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
Understanding Skin Growths on the Breast: Causes and Treatment Options
A lesion has developed on the surface of the skin of the left breast? Director: Hello! I have a growth on the surface of the skin of my left breast. The dermatologist said it might be folliculitis or a boil. I have many sebaceous cysts on my body, but this particular growth is di...
Dr. Lin Kecheng Reply:
Hello Hua Hua: Regarding the lesion on your left breast, measuring 0.8 to 1 cm in the skin's surface, which is red, slightly raised, painless, and feels like a round lump when pinched, you have used a topical anti-inflammatory ointment for 9 days without improvement, and ora...[Read More] Understanding Skin Growths on the Breast: Causes and Treatment Options
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
Understanding Irregular Breast Lumps: Surgical Options and Concerns
There is an irregular lump in the breast? Hello, doctor. Today I went to the hospital for an examination regarding a movable lump in my breast, and I also had an ultrasound. According to the doctor, the lump in my breast measures 3.1 centimeters, and its shape is somewhat irregul...
Dr. Zhuang Renbin Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, I hope this message finds you well. Currently, the diagnosis of breast tumors primarily relies on: 1. Breast ultrasound, 2. Mammography, and 3. Fine needle aspiration cytology, which has a diagnostic accuracy for malignant tumors exceeding 90%. For benign tumors l...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Breast Lumps: Surgical Options and Concerns
Understanding Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Distinguishing between internal and external hemorrhoids, and medication precautions? Hello Dr. Hou, I have some questions for you. About three months ago, I experienced severe abdominal pain and developed hemorrhoids after a bowel movement, which gradually resolved after the wee...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Hello: 1. Anoscopy may be necessary for differential diagnosis, as relying solely on medical history cannot provide an accurate diagnosis. 2. You may consult with Deputy Director Dr. Chuang Yuan-Chiang at Taoyuan General Hospital, or search for qualified specialists on the Taiwan...[Read More] Understanding Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Abdominal Scars and Military Fitness
Inquiry Hello Dr. Ke, I had my appendicitis surgery performed by you in 2002, which later developed into peritonitis. I was subsequently transferred to Veterans General Hospital, where Dr. Yang Chun-Hao (if I remember correctly) performed the surgery. I’m not sure if you remember...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Dear Jia-Yu, of course I remember you. Have you completed your military service physical examination? If not, you can come to the outpatient clinic for the examination. If you are already serving, visiting the outpatient clinic to obtain a medical certificate should help with a r...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Abdominal Scars and Military Fitness
Burn Treatment: How to Care for a Kitchen Oil Burn Injury
Sprayed with oil? I accidentally burned myself while frying fish yesterday (12/23) when hot oil splashed onto the triangular area between my left hand's index finger and thumb. At the moment of the burn, there was broken skin, a blister, and a dark red area. I immediately ri...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the presence of blisters indicates at least a second-degree burn. It is advisable for you to seek medical treatment at a hospital. Generally, second-degree burns heal within two weeks and typically do not leave scars, although this can vary depen...[Read More] Burn Treatment: How to Care for a Kitchen Oil Burn Injury
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
Understanding Hemorrhoid Surgery: Options, Pain Management, and Costs
Please ask questions regarding hemorrhoid surgery? Dear Dr. Hou, I would like to ask Dr. Zhuang a few questions. 1. What are the common surgical methods for hemorrhoid surgery? Which method tends to be less painful during and after the procedure? How much do patients need to p...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
1. Currently, there is only one type of surgery for hemorrhoids, which is hemorrhoidectomy. The ultrasound knife, laser knife, or coagulation device you mentioned are actually tools used during the surgery. Traditional hemorrhoid surgery employs knives, scissors, and electrocaute...[Read More] Understanding Hemorrhoid Surgery: Options, Pain Management, and Costs
Addressing Scars in Infants: Treatment Options and Future Solutions
Scars in infants? Hello Dr. Lu: I underwent amniocentesis at 22 weeks of pregnancy. The fetus was already quite large, and during the procedure, the ultrasound image showed the needle very close to the fetus, but I was unaware if the fetus was actually punctured. After the baby w...
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
If a fetus does sustain an injury, it will not leave a scar because amniotic fluid can help heal wounds. Silvery-white scars are considered inactive scars and cannot fade. Applying L-ascorbic acid for 6 to 12 months may provide some improvement.[Read More] Addressing Scars in Infants: Treatment Options and Future Solutions
Understanding Tendon Tumors: Solutions for Hand Pain and Weakness
Hand Hello Doctor: I have developed a tendon cyst on my right wrist. It is not very noticeable externally, but sometimes I experience weakness and soreness. I would like to ask the doctor what solutions are available. Since the injury to my hand, I have been unable to perform tas...
Dr. Chen Mingze Reply:
If it has been confirmed that the tumor in your hand is a ganglion cyst (tendon cyst), it is classified as a benign tumor. Generally, you can choose to either undergo surgery or continue to observe it. However, if it has been causing you discomfort, a physician would typically re...[Read More] Understanding Tendon Tumors: Solutions for Hand Pain and Weakness
Understanding Hard Lumps: What to Know About Your Symptoms
There is a palpable mass? Hello, the surface of my left buttock looks normal, but in the middle of the left buttock, there is a small, hard, round lump that is about 2 centimeters in size. It feels a bit tender when pressed. What could this be? If I need to get it checked, which ...
Dr. Lu Shangbin Reply:
In principle, 90% of tumors in the buttocks are benign. If the mass is movable, it indicates that it is located subcutaneously and is not connected to the underlying muscle tissue, which is generally indicative of a lipoma, epidermoid cyst, or a bursa. It is advisable to consult ...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps: What to Know About Your Symptoms
Understanding the Severity of Hemorrhoids: Symptoms and Treatment Options
The severity of hemorrhoids? Hello, I would like to describe my situation. I have had hemorrhoids for several years, and there is a protruding mass near my anus that resembles a polyp. It is not painful. I can push it back in with my hand, but it pops out again shortly after. Som...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, hemorrhoids that consistently protrude outside the anus are classified as grade IV. Generally, grade IV hemorrhoids respond best to surgical treatment. However, I often tell patients in my clinic that if they are asymptomatic or if their sympt...[Read More] Understanding the Severity of Hemorrhoids: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Concerns: Managing Swelling and Scar Tissue After Penile Surgery
Postoperative Hello doctor, I had surgery for penile curvature four months ago. The incision was made in a circular pattern beneath the glans, and I did not undergo a circumcision. The wound has healed, but the area of the foreskin (which is in front of the incision) has been swo...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
Post-surgical wounds may experience some swelling and pain due to the scar tissue repair response, which is a common phenomenon. It often takes more than a year for the wound to fully flatten and resemble normal tissue. It is advisable to consult a urologist for an evaluation; th...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Managing Swelling and Scar Tissue After Penile Surgery
Understanding Gallbladder Surgery: Recovery, Risks, and Costs
Could you please clarify your question regarding gallbladder surgery? How many days do I need to stay in the hospital after gallbladder removal surgery? Is there still a chance of developing stones in the bile ducts after the gallbladder is removed? Will removing the gallbladder ...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Janny, This is Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi from the Department of Surgery at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health. 1. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires a hospital stay of 3-4 days. 2. After gallbladder removal, there is still a possibility of stones in the intrahepatic bile duc...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Surgery: Recovery, Risks, and Costs
Effective Treatments for Hypertrophic Scars and Stretch Marks
Keloids and stretch marks? Are there treatment options or ointments for keloid scars and stretch marks? I have visited many hospitals, but it seems there are no definitive cures. Can your hospital treat this condition? Additionally, if I want to have a mole removed, do I need to ...
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
Keloids require local "scar-reducing injections" and compression therapy. Stretch marks and pregnancy marks are caused by damage to the dermis and can only be improved with care; they cannot be completely cured.[Read More] Effective Treatments for Hypertrophic Scars and Stretch Marks
Understanding Ruby Laser Mole Removal Costs and Alternatives
Regarding ruby laser? Is the cost of ruby laser mole removal charged per session? How is the cost calculated? What are the other methods for mole removal, and how is their cost calculated?
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
Using ruby laser for mole removal is not effective for larger moles. The initial setup cost is relatively high, and for larger moles, excision is preferable as it leaves less scarring. The cost for excising one mole is approximately 1000 NT dollars, while using high-frequency ele...[Read More] Understanding Ruby Laser Mole Removal Costs and Alternatives