Understanding Male Gynecomastia: Insurance Coverage, Costs, and Recovery Insights
Gynecomastia Hello, doctor. I would like to know if general surgery is covered by health insurance. To what extent can it be covered? (Does it only include breast tissue excision or does it also include liposuction?) I just want to have a flat chest like an average male, so I can...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhang Reply:
1. Generally, there is no health insurance coverage. 2. Either breast removal or liposuction can be performed as needed. 3. The costs vary by clinic or physician, ranging from approximately $60,000 to $200,000, depending on the type of surgery. 4. You will need to purchase ...[Read More] Understanding Male Gynecomastia: Insurance Coverage, Costs, and Recovery Insights
Understanding Abdominal Lumps: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care
Follow-up observation for abdominal mass? On the left side of the abdomen (above the navel, directly below the right chest), a hard lump approximately 1 cm in size has appeared over the past month. It is not painful or itchy, has normal skin color, and does not hurt when pressed;...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
1. If it is a simple skin infection (which is rare), applying an antibiotic ointment may improve the condition. If it is a sebaceous cyst, monitor for any signs of redness, swelling, heat, or pain; if these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately. 2. Please observe for...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Lumps: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care
Can You Get Tattoos with Keloids? Tips and Care for Safe Inking
Keloid tattoo issues? I apologize, but I developed a lot of acne during middle school, which has resulted in several keloids on my chest and shoulder areas. However, the site where I received the BCG vaccine in childhood did not develop keloids. I have seen a doctor for injection...
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
The scar has not faded, indicating it is still active. You can get a tattoo on your arm where there are no scars, but for the areas with scars, it's better to wait another one to two years.[Read More] Can You Get Tattoos with Keloids? Tips and Care for Safe Inking
Understanding Vascular Malformations: When to Seek Medical Help
Hairy cell vascular lesions Hello, I am a rare disease patient. I underwent two cerebral vascular reconstruction surgeries 13.4 years ago. There are still issues in the lower right part of my brain, but my doctor does not recommend further surgery. I also have a chronic asthma co...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to first consult a pulmonologist to properly treat asthma.[Read More] Understanding Vascular Malformations: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Breast Lumps: When to Seek Surgical Intervention
Breast lump Hello doctor, I have a hard lump about 2 to 3 centimeters on the right side of my chest that has been there for approximately three years. It doesn't hurt and doesn't move. I would like to know if this could be a lipoma or something else? Is surgery necessar...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
A breast lump requires an actual examination by a clinician or an ultrasound for further confirmation of its diagnosis; it cannot be solely inferred based on your description. As for whether surgery is necessary or if simple observation is sufficient, this will depend on the diag...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: When to Seek Surgical Intervention
Understanding Chest Bumps in Teens: Causes and Solutions
Connective tissue? Keloid? Calcium deficiency? Your 14-year-old sister has a small, hard bump slightly above the center of her chest, which appears to be bone. It is not painful or itchy and currently does not affect her daily life, although it is somewhat unsightly. What could t...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhang Reply:
This issue requires the patient to see a physician directly; it cannot be addressed online.[Read More] Understanding Chest Bumps in Teens: Causes and Solutions
Severe Chest Pain After Motorcycle Accident: What to Do Next?
Severe chest pain after a car accident? Hello Doctor, I am currently 37 years old. Seven days ago, I was involved in a motorcycle accident where I fell asleep and crashed into a car. The next day, I went to the emergency room, and the physician assessed that I only had external b...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! A chest contusion is indeed very painful. Your ribs are not fractured, but if it were an elderly woman experiencing the same impact, she might fracture several ribs. It is recommended to take pain relievers and muscle relaxants as prescribed; otherwise, the pain may keep y...[Read More] Severe Chest Pain After Motorcycle Accident: What to Do Next?
Understanding Chest and Abdominal Tightness: When to Seek Medical Help
The chest and abdomen feel like they are being constricted by a rope? Hello Doctor: 1. In early September, I experienced a sensation of being bound by a rope under my left rib cage (upper left abdomen), which later spread to the right side, and I began to feel a constricting se...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected to be a spinal nerve issue. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang[Read More] Understanding Chest and Abdominal Tightness: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Breast Changes in Men: What to Know After Ultrasound
An ultrasound examination has been performed, but there are still many concerns? First of all, I am male. Two weeks ago, I discovered a few hard lumps on the upper part of my left nipple that have elongated. Out of fear, I proactively underwent an ultrasound examination. The bloo...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! "There are several hard lumps that have grown into elongated shapes." It can only be assessed in person; it's difficult to explain online! Young males often experience gynecomastia, while others mostly have skin-related conditions. Take care! Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Understanding Breast Changes in Men: What to Know After Ultrasound
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Cervical spine surgery (autonomic nervous system dysfunction) Last year, I fell from an aluminum ladder and injured my cervical spine, which led to back pain, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, blurred vision, palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, a...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a complete medical history, patient history, and neurological examination, it is difficult to provide an accurate answer. I apologize![Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Sympathetic Nerve Issues
Cervical spine surgery (sympathetic nerve) Hello Dr. Lai: I fell from a ladder and injured my cervical spine, which has resulted in back pain, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, blurred vision, palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, anxiety, gastroin...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If you have undergone surgery at another hospital and have not experienced any improvement after 4 months, you can undergo an MRI examination for evaluation; there is no such thing as "only X-rays." 2. Your symptoms may be caused by cervical spinal cord nerve ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Sympathetic Nerve Issues
Understanding Chest Varicosities: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Chest varices Hello Doctor: I recently noticed that after experiencing a significant emotional upheaval, I discovered a slight venous engorgement (red area) in the upper left side of my chest a few days later, and I feel a bit of discomfort and tightness. I searched for some rela...
Dr. Li Qinglong Reply:
Hello, Miss: The causes of lower extremity varicose veins are fundamentally different from those of chest varicose veins. It is advisable to visit a surgical outpatient clinic to address your concerns. The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your he...[Read More] Understanding Chest Varicosities: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Understanding Severe Symptoms: Blood in Stool, Fever, and Chest Pain
Blood in the stool, fever, and shortness of breath? Hello doctor, on August 31, I experienced muscle soreness, and on September 1, I developed a fever. I went to the clinic for a consultation and received medication. On September 2, I still had a fever, along with chest tightness...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Rectal bleeding is considered an abnormal symptom and can range from common conditions like hemorrhoids to more serious gastrointestinal diseases. Although emergency blood tests, electrocardiograms, and X-rays may return normal results, the cause of persistent and significant rec...[Read More] Understanding Severe Symptoms: Blood in Stool, Fever, and Chest Pain
Understanding Right Lower Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain in the right lower rib area? You are experiencing intermittent sharp pain in the lower right rib area (with one particularly painful episode at night) that has lasted for two weeks. A chest CT scan showed no issues. During the pain, you felt the urge to use the restroom, and...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Based on your brief description and without a physical examination, it is difficult to determine the issue. I recommend seeing a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Post-Surgery Seroma After Breast Cancer Treatment
Postoperative seroma after breast cancer surgery? Dear Dr. Hsu, I was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer last July. The doctor assessed that I needed six rounds of chemotherapy, a year of targeted therapy, 22 sessions of radiation therapy, and 5 to 10 years of hormone therapy....
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the newly formed fluid accumulation is related to the surgical wound from last year's partial mastectomy. According to the physician's assessment, there is currently only a 2.5 cm small wound remaining. However, since it has been three ...[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Seroma After Breast Cancer Treatment
Addressing Post-Surgery Indentations After Gynecomastia Surgery
Depression after surgery? Hello Doctor, since my surgery for gynecomastia in October 2017, I have had a noticeable indentation near my areola on the left side where the tissue was removed. The indentation is quite prominent due to some muscle definition in my upper left chest. I ...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Hello, if there are still unsatisfactory areas in the appearance after male gynecomastia surgery, such as the indentations you mentioned, it may be due to a thinner layer of fat. This can potentially be addressed through other methods. It is recommended that you discuss your foll...[Read More] Addressing Post-Surgery Indentations After Gynecomastia Surgery
Understanding Cyst Drainage: Key Questions and Answers
Questions about cyst drainage? Hello Dr. Ke, regarding the drainage issue of the sebaceous cyst, I have the following questions: 1. After a physician confirms that drainage is necessary for an enlarged cyst and a drainage incision is made, how long should the gauze packing rema...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. The healing time varies depending on the size of the wound, typically requiring one to two weeks. 2. The cleanliness of the wound is also a factor; it is possible that if the drainage is clear on the first day, packing may not be necessary afterward. However, each physician&...[Read More] Understanding Cyst Drainage: Key Questions and Answers
Consultation on Gallbladder Removal Surgery: Key Questions Answered
Consultation Regarding Cholecystectomy Hello, Dr. Hsu. In 2009, during a health check-up, I was found to have several gallbladder polyps, the largest being 0.8 cm. Six months ago, an abdominal ultrasound at a nearby clinic showed the largest polyp measuring 0.9 cm. A few days ago...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Hello: 1. An ultrasound examination will be scheduled again. 2. The surgical site and area differ due to the hand sweating surgery, which does not affect this surgery. 3. Preoperative routine examinations, including a chest X-ray, will be arranged before the surgery. 4. Both proc...[Read More] Consultation on Gallbladder Removal Surgery: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding I would like to ask about a sudden occurrence of blood in my stool today, which turned the toilet water red, resembling menstrual blood. However, the bowel movement was smooth and painless. After wiping, there was blood that looked similar to menstrual discharge. ...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Rectal bleeding is considered an abnormal symptom and can be diagnosed from common conditions like hemorrhoids to more serious gastrointestinal diseases. Based on your description, hemorrhoidal bleeding is the most likely cause; however, since you have other non-gastrointestinal ...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from hyperthyroidism for many years without improvement. Previously, when I went to the hospital for an examination, the doctor told me that I had developed many nodules, and my neck was swollen on the side. The doctor diagnose...
Dr. Wu Yuting Reply:
It is advisable to consult another physician.[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options