Can Cosmetic Surgery Treat Keratosis Pilaris Effectively?
Keratosis pilaris I have been troubled by keratosis pilaris since middle school. I have seen a dermatologist, but the doctor said it is hereditary and cannot be cured. At first, I didn't understand and kept trying to squeeze it, which only left me with many scars. I would li...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Hello: Keratosis pilaris can indeed be quite bothersome. In addition to affecting appearance, it can also lead to occasional breakouts. Treatment typically involves the use of alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids, and salicylic acid for exfoliation. Erbium chromium laser resurfacing ha...[Read More] Can Cosmetic Surgery Treat Keratosis Pilaris Effectively?
Understanding Keloids: Causes, Treatment Options, and Costs
Keloid I have developed a lump-like phenomenon in my ear due to getting my ears pierced. Those lumps have hardened, and when I consulted a doctor, they mentioned that they have calcified. What should I do? Is surgery an option, and how much would it typically cost?
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Hello: Is it a keloid scar or cartilage hypertrophy caused by chondritis? I would appreciate it if you could consult with an orthopedic surgeon for a diagnosis and further discussion. Dr. Kuo-Hua Lo, Orthopedic Surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Keloids: Causes, Treatment Options, and Costs
Understanding Alternatives to Surgery for Treating Body Odor
Bromhidrosis (body odor) In addition to surgery, is it possible to treat axillary odor with injections? How much does it cost? Are there any side effects? If I want to get injections, do I need to make an appointment first? I am a minor, but I want to undergo surgery for axillary...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Hello: Currently, there is no injectable treatment for axillary osmidrosis (body odor). If the patient is a minor, consent from a legal guardian is required before proceeding with surgery. Dr. Kuo-Hua Lo, Department of Plastic Surgery, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Alternatives to Surgery for Treating Body Odor
Understanding the Cost of Surgery for Treating Body Odor Issues
Foul odor..? Could you please tell me how much the surgery to treat bromhidrosis would cost? Thank you.
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Hello: The fees vary depending on the physician's experience and reputation. Generally, the range is between $15,000 to $35,000.[Read More] Understanding the Cost of Surgery for Treating Body Odor Issues
Burn Treatment: Should You Use Ointment or Let It Heal Naturally?
Burns Hello, I burned my wrist on a metal rack from a rice steamer the day before yesterday, and now there is a blister about one centimeter in size near my wrist. Should I go to the pharmacy to buy an ointment to apply, or should I just let it heal on its own? Thank you.
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
You likely have a second-degree burn. If not treated properly, it could progress to a third-degree burn, which may result in scarring. It is best to consult a plastic surgeon for evaluation.[Read More] Burn Treatment: Should You Use Ointment or Let It Heal Naturally?
Safe Alternatives to Facial Contouring for a Slimmer Look
I want to undergo plastic surgery? I have a square-shaped face that is slim, not chubby, but rather has a wider bone structure. I've seen on TV that facial plastic surgery can involve bone reduction, but I find that too dangerous and frightening. Are there other methods that...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
The size and shape of the face are primarily determined by the bones, with some modifications from soft tissues such as muscles and skin. The formation of a square-shaped face is due to the excessive prominence of the angles of the mandible on both sides, or it may be caused by t...[Read More] Safe Alternatives to Facial Contouring for a Slimmer Look
Safe and Scarless Lip Enhancement Options: What You Need to Know
I want to undergo cosmetic surgery? I find my upper lip to be pointed and unattractive, and I would like to undergo a procedure to enhance my upper lip. Are there methods available that can reshape the upper lip without leaving scars or marks? Is it safe? Additionally, could you ...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
If the issue is caused by protruding teeth, it is important to first consider orthodontic treatment by a dentist, or to consult a craniofacial surgeon for possible maxillary retrusion surgery. Alternatively, if a minor surgical procedure can improve the lip shape, it is essential...[Read More] Safe and Scarless Lip Enhancement Options: What You Need to Know
Non-Surgical Solutions for Sagging and Wide Breast Concerns
Breast augmentation I currently have breast sagging and lateral expansion (somewhat like "baggy breasts," size 36D). What can I do to improve this? Are there any non-surgical options for correction? I have previously had an appendectomy, and the scar looks like a centip...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Unfortunately, there are currently no non-surgical methods to improve the condition of breast hypertrophy. Additionally, surgery may result in a straight line or inverted T-shaped scar beneath the breast. If there is a predisposition to poor scarring, hypertrophic scars or keloid...[Read More] Non-Surgical Solutions for Sagging and Wide Breast Concerns
Effective Ways to Eliminate Stretch Marks After Pregnancy
How to eliminate existing stretch marks? Hello Dr. Luo! Two years after giving birth, the stretch marks on my abdomen and buttocks have been a concern for me. I would like to ask how I can effectively eliminate the existing stretch marks. (For example: laser treatments, topical m...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Stretch marks, or striae, are scars that form due to the excessive stretching of the dermis. Initially, they appear as red streaks, but over the course of several months to one or two years, the color gradually fades to match the surrounding skin, becoming less noticeable; howeve...[Read More] Effective Ways to Eliminate Stretch Marks After Pregnancy
Common Questions About Mole Removal: Surgery Options and Recovery
Some questions about mole removal? Doctor, I have a congenital mole on my hand (located just above the wrist in line with my thumb). It is round, flat, and about one centimeter in size. I find it aesthetically unpleasing and it tends to attract attention. Additionally, I am conce...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Answer: The removal of a common mole, if it is for cosmetic reasons, is considered a cosmetic procedure and will require out-of-pocket payment. However, if the mole shows changes such as bleeding or enlargement, there may be a possibility of malignancy, in which case it is covere...[Read More] Common Questions About Mole Removal: Surgery Options and Recovery
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Finger Surgery for Melanoma
Finger Hello Dr. Luo: I am a patient with melanoma. Recently, during a check-up of my previous finger surgery site, it was found that melanoma had recurred, and the doctor performed a more extensive excision down to the palm. The wound has healed, but the other four fingers are m...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
What is the extent of the amputation up to the palm? Is the curvature phenomenon caused by scar contracture? A thorough on-site assessment is necessary for further discussion.[Read More] Recovery and Rehabilitation After Finger Surgery for Melanoma
Can an 11-Year-Old Girl Undergo Axillary Gland Removal for Severe Odor?
Can an 11-year-old fifth-grade girl undergo an adenoidectomy or adenoid curettage? Hello. My daughter has severe axillary odor. I have undergone sweat gland removal myself, but the doctor did not explain clearly that it would not be effective for true hyperhidrosis. I am now expe...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
The surgery you underwent was likely a thoracoscopic surgery, not an axillary gland excision. It primarily targets palmar hyperhidrosis; however, it is not very effective for axillary odor, and the compensatory sweating that follows can be quite bothersome. The truly effective pr...[Read More] Can an 11-Year-Old Girl Undergo Axillary Gland Removal for Severe Odor?
Understanding the Risks of Hair Removal Surgery for Sensitive Skin
Hair removal from the legs? Hello, I would like to inquire about hair removal procedures for the legs. After removing leg hair, are there any potential side effects? I am generally sensitive to the weather and tend to feel cold easily, and sometimes my skin is quite dry. Will hai...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Removing leg hair does not have any specific side effects. As for methods of hair removal, you may refer to the inquiries made by previous users on March 15, 2001, and July 1, 2001.[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hair Removal Surgery for Sensitive Skin
Can Birthmarks Be Permanently Removed? Insights on Laser Treatments
Birthmark Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about a congenital birthmark on my face. Although it is not like a port wine stain or a deep black birthmark, it resembles a common dark spot and covers about one-third of my face, which is very distressing for me. I have undergon...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
If the pigment layer extends deep into the dermis, the laser beam cannot penetrate such a thick pigment layer in one go. Therefore, after laser treatment, although there may be an overall improvement, the melanocytes located at the base of the dermis continue to produce melanin a...[Read More] Can Birthmarks Be Permanently Removed? Insights on Laser Treatments
Can Jaw Surgery Correct Protruding Outer Eye Bone? Risks and Costs Explained
Facial bone surgery The outer edge of the bone at the lateral canthus of one eye is more prominent. Is it possible to perform a bone contouring surgery through an intraoral approach? What is the risk of injuring the facial nerve? How much budget should be prepared for the medical...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Prominent cheekbones can be surgically addressed through an intraoral approach; however, achieving perfect symmetry with the opposite side involves considerations related to the paranasal sinuses, which require a thorough evaluation. The risk of injuring the facial nerve is relat...[Read More] Can Jaw Surgery Correct Protruding Outer Eye Bone? Risks and Costs Explained
Understanding Hair Transplants: Costs, Growth Timeline, and Maintenance Tips
excuse me? Hair transplantation is measured in grafts. How many grafts are there in one unit? Approximately how long after the procedure will the hair start to grow? Will it fall out again? If not, how long can it be maintained? What should be considered if another transplant is ...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Hair transplant surgery has now evolved to the follicular unit transplantation method, where each follicular unit contains between one to four hairs. A single hair transplant session can involve the transplantation of hundreds to over a thousand follicular units, requiring a sign...[Read More] Understanding Hair Transplants: Costs, Growth Timeline, and Maintenance Tips
Understanding Acne Scars: Microdermabrasion vs. Laser and IPL Treatments
Acne scars can be treated using microdermabrasion, laser therapy, and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments? I previously consulted someone who said that microdermabrasion is the worst option because it removes surrounding healthy skin, making the depth of the skin depressions le...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
1. Laser treatment is not a panacea; currently, we cannot expect lasers to be able to regenerate normal, beautiful skin over scars. 2. Scar treatment, whether through traditional dermabrasion, multiple microdermabrasion sessions, or laser resurfacing, primarily involves removing...[Read More] Understanding Acne Scars: Microdermabrasion vs. Laser and IPL Treatments
Laser Mole Removal: Safety and Costs for Under-Eye Treatment
Mole removal I have a mole on my lower eyelid and I want to remove it with laser treatment. Will it have any impact on my eyes? Is the cost going to be very expensive?
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Using a special metallic corneal shield to protect the cornea during laser treatment will not harm the eyes. However, whether a mole can be completely removed in one session depends on its size and depth, and multiple treatments are often required. In fact, surgical excision is a...[Read More] Laser Mole Removal: Safety and Costs for Under-Eye Treatment
Effective Treatments for White Scars and Eyebrow Regrowth
Scar Hello: I have a scar from an eyebrow stitch that has become a noticeably white scar, and the injured area does not grow any eyebrow hair, nor can I apply color to it. This scar has been present for several years. Is there any way to change this? Thank you!
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Consideration can be given to excising the original scar and re-suturing it; however, during the surgical procedure, special attention must be paid to the position and growth direction of the hair follicles in order to achieve the most optimal result (though not a completely scar...[Read More] Effective Treatments for White Scars and Eyebrow Regrowth
Exploring the Latest Third-Generation Ultrasound Liposuction Machines
Third-generation ultrasound liposuction machine? A friend of mine is planning to undergo liposuction and has heard that there is a new third-generation ultrasound liposuction machine that is safer and can extract a larger volume of fat. Which hospitals have this type of machine, ...
Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Regardless of the generation of the liposuction machine, there are inherent risks as long as the cannula is inserted into the body. Currently, the risks associated with general anesthesia are not excessively high, but they do not disappear due to advancements in liposuction techn...[Read More] Exploring the Latest Third-Generation Ultrasound Liposuction Machines