Category Brent (Plastic Surgery)

A deviated septum is a common condition that can have a real impact on your daily life. Some people experience mild symptoms without realizing the cause is a structural issue. A deviated septum can impact your breathing, sleep, and overall health if left untreated. Patients often think the issue will go away on its own if they do not understand the root cause. You may wonder, can a deviated septum get worse over time? Below you will find information on when you should seek treatment.

Can a Deviated Septum Get Worse Over Time?

Over time, a deviated septum can get worse. The septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal passages into left and right airways. When it is not centered, it narrows one or both passages. This restricts airflow when you breathe during the day and night. While some patients can become accustomed to a mild deviation for years, it can worsen over time.

In fact, many people experience a gradual and progressive decline in nasal function. There are several reasons for this. These include the natural aging process, chronic inflammation, and nasal injuries. When you notice your symptoms getting worse, it is time to contact a professional at the plastic surgery center for a thorough evaluation.

Factors that Worsen a Deviated Septum

Several factors can worsen a deviated septum. They can push an existing deviation even further out of alignment. This can make breathing, sleeping, and your daily life difficult.

Natural Aging

Nasal cartilage loses its natural elasticity over time. When the cartilage naturally softens, the septum can shift even more. Patients who have only mild obstruction may notice more issues as they get older. The structural integrity of the septum relies on the surrounding tissue. When this weakens, the symptoms can get much worse.

Chronic Nose Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can worsen a deviated septum. This includes chronic sinusitis, allergies, or recurring nasal polyps. These issues cause persistent swelling inside the nasal cavity. This puts constant pressure on the surrounding tissues in the nose, including the septum. Managing the inflammation does not correct the underlying structural issue. However, it can make it much worse and exacerbate symptoms.

Nose Trauma

A secondary injury to the nose can further displace an already deviated septum. Even minor trauma can cause issues when the alignment of the nose changes; the symptoms of a deviated septum can worsen. Every injury adds to the complexity of the issue. This requires a thorough evaluation and treatment to address your symptoms.

Signs You Need an Evaluation

Understanding the early warning signs of a worsening deviated septum is key. Recognizing the signs ensures timely intervention. Avoid waiting to see a professional if you notice any of the following symptoms.

Increased Nasal Obstruction

Once minor blockages worsen and breathing becomes difficult, it is necessary to consult with a professional. This is especially true if the obstruction impacts sleep, physical activity, or your daily life. Nasal obstruction that gets worse over time is often due to structural issues, like a deviated septum.

Worsening Sleep Disruption

Sleep is an integral part of your overall health. Breathing difficulties during sleep can impact the amount and quality of sleep that you get. Over time, this can have a serious impact on your health. Common symptoms include snoring, mouth breathing, and frequent wakeups. Left unaddressed, poor sleep can impact your cognition, cardiovascular health, and overall quality of life.

Recurring Sinus Infections

Frequent sinus infections are a notable red flag. Severe cases trap mucus and create an environment where bacteria can thrive. If you get more than three sinus infections each year, it is time to get evaluated. Without addressing the structural issue, managing the sinus infections alone is not enough.

How Septoplasty Addresses a Deviated Septum

The first step in addressing your deviated septum is scheduling a consultation. A skilled surgeon can assess your nasal structure and symptoms. From there, they can create a treatment plan based on your unique needs. Surgical intervention is highly effective and can improve your daily life. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat a deviated septum. The procedure repositions and reshapes the displaced bone and cartilage. This centers and restores the airway to its proper function. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis so that you can go home the same day.

Top Plastic Surgery Center

Issues related to your deviated septum can cause breathing difficulties. If you are struggling with a deviated septum, contact Dr. Brent and his team today to schedule a consultation!

Many women consider breast implants after pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Some women also consider implants if they are born with a naturally small chest. Moving forward with a breast augmentation procedure involves scheduling a consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon. At the appointment, you will discuss the size and shape you want. During this appointment, many people have questions about the results and how long they last. You may wonder, will aging or weight changes affect my breast implant results? Below you will find helpful information on how to maintain your results after breast implant surgery.

Will Aging or Weight Changes Affect My Breast Implant Results?

A breast augmentation can enhance the look of your chest. It improves the size, shape, and symmetry. Many people wonder if aging or weight changes can impact their appearance after surgery. Changes to the surrounding structure can affect the results in several ways.

Changes Due to Natural Aging

Over time, skin changes occur. This is due to the natural loss of collagen and elastin. These are important proteins that keep your skin supple and youthful-looking. The production of these proteins begins to slow down as early as your twenties. The reduction continues as you get older. This results in the skin being less able to support the weight of your breast tissue and implant. This can lead to sagging, which can impact the appearance of your implants.

Natural skin changes occur due to the loss of collagen and elastin. However, certain lifestyle habits can accelerate the natural aging process. Sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can impact skin quality. Living an unhealthy lifestyle can impact the results of your implant. This is why it is important to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle after the procedure.

Weight Changes

Weight changes after breast implants can impact the results. This includes both weight gain and weight loss. When you gain weight, the fat is distributed around the body. Adding weight to the breasts naturally increases the overall cup size. While the appearance changes, the implant itself remains the same. You may notice asymmetry, depending on how the fat accumulates around the breasts.

Weight loss often has a more obvious effect on breast implant results. When the natural breast tissue loses volume, the skin can become loose. The implant can change in several ways. It can appear higher, lower, or less full in its upper portion. This can make the breasts look less full, which many patients do not like. Maintaining your weight after surgery is integral to ensuring your results last.

How to Maintain Your Results After Breast Implants

Protecting your investment after breast implants is important. There are several steps you can take to maintain your results after surgery.

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

After surgery at the top plastic surgery center, you will receive postoperative instructions. It is important to follow these as closely as possible. This includes how to care for your incisions and what to avoid. Attend all of your post-surgical follow-up appointments to ensure optimal recovery.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking can have a serious impact on your skin and breast augmentation results. This is because it breaks down collagen and restricts blood flow to the skin. This accelerates skin aging after surgery. It also increases the risk for post-surgical complications. You will be required to stop smoking before and after surgery. It is best to avoid smoking entirely to protect your results.

Sun Protection

Sun exposure can break down the skin and accelerate skin aging. UV rays break down the collagen and elastin in the skin. These are essential proteins that keep your skin firm and youthful-looking. Use SPF 30 or higher daily, even if you do not go outdoors. If you do go outside, avoid the sun during peak hours. Use sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for added protection.

Wear Supportive Bras

Gravity can take a toll on your breast tissue and skin. Wear a well-fitted, supportive bra as much as possible. If you exercise or do any high-impact activities, wear a supportive sports bra. Doing this can reduce your risk of stretching and gravitational strain on the breast tissue and skin. Staying consistent is the key to maintaining the results of your breast augmentation.

Top Plastic Surgery Center

Breast implants can change over time due to weight gain or loss or aging. If you want to refresh your implants, contact Dr. Brent and his team today to schedule your consultation!

Moles are extremely common, as nearly everyone has them. They often show up in early childhood and multiply as you get older. They can come in several shapes and sizes. They are not a cause for medical concern in the vast majority of cases. However, any moles that change should be monitored and evaluated immediately. A professional should look at color changes, border changes, itching, or bleeding. Can a normal mole turn into melanoma? Below, you will find helpful information on when to seek help.

Can a Normal Mole Turn Into Melanoma?

In most cases, moles are completely benign and a normal part of the skin. They are a cluster of pigmented skin cells. They are not harmful and do not require any treatment. However, certain conditions can change a mole from benign to a cause for medical concern. When they change and grow abnormally, mole reconstruction and treatment may be necessary.

When is a Mole Dangerous?

Not every mole is dangerous or requires evaluation. Common moles that have remained the same for years are nothing to worry about. The moment you should be concerned about a mold is when it changes. Sun damage is one of the most common reasons moles change. UV radiation damages the skin’s DNA over time. When the cells in the mole are damaged, they can begin to multiply uncontrollably. This requires evaluation from a medical professional.

Genetics also plays a role in your risk for melanoma. If you have a family history of the condition, you are at a higher risk. Those with a significant number of moles and a history of severe sunburns are also at increased risk of melanoma. Regardless of your risk level, it is important to monitor your skin. It is better to be safe, so a professional should look at any changes.

When to Seek Treatment

Many people wait too long to get treatment for their moles. Early intervention is key for skin issues. Dermatologists have created a helpful guide to help you know when to seek help. Below are the details on the ABCDE warning signs.

Asymmetry

Asymmetry is the first thing to check on your skin. A normal mole looks roughly the same on both sides. However, a mole that is irregular or lopsided is a cause for concern.

Border

The border of the mole should have smooth, well-defined edges. An irregular or concerning mold may have ragged, blurred, or notched borders. This deserves attention from a professional.

Color

The color of the mole matters for your skin health. A uniform brown or tan mole is normal. However, multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue are not.

Diameter

The size of the mole can indicate if there are issues. The diameter should be smaller. Anything above six millimeters should be looked at. That is roughly the size of a standard pencil eraser.

Evolution

Any mole that has changed in size, shape, color, or texture is a cause for concern. Seek evaluation right away if you notice any changes.

Treatment and Mole Reconstruction Options

Removing a mole or melanoma may be necessary. Getting treatment early on can prevent further harm to your skin and health. There are several treatment options depending on the specific skin issues.

Mole Removal

Removal is one of the most common treatment options if your mole is suspicious. The method used to remove the mole depends on its size, location, and whether it appears benign or potentially cancerous. A skilled surgeon at the top plastic surgery center can determine the best course of action for removal.

Skin Cancer Removal

If the issue is melanoma, removal of the cancerous cells is a top priority. There are several ways to effectively remove skin cancer. This includes laser-based treatments or surgical excision. The primary goal is to remove the cancer entirely. However, preserving as much healthy skin as possible is a close second.

Mole Reconstructions

Sometimes mole removal can leave behind a skin defect that requires reconstruction. A skilled reconstructive surgeon can improve the appearance of the skin. Restoring the skin can be achieved with local tissue flaps or skin grafts. Their main goal is to improve the appearance as much as possible after removal.

Top Plastic Surgery Center

Early intervention is key for melanoma. If you are concerned about a mole, contact Dr. Brent and his team today to schedule your consultation!