Historically, the physical strains on women entering menopause were dismissed as part of an inevitable transition. With new treatment options, menopause does not have to be punctuated with hot flashes or plagued by mood changes. With an abundance of options, improved quality of life during the aging process is the norm. In the past, weight gain and sleep disturbances were the most challenging part, but now the hardest part is simply picking the right treatment plan for you. 

Once you have decided on hormone replacement therapy, you and your doctor will decide on either estrogen-only treatment or a combination of estrogen and progesterone. Replacing both hormones is known as combination therapy. Estrogen vs. combination hormone therapy is a topic worth learning about; a basic understanding enables you to actively participate in your treatment plan. 

Menopause Basics

Menopause is a physiological transition when ovary function declines and cessation of menstrual cycles occur. Ovaries generate an egg and produce a combination of two main reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Over time the ovaries begin making less and less hormones until eventually an egg is no longer released and periods stop. On average, this occurs in people with female reproductive organs in their late 40s or early 50s. 

Possible symptoms of menopause are:

•        Irregular periods

•        Vaginal dryness

•        Hot flashes and chills

•        Night sweats

•        Sleep disturbances

•        Mood changes

•        Weight gain

•        Dry skin

Symptoms can begin months or years before menopause has completed and can range from mild to severe. Not everyone will experience all symptoms, but most people experience at least a few. 

Estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy

With estrogen therapy, estrogen is taken alone vs. combined with the hormone progesterone. Doctors will usually prescribe the lowest dose possible to relieve symptoms. A doctor can prescribe a daily dose of estrogen in the form of a pill, cream, gel, spray, or vaginal ring. Individuals who have had their uteruses removed are candidates for estrogen-only hormone therapy. For those who still have a uterus, combination therapy should be considered. 

Combination Hormone Therapy

Combination therapy is the use of estrogen and progesterone for treatment vs. estrogen alone. Progestin is a synthetic form of progesterone and is usually what a doctor prescribes. Combining both hormones is the treatment of choice for those who still have a uterus because of an increased risk of uterine lining cancer among patients receiving estrogen alone. Patients have fewer options for the ingestion of combination therapy vs. estrogen-only therapy. A doctor can prescribe combination therapy as pills, patches, or vaginal inserts. 

Reasons to Initiate Hormone Therapy Other Than Menopause 

A natural decline in reproductive hormones is not the only reason hormone therapy may be needed. Any illness, injury, or disorder that reduces estrogen or progesterone production and induces menopause may require hormone therapy. Aside from alleviating symptoms, hormone therapy has other benefits like reducing the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Some studies have also shown a decreased risk of dementia. 

To Find Out More About the Types of Hormone Therapies, Schedule a Consultation Today  

If you are experiencing symptoms of or have been diagnosed with menopause, it may be time to discuss estrogen vs. combination hormone therapy with a doctor. Let us help you ease the process of menopause and tailor a treatment plan that meets your goals. Hormone therapy is not suitable for everyone. Our experienced doctors can help you assess the risks and benefits to determine if hormone replacement therapy, and what type, is right for you

People who deal with obesity at any point in their lives know the most challenging part can be the judgment hurled at them from society. Plenty of information reminds people what obesity can cause, like heart disease and high blood pressure, but not much information about what causes obesity. 

If you ask someone the risks of being overweight, you will get a handful of health perils, but ask someone what the connection between hormones and obesity is, and they will likely be unable to answer. Most people know when calories consumed are greater than calories used, weight gain occurs. However, most people do not realize that calorie intake and calorie expenditure are not just controlled by the person consuming the calories but also by their hormones. 

Obesity, Hormones, and Lifestyle Choices

People who are obese have hormone variations and resistance to hormones that appear to select for fat buildup.  If physicians want to provide the best support for people afflicted with excess weight, they cannot ignore the connection between obesity, lifestyle choices, and hormones. Blaming lifestyle choices alone is myopic and does nothing to assist patients with proper weight management. 

The Endocrine System

Hormones are chemicals produced primarily by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream to send messages to other tissues elsewhere in the body. Hormones play a role in everything from metabolism to mood, reproduction to sleep cycles, and everything in between. 

Endocrine glands are located in the brain and positioned throughout the body. The intricate exchanges among the endocrine glands, hormones, and targeted tissue make up the endocrine system. Because hormones are connected to so many of the body’s functions, understanding the interactions between hormones and their effects on obesity is vital for proper treatment. 

How Hormones Effect Weight

The hormones most notably connected to obesity are leptin, insulin, sex hormones, and growth hormones.  Between these five hormones, appetite, metabolism, and body fat distribution are manipulated. 

Leptin

Fat cells produce leptin, which is responsible for reducing hunger by acting on areas of the brain that control appetite. Because leptin is produced in adipose tissue, people who are overweight tend to have higher levels of leptin circulating in their blood. However, research has shown that despite having higher levels of leptin, people who are obese are not as sensitive to its effects. 

Insulin

Insulin is responsible for the uptake of circulating glucose from the blood into surrounding tissues. Uptake of glucose ensures energy is available to tissue and organs when needed and that blood glucose levels stay within safe ranges. In obesity, the tissues that take in glucose from the bloodstream can become resistant to the insulin signals resulting in type II diabetes. 

Sex Hormones

Estrogen is a hormone produced mainly in the ovaries of pre-menopausal women, while testes of men produce androgens. Both hormones gradually decrease as women and men age. Sex hormones influence fat distribution, and fat distribution affects weight-related conditions. Fat surrounding the abdomen puts individuals at greater risk of obesity-associated complications than fat in the lower half of the body. 

As estrogen and androgens decrease with age, fat accumulation occurs around the abdomen and reduces around the hips and buttocks. Certain disorders in women and men can cause varying degrees of too much or too little sex hormones. Animal studies support the connection between sex hormones and the risk of obesity by showing that estrogen deficiency can lead to fat accumulation. 

Growth Hormones

Growth hormones are responsible for height, muscle mass, and bone-building. An increase in leptin seems to mean a decrease in growth hormones. Since people who are obese have higher levels of leptin, growth hormones in these individuals are lower than in people with average body mass indices. 

Learn More About Your Hormones, Obesity, and Everything in Between

Understanding hormones’ role in those who struggle with weight is the first step in supporting healthy weight management with respect and empathy. Our clinic knows counseling someone through weight loss is more than just suggesting diet and exercise. We pride ourselves on our comprehensive weight management approach and inclusive atmosphere. Take the first step in managing your weight by scheduling an appointment to learn more about the connection between hormones and obesity. 

Female to male (FTM) top surgery is a surgical procedure meant to masculinize the chest. Nipple and areola resizing and reshaping may also be necessary. Top surgery changes a persons physical appearance to better represent the gender they already are. For many trans men and nonbinary individuals, this may be the only surgery they choose to undergo as part of their transition.

People who are assigned female at birth but identify as male or gender-nonconforming may benefit from FTM top surgery in Tarzana. We believe your gender is valid no matter what attributes your body has, but for some, this change is critical to their transition. As you contemplate top surgery, we are available to support you through your transition.

FTM Top Surgery Procedure

The removal of breast tissue is called a mastectomy. There are various methods available to perform a mastectomy and masculinize the chest, but the overall procedure is the same. The surgeon will remove breast tissue, excess skin, and the inframammary fold or the line where the lower portion of the breast meets the chest wall. After removing the excess tissue, the surgeon will reshape and reposition the nipple-areolar complex and contour the chest. 

Tarzana surgeons will choose the method of FTM top surgery based on various physical attributes like chest size and skin elasticity. In some instances, revision is necessary, especially if the skin is lacking elasticity. The following are types of FTM top surgeries a surgeon may consider. 

•        Buttonhole

•        Double incision

•        Inverted T or T anchor

•        Peri-areolar

•        Keyhole

•        Minimal Scar

What to Expect

FTM surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that can take two to four hours and requires the patient to be under general anesthesia. The patient will receive a compression bra that helps to control swelling and holds the bandages in place. Prescribed medication can usually manage the pain during the early days. 

The patient should sleep on their back to avoid pressure on the surgical site and limit lifting their hands above their head to avoid pulling at the incisions. After about a week, the surgeon will remove the bandages and assess healing. At this appointment, the patient is usually cleared to begin showering again. Most of the swelling declines over two to three weeks but may take up to six months for some individuals. After six to eight weeks, most who undergo FTM top surgery can resume their regular activities. 

Finding the Right Clinic in Tarzan for FTM Top Surgery

The goal for FTM top surgery is more than just removing breast tissue and flattening the chest. The goal is to provide a masculine appearing chest by removing breast tissue, contouring the chest, and reshaping the nipple. This procedure is the most common gender confirmation surgery performed on trans men and also frequently requested by nonbinary individuals. 

Many nonbinary people choose not to receive hormone treatment, so FTM top surgery is the one way they achieve greater congruence between physical appearance and their experienced gender. If you have been considering FTM top surgery in Tarzana, attentive staff and experienced surgeons are here to support you, answer questions, and ensure realistic expectations while meeting your unique needs.

Gender confirmation surgeries are any surgeries performed to alter a transgender person’s physical appearance to resemble attributes socially accepted as the gender they identify with. Gender affirmation surgery provides individuals the ability to physically look, function, and move through society in a way that aligns with who they are.

Not all transgender people choose to undergo gender confirmation surgery, but for some, it is a central part of their transition process. Gender confirmation surgery in Tarzana is available to those who feel they would benefit from it.  A consultation with our qualified staff is a great place to find out more information and get your questions answered. 

Facial Affirmation Procedures

Facial gender surgery is a series of procedures that can either feminize or masculinize the face to provide a more gender-affirming appearance. Both surgical and non-surgical options are available so individuals can choose from minimally invasive procedures like injectables to surgeries like rhinoplasty. Forehead, cheek, and jaw contouring are all cosmetic procedures used in Tarzana to support gender confirmation surgery. Lip augmentation and tracheal shaves are additional procedures that generally provide satisfactory results. 

Transfeminine top Surgery

Transfeminine top surgery feminizes the chest via breast augmentation surgery. A trained surgeon enlarges and shapes the chest using implants to create the desired result. Individuals who undergo this procedure have various options to choose from depending on the look they want. 

Transfeminine Bottom Surgery 

Transfeminine bottom surgery aims to transform male genitalia into female appearing genitalia. Tarzana residents interested in male to female bottom surgery can receive vaginoplasty, vulvoplasty, or orchiectomy. What procedure they choose depends on what their goals are.

Vaginoplasty provides the patient both a vulva, which is the external part of the female genitalia, and vagina, the tube that connects external genitalia with internal female reproductive organs. Vulvoplasty creates external genitalia but does not manufacture a vagina. Most people who were assigned male at birth that receive these procedures can achieve orgasms. Orchiectomy removes the testicles and may simplify hormone therapy for individuals who choose this procedure.   

Transmasculine top Surgery

Transmasculine top surgery masculinizes the chest using a procedure called mastectomy. A mastectomy removes breast tissue but leaves muscle tissue. An experienced surgeon then shapes the chest and alters the nipples to produce masculine features. There are many techniques used for this procedure. The proper treatment for the client depends on multiple factors like the amount of breast tissue and whether nipple sensation is a priority.

Transmasculine bottom Surgery

Transmasculine bottom surgery aims to transform female genitalia into male appearing genitalia. Individuals who are assigned female at birth have several options for their bottom confirmation surgery in Tarzan. They can choose to remove their uterus, ovaries, and vagina in addition to creating a phallus. Metoidioplasty and phalloplasty are two ways to produce male appearing genitalia, and both usually preserve the individual’s ability to orgasm.  

Metoidioplasty is a surgery that creates a small penis by utilizing existing genital tissue. Once the clitoris enlarges through hormone therapy, a surgeon will remove supporting tissue and release the clitoris. The clitoris rotates outwards, creating a phallus-like structure. Some trans individuals may choose to have their urethra elongated and vagina surgically closed. Surgeons can also build a scrotum using tissue from labia and add testicular implants.  

With a phalloplasty, a surgeon constructs male genitalia from grafted skin. Surgeons usually take skin from the forearm. The goal is to create a penis of sufficient size, appearance, and sensation with a urethra that enables standing urination. Phalloplasty is a complex surgery and often done using a multi-stage approach. As with Metoidioplasty, the surgeon can create a scrotum and add testicular implants. 

Tarzana Patients Transitioning with Gender Confirmation Surgery 

Our warm staff, inclusive atmosphere, and talented surgeons are available to support you through this challenging and exciting journey. We welcome your questions and embrace your decisions. Whether it is one surgery or many, we can help you decide what you need to move through life as your authentic self. 

Not all transgender people want to or can undergo surgery. It is crucial to know that your gender is valid no matter what your body presents as. The surgeries available to you do not change your gender; they change your body to better match your gender. For those who want gender confirmation surgery in Tarzana, it can be profoundly affirming, but it is not suitable for everyone. We are here to assist you along the path as you decide if surgery is the right direction.

Understanding the Different Types of Breast Implants

Breast augmentation surgery is common and involves inserting implants into the breast tissue. Patients who want to increase satisfaction with breast appearance in size, shape, or both often seek breast implants. Breast augmentation performed on patients who have suffered a loss of breast tissue due to injury or illness is considered breast reconstruction surgery. Whether you seek breast augmentation or breast reconstruction, understanding the different types of breast implants will help you along this journey. 

Types of Breast Implants

Breast implants have two main categories: silicone and saline. These two categories refer to the silicone gel or the saline water used to fill the outer shell. Patients do not commonly understand that both types of breast implants (saline and silicone) are contained inside a silicone case. This casing comes in different shapes and can either be smooth or textured. 

Saline Implants

A sterile saltwater solution called saline fills these implants. If a leak or rupture occurs with saline implants, a collapse is often experienced, which provides a good indicator of implant malfunction. If a rupture occurs, the saline is sterile and absorbed by the body without issues. Saline is thought by some to create a less natural feel than silicone and may cause a rippling-like appearance under the skin. Saline implants are placed inside the breast tissue and then filled, which requires a smaller incision than its silicone counterpart. They are also less expensive than silicone. 

Silicone implants

These implants are filled with a silicone gel that feels closer to natural breast tissue due to a more viscous consistency than saline. If a leak occurs, it is usually slow, and the patient will not experience collapse. Because a leak does not result in a noticeable collapse, physicians recommend ultrasound or MRI screening of silicone-filled implants to ensure proper functionality. Silicone implants come prefilled and therefore require a larger incision during placement. 

Structured saline implants

These implants are filled with saline and offer the benefits of saline with the natural feel of silicone. Structured saline implants are sometimes understood to be a third type of breast implant. 

Textured implants

Textured implants have a textured outer shell that allows for the surrounding tissues to scar onto the casing. This scaring helps to hold the implant in place, therefore, diminishing the risk of implant repositioning. The textured implants also decrease the risk of capsular contracture. Textured implants can be either silicone or saline. 

Smooth implants

Smooth implants are the softest feeling of the breast implant options and can move within the breast cavity made during surgery. The ability of these implants to move freely often gives a more natural-looking movement when breasts are in motion. Smooth implants are round and can be either silicone or saline. 

Round implants

Round implants are best for patients who desire a more prominent and fuller appearance and offer a higher profile with more projection. Because these implants are entirely round, rotation within the breast cavity is generally not a concern. Round implants can be either silicone or saline and have a textured or smooth casing. 

Teardrop implants

These implants mimic a more anatomically correct shape by starting with less fullness at the top and widening towards the bottom, like a teardrop. Due to the asymmetry of these implants, rotation within the breast cavity may result in an abnormally shaped breast. Because of this, a textured casing is used to help reduce the risk of rotation.  Teardrop implants can be either silicone or saline but have a textured outer shell. 

Gummy bear implants

This different type of breast implant, also called form-stable, contains thicker silicone gel than traditional silicone implants. Gummy bear implants will maintain shape even if the implant case acquires a tear or break and are less likely to rupture and deflate. Gummy bear implants have a firmer feel than other implants. Should rotation occur, the breast may have an abnormal appearance due to the shape of this type of implant. The patient should understand that additional surgery is required to correct implant rotation. 

Understanding Breast Implant Options

If you have considered breast enhancement surgery, you know researching your options can be confusing. Deciding if breast augmentation is right for you starts with learning the basics. Knowing your options empowers you to make choices you are happy with for years to come. While only your doctor can help you decide which implant is right for you, understanding the different types of breast implants can give you the confidence you need to move forward on this exciting path.

Finding time to get into a well-women exam is hard enough. Finding the right obstetrician-gynecologist to meet a patient’s specific healthcare needs can be even more challenging. The right OBGYN in Leesburg makes individuals feel safe, comfortable, and cared for regardless of age or OBGYN needs. Leesburg OBGYNs offer care for many phases of life, from puberty through menopause and everything in between. 

It is a priority to supply patients with comfortable care in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere using the latest technologies. The staff is friendly and physicians experienced, so everyone is cared for from the first call to the last appointment. The goal is to offer Leesburg patients a lifetime of comprehensive OBGYN care they will continue to appreciate as their needs change with their age. 

OBGYN Care

OBGYNs train in both obstetrics and gynecology. Because OBGYNs in Leesburg train in various healthcare needs, many women choose to use them as their primary care provider throughout life. Most patients will see their OBGYN once per year for routine care with additional visits if any concerns arise or pregnancy occurs. Joining these two fields creates continuity of care for patients as they can receive treatment from the same few doctors through puberty, pregnancy, and even into menopause.

Obstetrics

Obstetricians, or OBs, provide specialized care for pregnant patients, their unborn babies, labor and delivery, and the subsequent postnatal period. These physicians train to provide necessary prenatal care, to provide safe deliveries and healthy infants. OBs train to recognize complications or abnormalities that might occur during pregnancy, birth, or immediately after and implement interventions as needed. 

Leesburg OBs train to recognize and treat ectopic pregnancies, which is a pregnancy that occurs in the fallopian tubes and can be extremely dangerous. They also manage high blood pressure during pregnancy, a possible precursor to a more severe form of high blood pressure called preeclampsia. OBs are trained to diagnose and treat miscarriages, perform emergency, or scheduled cesarean sections, and care for mother and baby directly following birth to ensure a safe transition for both. 

Gynecology

Most gynecologists also train as obstetricians. The gynecology branch of OBGYN specializes in women’s reproductive healthcare from puberty to menopause but does not cover pregnancy and childbirth. A patient visits their gynecologist for annual pelvic exams and pap tests as well as treatment for a variety of issues outside of routine care. Many patients are surprised to find out their gynecologist can provide vaccinations, weight management, mental health support, or even skin issues like acne. 

A gynecologist can assist reproductive specialists with infertility and conception. They care for patients seeking contraception or treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Gynecologists also diagnose and treat pelvic pain, breast pain, painful intercourse, menstrual irregularities, cancers of the reproductive organs, prolapsed pelvic organs, or any other ailment concerning the reproductive organs, including the breasts, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina. They support women through menopause and provide several surgeries like hysterectomies or tubal ligations. 

Finding a Leesburg OBGYN

Maintaining the same few doctors throughout an extended time creates patient-doctor trust leading to higher satisfaction. Patients are more comfortable with a doctor they are familiar with, and doctors are more knowledgeable about a patient’s health history and overall concerns when they have seen them for years, not months. Finding the right OBGYN in Leesburg can offer patients a lifetime of contented care.

Many women will have or have already had an ovarian cyst. Most cysts go unnoticed and clear without any interventions. However, in some cases, cysts will persist, enlarge, and result in symptoms requiring treatment.

If you suspect you are experiencing difficulties associated with ovarian cysts learning about your options for ovarian cystectomy in Leesburg is a good start. This uncertain time of researching and learning might feel overwhelming. That’s normal. As questions get answered and options revealed, you’ll be able to move forward with fewer unknowns. Our caring staff is ready to help and support you through this process. 

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are sacs, typically filled with blood or fluid, that reside on or in the ovary. Cysts are common, usually clear within a few months, and often occur without any indication. However, if a cyst is large enough, Leesburg patients could experience symptoms and require a treatment called ovarian cystectomy. 

Most cysts are considered physiological and arise during a women’s menstrual cycle. These cysts frequently go unnoticed and cause no issues. Other cysts, considered pathological, can cause enough discomfort to prompt a patient to contact their doctor. Rarely will a cyst be cancerous. 

Symptoms

If symptoms do present, a patient might notice the following: 

•        Dull or sharp pelvic pain on one or both sides, and often felt in the lower abdomen

•        Abdominal bloating

•        Heavy feeling in the abdomen

In rare cases, a cyst will rupture or result in torsion.  A ruptured cyst occurs when the ovarian cyst bursts open. If this happens, a patient could have sudden sharp pain, vaginal discharge or bleeding, nausea, vomiting, weakness, faintness, fever, heavy feeling or tenderness in the pelvic area, and pain with sitting. 

Torsion is a medical emergency that occurs when the ovary twists on itself. Surgery is required to untwist the ovary. Ovarian torsion can result in tissue death by cutting off blood supply to the ovary. Women who experience ovarian torsion will have sudden and severe pain. Nausea and vomiting are likely as well.  Anytime a patient has sudden, severe pain in the abdominal or pelvic area, they should see a doctor immediately.

Cystectomy Procedure

Ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove ovarian cysts. A Leesburg surgeon can remove certain ovarian cysts with a minimally invasive laparoscopic cystectomy using small incisions made in the abdomen. 

A doctor will administer general anesthesia, and an incision is made, usually in the naval.  The surgeon will bloat the stomach with air or gas, allowing for better accessibility to the internal pelvic structures. Two or three more incisions are made for the surgeon to access the ovaries with slender instruments. The surgeon then excises the cysts and removes them through the small incisions. 

Recovery

Minimally invasive laparoscopic cystectomy is an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients will go home the same day as their operation. After surgery, the gas used to expand the abdomen may travel into the shoulder joints and cause a dull ache. Patients may also have tenderness and bruising around the naval and other incisions. The first week most patients feel more tired than usual and will need to rest. Activity can slowly increase as tolerated until the patient has reached full abilities again. 

Minimally Invasive Cystectomy in Leesburg

Finding out you need surgery to treat your ovarian cysts can be scary. We understand this is a stressful time in your life. The goal is to ease that stress by answering your questions, supporting your decisions, and providing a minimally invasive option for your cystectomy. 

Reach out to schedule an appointment if you have been told you need surgery for your ovarian cysts or if you suspect you have symptoms of them. A qualified team is available to answer questions and offer accurate information as you navigate your ovarian cystectomy in Leesburg.

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are fibrous growths inside the uterus. They are noncancerous, nor do they increase a patient’s risk of uterine cancer. Many uterine fibroids go unnoticed and require no treatment. Most cases are not dangerous, even if symptoms do occur. They can, however, cause discomfort and affect quality of life, so accessible healthcare is vital for women experiencing uterine fibroid symptoms. One common surgical technique is known as myomectomy. There are open and minimally invasive myomectomies. 

Anytime surgery is a medical option, it is normal to feel afraid or concerned. Myomectomy in Leesburg is a laparoscopic surgery, which allows for quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays. Because uterine fibroids often develop in women of childbearing age, preserving healthy uterine tissue is critical. Patients should know all their options and understand the risks and benefits before making a treatment decision. We know this can be a scary time, but our staff is here to discuss all options with you to help determine if this minimally invasive procedure is right for you. 

Uterine Fibroid Symptoms

Asymptomatic fibroids are common. Whether or not symptoms occur can be dependent on size, location, how many fibroids are present. Uterine fibroids can be small enough they are not visible to the naked eye or large enough to distort the uterus. Patients may have one growth or many. If symptoms are present, common ones are:

•        Backache

•        Heavy menstrual bleeding

•        Anemia associated with excessive bleeding

•        Extended menstrual periods

•        Pelvic pain or pressure

•        Constipation

•        Frequent urination

Diagnosis

Once a doctor suspects fibroids, they will likely rely on several diagnostic procedures to confirm their suspicions. The patient may undergo an ultrasound, which allows the doctor to receive images from inside the uterus using sounds waves. The diagnostic tool can give the physician an idea of the location, size, and number of fibroids. Other imaging tests, like MRI, can be used for more detailed images. If heavy or extended menstrual bleeding has occurred, the Provider may also order blood work to check for anemia. After a diagnosis, patients in Leesburg will begin discussing myomectomy options with their physician. 

Minimally Invasive Myomectomy 

Laparoscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive treatment option for uterine fibroids. A surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen allowing for the insertion of a thin surgical instrument that can remove the fibroids through the incisions. More significant fibroids may require a slightly larger opening for removal or cut into pieces inside a surgical bag. The surgical bag, along with all the pieces of the fibroid, is then removed through the same small incision as the less sizeable fibroids. This method ensures none of the fibroid pieces remain inside the uterus. 

Because most women who experience uterine fibroids are of childbearing age, preserving healthy uterine tissue during myomectomy is paramount. The laparoscopic procedure does not damage tissue inside the uterus or pelvic cavity. Some types of uterine fibroids can result in reduced fertility, especially if left untreated. Laparoscopic myomectomy provided in Leesburg may be of value for women who intend to become pregnant. 

Recovery

Laparoscopic myomectomy may require a hospital stay in Leesburg of about one night. The patient is then able to recover at home. Home recovery usually involves resting for two to four weeks before returning to normal activities. Sometimes uterine fibroids return, and repeated treatment becomes necessary if the patient has a reoccurrence of symptoms.

Laparoscopic Myomectomy Information in Leesburg

Not everyone is a candidate for Myomectomy in Leesburg. Talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you. The location, size, type, and number of fibroids may change your healthcare options. Trying to navigate the many treatments from medications to surgery, all while managing the discomfort of symptomatic fibroids, can be daunting. Providers are here to help map out options that are right for you.   

Receiving a diagnosis of uterine fibroids may answer questions about your symptoms, but a diagnosis can also generate even more unknowns for you. Friendly staff and knowledgeable physicians understand a diagnosis is just the start of your journey. Treating your concerns can be as important as treating your fibroids.

If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, you have likely dealt with terrible pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Cramps associated with menstruation are normal, but the pain usually found with endometriosis can be unbearable. The endometrium is the tissue that lines inside the uterus. Endometriosis occurs when endometrium tissue grows outside of the uterus resulting in displaced tissue that may cause severe pain and heavy menstrual cycles. It can also reduce fertility. 

Living with endometriosis can be frightening and debilitating due to the extreme pelvic pain it can cause. Delayed diagnosis is common because it requires a surgical procedure to inspect the pelvic area for endometrial tissue. Endometriosis resection surgery in Leesburg is performed as a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure that may allow for diagnosis and treatment in a single surgery. 

Symptoms

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue normally found inside the uterus attaches to organs outside the uterus. It is unknown if this tissue migrates from the uterus or emerges spontaneously. Outside the uterus, this tissue acts as regular endometrium, swelling, shedding, and bleeding just as it would inside the uterus. Because blood has nowhere to exit the body, pain and scar tissue can occur. 

The tissue may be found on the exterior of the uterus, bowels, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, or any other internal organs, although it usually remains within the pelvic cavity. The tissue growing in abnormal areas can pull on internal structures, which may also cause pain. In some instances, two independent organs become bound to one another by the endometrium. 

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are excessive menstrual bleeding, painful periods, pain with intercourse, or infertility. Other symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, bloating, lower back pain, and fatigue, especially during one’s period. The severity of symptoms is not an accurate indicator of the extent of the disease. Endometrial resection is the only way to diagnose this condition and is done laparoscopically in Leesburg. 

Treatment

Although hormone therapy, like birth control, can help with symptoms of endometriosis, the only way to remove the extrauterine tissue it is to excise it. Endometriosis resection is a minimally invasive surgery performed in Leesburg that may offer immediate symptom relief and restore fertility. 

The surgeon makes a small incision in the naval and inflates the abdomen with gas to make the internal structures more accessible.  The surgeon then inserts a slender tool called a laparoscope to view inside the abdomen and look for adhesions. Abnormal extrauterine tissue is removed through additional small incisions and sent to the lab to confirm suspected endometriosis. The adhesions, and any associated scar tissue, are removed while maintaining the healthy tissue around it. 

For most patients in Leesburg, endometriosis resection surgery is an outpatient procedure. After surgery, patients may experience shoulder pain and discomfort due to excess gas left in the abdominal cavity that rises when they sit up. The gas will eventually dissipate shortly after surgery.  Unfortunately, some people with endometriosis will have a reoccurrence of adhesions and require additional surgery. Birth control and other hormone therapies can help reduce this risk. 

Choosing Resection Surgery in Leesburg for Endometriosis 

Endometriosis is often mistaken for other disorders like pelvic inflammatory disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Often women will be suffering for years before they put a name to their symptoms. After living with the intense pain of endometriosis, a diagnosis can be a relief, but it is understandable to be anxious about your condition and subsequent treatment. Our caring team is here to make each step of this process as smooth as possible and get you back to living your life.  Endometriosis Resection Surgery in Leesburg is minimally invasive, usually outpatient, and a common choice for doctors and patients when it comes to treatment. Whether you are ready to undergo surgery as soon as possible or need time to consider your options experienced, staff are nearby to support you. 

Although cosmetic procedures have never been gendered, it is no secret women make up most consumers in this industry, but men are catching up. Male plastic surgery in Maryland is more mainstream than it has ever been before. As a result, more and more men are feeling comfortable going under the knife. They realize they can benefit from it just as women have for years. 

Male tailored procedures are becoming more available than ever as demand goes up. It is now more convenient than ever for men to jump into this industry alongside their female counterparts. If you feel unsure of your place as a male seeking plastic surgery, our staff is here to assuage your apprehensions and meet your unique needs. 

Frequently Requested Plastic Surgeries Among Men

Men seek out cosmetic treatments more than the magazines and TV shows illustrate. As more men speak out about their satisfaction with plastic surgery in Maryland, more men obtain it for themselves. Most procedures done on women are also options for men but with modifications to masculinize the outcome. 

Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction removes fat by sucking it out from under the skin and is a common plastic surgery performed on both men and women in Maryland. However, it is done quite differently for each gender. For men, it is not just about looking thinner; it is about enhancing muscles and maintaining or sculpting a masculine physique. For instance, a surgeon might remove belly fat while also heightening obliques.

Eye Lift Surgery

As men age, they often see it first in their eyes. Blepharoplasty, or eye lift surgery, is one cosmetic enhancement technique regularly requested by men. A man might first notice bags under his eyes or drooping eyelids making him look tired. In more severe cases, the patient will experience vision obstruction. Blepharoplasty can be done on upper, lower, or both lids and usually provides significant results for a relatively simple procedure. 

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery is a plastic surgery available in Maryland known as male breast reduction. Gynecomastia is a condition in which enlarged breast tissue appears on men and is one of the most frequent procedures performed on men. Treatment for gynecomastia involves a liposuction procedure to remove excess breast tissue and contour the pectoral muscles to create a masculine look. 

Hair Transplant

Most men will experience baldness as they age, some starting as young as 35 years old, which is one reason why men frequently request hair transplants. Today’s hair transplants are nothing like older techniques where large clusters of hair were transplanted together in the exact location. Past procedures did not look natural, and many men found that accepting male pattern baldness was a better option. Today numerous tiny holes are made with fewer hair strands for each hole. The surgeon does the transplant without sutures or scalpels, which results in a more realistic look and quicker recovery. 

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or cosmetic surgery on the nose, is another plastic surgery often sought by males in Maryland. Although this is a popular procedure for both men and women, men usually look for a result much different than the result women are after. Many men will request a larger or more prominent nose to appear more masculine. Perfection is not the goal men are seeking; masculinity is. 

Cosmetic Surgery for Men in Maryland

Men undergo plastic surgery for the same reasons women do, which are unique and varied, but overall there is a desire to be more satisfied with their appearance. We understand that Male plastic surgery in Maryland is underrepresented and aim to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment where you can get the look you want with the support you need. 

A consultation with our staff can provide you with information about a requested procedure, ensure realistic expectations, and cover any concerns you might have. Contact us to schedule an appointment and start this exciting journey.