Post-Trauma Facial Reconstruction: Surgery Options and Insurance Coverage
Follow-up treatment issues??? Dear Doctor: I have a 20 cm long scar on my face from a car accident, and after healing, there is still a hypertrophic scar present. During the accident, glass penetrated my face, causing deep internal nerves or tissue to become necrotic. I would lik...
Dr. Shi Wenbin Reply:
Hello, internet user: A 20 cm wound on the face is indeed quite long, and even after suturing, it is likely to leave a noticeable scar. To improve this, you can apply silicone tape for three to six months after the stitches are removed. If, after that time, the scar still appears...[Read More] Post-Trauma Facial Reconstruction: Surgery Options and Insurance Coverage
Can I Get Muscle Tissue Checked After Gallbladder Surgery?
excuse me? Dr. Zhou: Hello, thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I underwent gallbladder removal surgery in July 2005. After three years, I have experienced discomfort due to the scabbing of my abdominal wound after healing. After trying some folk remedies, I feel...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhang Reply:
1. "Examination of muscle tissue?" - Muscle tissue can usually be biopsied, but this is only necessary in certain specific diseases, such as sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 2. Based on the condition, it may simply be abnormal proliferation of scar ti...[Read More] Can I Get Muscle Tissue Checked After Gallbladder Surgery?
Effective Treatments for Keloids: Options and Insurance Coverage
Keloid I accidentally injured my arm while working part-time in my sophomore year, and now I have a 2 cm long keloid. I had surgery, but it has grown back. I have been using beauty tape to cover it. What methods can I use to remove it? Will health insurance provide any subsidies?...
Dr. Shi Wenbin Reply:
Hello: Keloids are generally not treated with surgical excision, as surgery may worsen the condition. If the treatment is solely for symptoms (itching or pain), local corticosteroid injections can be considered (covered by health insurance). If significant improvement in appearan...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Keloids: Options and Insurance Coverage
Understanding Cellulitis: When to See a Specialist for Your Recovery
Cellulitis Hello, doctor! I would like to ask about a condition I experienced over a year ago. I developed cellulitis in my right leg due to a wound infection. At that time, I could only seek treatment at the Hsinchu Military Hospital because of my military status. The doctor men...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhang Reply:
1. Any issues with wounds can be addressed at the plastic surgery consultation. 2. Cellulitis should have healed after more than a year, unless the wound continues to have purulent drainage and redness, swelling, or pain. 3. If the wound has healed, it may not be possible to ...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: When to See a Specialist for Your Recovery
Understanding Facial Burns in Children: Severity, Treatment, and Scar Management
Facial burn Hello: My daughter is three years old and a few days ago she got burned by incense. The burned area appears dead white, is sunken, and doesn't hurt much. Could you please tell me what degree of burn this is? The wound is about 0.5 cm in diameter. I'm also co...
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
For burns that may be classified as 2nd to 3rd degree, both types of ointments are effective in the initial stages. Once the wound stabilizes, a synthetic skin should be applied for 6 months for a wound size of 0.5 centimeters.[Read More] Understanding Facial Burns in Children: Severity, Treatment, and Scar Management
Effective Treatments for Keloids: Solutions for Scarring After Injury
Keloid Due to a car accident on June 30, 2008, there are two large keloid scars on the philtrum. I have applied many ointments, but the results have been minimal, and I am unsure what to do next.
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
The philtrum is an area where scars are very prominent, and topical ointments usually have little effect. Keloids in this area often require the application of local corticosteroids for treatment.[Read More] Effective Treatments for Keloids: Solutions for Scarring After Injury
Understanding Post-Surgery Changes After Axillary Surgery: A Patient's Guide
Regarding the thymectomy? Hello, my friend underwent a curettage procedure for axillary sweat glands in mid-April of this year, and it has been a month since the surgery. Initially, he only experienced a noticeable odor from his right armpit during extremely humid weather, while ...
Dr. Shi Wenbin Reply:
Hello: Your friend may have residual odor on the left side due to incomplete surgery. The issues with limited mobility and the presence of a lump may be caused by adhesions from the micro-surgery, which will require some time for observation and may improve. A secondary surgery o...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Changes After Axillary Surgery: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Allergic Reactions to Skin Treatments in Plastic Surgery
Allergy On Monday, I went to the hospital to get medication for multiple abrasions on my face. The original wounds were treated with Bacitracin Neomycin ointment, and some of the wounds had healed, so I applied two whitening creams: one was Elomet and the other was called Melquin...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhang Reply:
1. Approximately 5% of individuals of East Asian descent may experience an allergic reaction to "whitening" creams. If an allergic reaction occurs, it may be necessary to discontinue use or reduce the dosage. 2. It is normal for a reddish appearance to occur after a f...[Read More] Understanding Allergic Reactions to Skin Treatments in Plastic Surgery
Recovery Timeline for Severe Calf Muscle Injury After Stitching
The calf was lacerated by a heavy object and required 11 stitches. The stitches have been removed, but the leg still cannot be fully extended? I accidentally had a heavy object fall on my leg at work, causing a 13-15 cm long and 15-17 cm wide skin tear on my calf muscle. The musc...
Dr. Shi Wenbin Reply:
Hello, A-Jia: Your wound is classified as an avulsion wound. If the skin flap is too thin, it may lead to complications such as ischemia and necrosis. As you mentioned, since it has penetrated deeply into the muscle, it is more likely to survive. However, a larger wound may resul...[Read More] Recovery Timeline for Severe Calf Muscle Injury After Stitching
Understanding Scar Removal Costs: A Guide to Laser Treatments
~What is the cost of scar removal?~ I would like to ask about a small scar on my right cheek. I previously consulted with Dr. Chen Yi-Ying from the dermatology department, and she recommended a dermabrasion procedure for scar removal. However, she later mentioned that the scar is...
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
Laser scar removal may start from 2500 to 3000 NTD, depending on the size of the scar. The cost of dermabrasion surgery is also similar. The staff in the plastic surgery department also need weekends off.[Read More] Understanding Scar Removal Costs: A Guide to Laser Treatments
Understanding Issues with Artificial Skin in Plastic Surgery
Issues with Artificial Skin Usage Hello Doctor: I have a question regarding the change of artificial skin (approximately every 2-3 days). Although the surface appears white, when I use a cotton swab to wipe it, it turns brown. I later discovered that there was bleeding at the edg...
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
Traditional wound treatment involves allowing the wound to dry and form a scab, which can lead to scarring and may result in poor internal healing, known as "silver lining." Artificial skin can be used for 2-3 days before needing to be changed, indicating that the exuda...[Read More] Understanding Issues with Artificial Skin in Plastic Surgery
Choosing the Right Aesthetic Clinic: Tips for Men’s Facial Contouring and Treatments
Choosing a Cosmetic Surgery Clinic Hello Dr. Zhou: What is the most attractive face shape for men? Under what circumstances should one consider chin augmentation? How can one choose a reliable cosmetic surgery clinic? Additionally, I recently saw in a magazine about "nano fr...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhang Reply:
1. People say "serious men are the most charming." What does "good-looking men" mean? 2. Hospitals and clinics with licensed plastic surgeons should be quite reliable. 3. Generally, the face can be divided into three equal parts, with the eyes and mouth serv...[Read More] Choosing the Right Aesthetic Clinic: Tips for Men’s Facial Contouring and Treatments
Dealing with Itchy Scars: Tips for Relief and Healing
The scar is unbearably itchy? Dear Doctor: My postoperative scar is extremely itchy, as if a line of mosquitoes is constantly biting it. I am a working professional, and this has affected my sleep and daily life. During work, I can only pat my abdomen to relieve the itch. I face ...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhang Reply:
1. Hypertrophic scars or keloids can be treated with intralesional steroid injections, which can alleviate itching and treat the lesions, with injections administered once every one to three months. 2. It is recommended to apply anti-itch cream during the day and use ice packs a...[Read More] Dealing with Itchy Scars: Tips for Relief and Healing
Effective Scar Care After Laparotomy: Best Products and Tips
How to take care of a scar (1) Dear Doctor: (According to your previous reply) After laparotomy, should I use alpha hydroxy acid, lactobionic acid, or L-ascorbic acid lotion or cream, or anything else on my scars? Thank you for your answer. Have a good day! Ling
Dr. Zhou Hongzhang Reply:
In general, it is advisable not to use "destructive" skincare products (such as retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids) on scars. Allowing the scar tissue to heal naturally and gradually will result in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.[Read More] Effective Scar Care After Laparotomy: Best Products and Tips
Effective Scar Care After Surgery: Can Mederma Gel Help?
How to take care of a scar? Dear Doctor: Regarding the care of surgical scars, in addition to using silicone sheets or beauty gels within six months, is it appropriate to also use Mederma gel (manufactured in Frankfurt, Germany)? The scar is still in an active state with redness,...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhang Reply:
Care for surgical scars should include: 1. Sun protection; 2. Use of whitening creams (including hydroquinone) or low-potency corticosteroids (to be used cautiously due to potential side effects); 3. Pressure therapy, which may involve silicone sheets, cosmetic gels, paper tape, ...[Read More] Effective Scar Care After Surgery: Can Mederma Gel Help?
Understanding Rhinoplasty: Concerns About Nose Reshaping and Scarring
Rhinoplasty Hello, doctor. Last time I asked you about the issue of wanting to reduce the size of my nose tip because it is too large. How significant will the scarring be from removing excess tissue? Will it exceed 0.5 cm? Additionally, I am actually more concerned about the rou...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhang Reply:
1. The tip rhinoplasty procedure involves incisions made through the nostrils and the columella, resulting in scar lengths of approximately 2 to 4 centimeters (though some scars may be located inside the nostrils). 2. If you only wish to "sharpen the nasal tip" without ...[Read More] Understanding Rhinoplasty: Concerns About Nose Reshaping and Scarring
Options for Reducing a Bulbous Nose: Surgical Solutions Explained
I want to reduce the size of my nasal tip? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my nose tip, which is a bit large, and I want to reduce its size. Is there a surgery for this? Could you please explain the different methods available?
Dr. Zhou Hongzhang Reply:
A large nasal tip can be addressed through a soft tissue excision surgery via an incision made beneath the nose. If there is excessive skin laxity, it may be necessary to excise some skin, which could result in visible scarring. Generally, there are not many patients undergoing t...[Read More] Options for Reducing a Bulbous Nose: Surgical Solutions Explained
Understanding Epidermoid Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
What is a sebaceous cyst? What are its symptoms? I have a small lump near my brow bone. I went to see a doctor who said it could possibly be a sebaceous cyst. What is a sebaceous cyst? Is it better not to have surgery? Later, I had an ultrasound, and the doctor said it doesn'...
Dr. Shi Wenbin Reply:
Sebaceous cysts or epidermoid cysts are skin conditions that are more likely to occur after puberty, commonly affecting the face and shoulders. The tumors resemble cystic acne and have the potential for infection, which can cause pain when infected. The cysts may grow larger, but...[Read More] Understanding Epidermoid Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Swelling Around Wound: Is It Normal and How to Treat?
Swelling of the skin near the surgical wound? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about something. I underwent a surgical suturing for an injury on my left hand at 2 AM on October 23rd. However, it has been a week since the procedure, and the skin around the wound (on the b...
Dr. Chen Mingze Reply:
Hello Serena, I apologize for the delay in my response due to password issues. It has been over a month since your injury, and I hope your wound has healed. If it hasn't fully healed yet, there may be a problem. Based on your initial description, the swelling of the wound c...[Read More] Post-Surgery Swelling Around Wound: Is It Normal and How to Treat?
Understanding Inactive Scars: Causes, Treatments, and Baby Safety
Inactive scar Thank you, Dr. Lu, for your previous explanation. What is meant by "inactive scar"? If it is not caused by amniocentesis during the fetal period, what other reasons can lead to the formation of an "inactive scar"? Can this scar be congenital? Bes...
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
A silver scar is referred to as an inactive scar, while an active scar is red, raised, and may be painful or itchy. L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a medical cosmetic product that can be found in drugstores. Scars on children's skin are more likely to occur during their growt...[Read More] Understanding Inactive Scars: Causes, Treatments, and Baby Safety