonprofits can send donations in kind, receive exclusive grants to further housing projects locally, and earn the ability to use Habitat for Humanity in its branding. Enterprises get benefits such as being able to provide shared experiences between employees, and planting deeper roots in their community through corporate social responsibility initiatives. A side benefit that Habitat for Humanity notes is that employees often prefer to work for companies that contribute to charitable causes, and that engaging in such work boosts employee morale. In addition to acting as the CEO of Valley Surgery Center, LLC and Spectrum Plastic Surgery, cardiologist and entrepreneur Rajan Bhatt is a part of many professional organizations. As a member of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), Rajan Bhatt hones his professional skills, while networking with like-minded peers.
The ACC offers many membership types, depending on the applicant’s location and connections to cardiology. Fellows of the ACC, in the most comprehensive membership tier, consist of global cardiologists and administrators, while associate members include clinical pharmacists and cardiac rehabilitation professionals. Both cardiovascular administrators and medical students join the organization in dedicated tiers, medical students doing so free of charge. ACC members gain access to many in-person and online benefits. They can attend events, and advocate on behalf of the ACC via their local chapter, encompassing part of, or an entire state or province for American or Canadian members. Members receive current industry information via classes and on-demand webinars, both applicable for several types of continuing education credit. Notably, members may access the 10 journals published by the ACC, covering technical aspects like cardiology imaging, conditions like heart failure, or exclusively emerging discoveries. An accomplished healthcare executive with experience in multi-specialty healthcare management, surgery center development, and strategic planning, Dr. Rajan Bhatt is the founder and CEO of Spectrum Dermatology, Spectrum Plastic Surgery, and Valley Surgery Center. One of Dr. Rajan Bhatt’s companies, Spectrum Dermatology, is now a part of the Pinnacle Dermatology family.
Total Body Skin Exam at Pinnacle Dermatology evaluates the skin from the scalp to the soles of the feet. This full-body examination aims to detect warning signs or symptoms of existing dermatological conditions, particularly skin cancers. Total Body Skin Exam can be integrated into an annual appointment with the dedicated team of experts at Pinnacle Dermatology as a proactive cancer-prevention strategy. Skin cancer is a rife condition in the United States. Roughly 20 percent of Americans are prone to skin cancer (at least once). Based on data amassed by Pinnacle Dermatology, an estimated 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer daily in the country. Pinnacle also highlights that early skin cancer detection and treatment can optimize results. |
AuthorDr. Rajan D. Bhatt - Cardiologist in Scottsdale, Arizona Archives
February 2022
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