Massiha Plastic Surgery in Metairie, Louisiana by Dr. Massiha- Newsletter

Dr. Massiha explains: "Muscles in a natural state of relaxation produce no pain or deformity. This is true throughout the body. The brain controls the state of muscles causing them to tighten or relax. Often, where there is brain disease or injury, it cannot perform this function and there is involuntary muscle tightness which often causes pain. Botox injections have been shown highly effective as a therapy to involuntary muscle tightness.

"The same, of course, is true of the areas of the face where years of frowning and stress and the natural effects of aging form the common creases we see on cheeks, forehead and around he eyes. Over the years, these creases and valleys that we call wrinkles are formed by the frequent almost constant tightening of the muscles. Because Botox is a relaxant it does just that: relaxes the tightenened muscles that cause the wrinkles."

Dr. Massiha would be happy to discuss Botox therapy as a means of eliminating facial wrinkles. Simply give him a call to discuss your particular needs and desires.

Often, breast surgery is thought of in only one dimension: enlargement. In fact, breast surgery in the 21st Century can mean so much more from correcting many abnormalities of the breast in women including breast reduction, breast reshaping and reconstruction following mastectomy or lumpectomy or dissatisfaction with earlier breast surgery. Dr. Massiha is a world renowned pioneer in the field of "small scar" breast surgery and has performed literally thousands of surgical breast procedures that have had enormous positive impacts on the lives of his patients. As always, the first step is a cost-free consultation with Dr. Massiha who will go over your individual needs and expectations and explain all facets of the surgery from risks (all surgery involves some risk, pre- and post-operative procedures, what you can expect, recuperative time, insurance coverage, available financing, and answers to all questions you may have.

Enormous strides
"Over the years, the art and science of breast surgery has made great strides," Dr. Massiha says. "One of the things we've learned is that when a woman is dissatisfied with her breasts, whether that be size or shape, it can have an enormous negative physical and psychological impact on her life. I have had many women come to me saying she felt `less like a woman' because of a mastectomy or because a previous augmentation or reconstructive procedure by another surgeon fell far short of her expectations. Thankfully, because of my experience in this area I was able to help every one of them to regain what they once had."

A brief look at various procedures:
Breast size enhancement: Many women choose to have their breasts enlarged in order to satisfy their desire for a fuller bustline. Their breasts may not have developed to a size that meets their expectations, or one breast may be noticeably smaller than the other. Often, after weight loss, childbirth or as a result of aging, the breasts lose volume and their shape changes. Breast augmentation can enhance breast size and shape, and give a woman the more proportional figure that she always wanted. Breast reconstruction can be the key to a new, fuller lifestyle. Dr. Massiha's reconstructive procedures have often produced results far beyond the normal expectations of his patients. In reconstruction, breast tissue lost during mastectomy or lumpectomy is replaced, thereby restoring the breast shape. The goal is to match as closely as possible the remaining natural breast by creating a breast size and shape with an implant which is placed beneath the skin and muscle that covers the chest or by using muscle from another part of the patient's body such as lower abdomen tissue to build new breasts. A combination of these techniques is used in some women. Not surprisingly, about half of all women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy choose to have breast reconstruction surgery. Nipple reconstruction is also possible, generally as a separate operation once the reconstructed breast has settled into its final shape.

Breast reduction is designed for women with very large breasts they may have caused them medical or psychological problems.Women with very large breasts may experience a variety of medical problems. Common complaints are back and neck pain, breathing problems and irritation of the skin under the breasts. Breast reduction will provide a cure for some of these symptoms by reducing the size of large breasts. Women with very large breasts may also be extremely self conscious and reducing the size of the breasts will help them in this aspect. The procedure removes breast tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller and firmer. Breast reduction is usually done as an inpatient procedure in a hospital. The surgery usually takes two to four hours. A hospital stay of two to three days is not unusual. Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Some women can return to a normal lifestyle in one to two weeks and others may take as long as two to three weeks depending on the nature of their job or responsibilities. Most of the patients are satisfied with the results of their surgery and most of them get rid of the symptoms associated with very large breasts. "With all the advances made in the field of breast surgery over just the past few years, there is hardly any need for any woman to suffer physically or psychologically any longer," Dr. Massiha says.

To set an appointment for a consultation about a breast surgical procedure, call Dr. Massiha's office at 455-9441.

Vitamins play important role in surgery

Facing surgery and wondering what you should do to prepare for it? One of the best preparations anybody who is facing surgery can make is the "Surgery Vitamin Supplement Program" offered by the Massiha Plastic Surgery & Skin Care Center.

But then, there is Vitamin A, Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C, Niacin, Iron, synthetic vitamins, all natural vitamins ... Matching the right vitamin with the need along with dosage, brand names, cost ... What is a chelated mineral, anyway?

It can all be terribly confusing.
And, let's face it, you're a busy person. You may know the important role vitamins play in a healthy life, but you just don't have time to inch you way through the maddening maze of options that are out there.

Well, you can stop pulling out your hair as you try to assess your own unique vitamin needs as you face surgery.

Massiha Plastic Surgery & Skin Care Center offers a complete line of VitaMedica vitamins and minerals to meet your needs.

Vitamins are vital
"Often we don't connect vitamins and surgery" Dr. Massiha says. "We may think we have the surgery and then just let our bodies recuperate. But vitamin supplements prior to surgery play a vital role in just how our bodies recuperate. But a supplement such as Arnica Montana is designed to reduce discomfort, bruising and swelling following surgery. Bromelain with Quercetin is a supplement that has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamins A and C are very strong antioxidants that must be present for healing and proper immune system function and infection control.

"There are other considerations prior to any surgery such as alcohol consumption and smoking," Dr. Massiha says. "Overall health and intake of certain over the counter medications such as aspirin that is an anti-coagulant (blood thinner and can promote bleeding during surgery, must be considered. So must things such as drinking the proper amount of water and even proper relaxation techniques and support of family and friends. All of these things may seem unconnected to surgery or minor, but in fact, they all play a part in the success of the procedure and the length of recuperative time. We don't just schedule surgery then perform that surgery. We look at everything that can or will insure success and fast, proper healing."

Dr. Massiha works in conjunction with the highly successful VitaMedica Surgery Program and will be happy to discuss every phase - before, during and after - of your surgical procedure.