Whether they’re planning their first major procedure or their fifth, most patients feel nervous before surgery. One of the major points of concern is anesthesia, which, despite years of well-documented research, many patients mistrust. Here’s what you need to know about anesthesia before your next procedure.
Preparing for Anesthesia
Always follow the recommendations of your physician regarding health and diet prior to surgery. He may ask you to stop taking certain medications, blood thinners, and supplements that could interfere with anesthesia or recovery. Eating or drinking prior to surgery is likely to cause pneumonia or other complications.
If you’re worried about anesthesia, it’s okay to ask questions. You can meet your anesthesiologist in Pre Op, where he can answer any lingering questions about the anesthesia and its aftereffects.
For major cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, patients receive general anesthesia, which contains sedative, narcotic, and hypnotic medications to keep them sedated and pain-free throughout the operation. For less invasive surgeries (like Dr. Brantner’s mini in-office facelift), local anesthesia is all that’s needed.
Anesthesiologists customize the dosage based on the age and health of the patient and which surgery is being performed. Older patients typically require less anesthesia than patients in their 20’s and 30’s, unless they’re redheads, who process anesthetics more quickly than other patients.
The side effects of modern anesthesia are relatively minor. Some patients may experience grogginess, nausea, or throat soreness from the breathing tube.
Afraid of saying embarrassing things while under the influence of medication? Don’t be. Most patients say nothing unusual while under the effects of anesthesia. On the off chance that one says something strange, it’s kept confidential by the medical team.
Ready for surgery? Make a list of pre-operative questions to discuss with Dr. Brantner at your next consultation.
As families hit beach vacations, plan pool days, and play outside this summer, it’s important to stay educated on the dangers of sun exposure. May is Melanoma Awareness month, an annual event used to prevent skin cancer by sharing information. Whether you spend your time reading on the couch or playing in the pool, you could be at risk for melanoma.
What Is Melanoma?
Because most cases of melanoma occur in the skin, most people associate the disease with skin cancer; however, rare cases of melanoma can also develop in the eyes or mucous membranes. Melanoma is a mutation of the melanin found in the hair, eyes, and skin. It’s frequently found in moles, freckles, and skin damaged by UVA radiation. Family history, genetics, and environmental factors may increase a patient’s risk of developing melanoma. Cutaneous melanoma, the most common melanoma, is often visible on the skin, making it easy to detect before it progresses. Many melanoma cases are diagnosed by patients, not physicians, because patients are more likely to notice small changes in the moles or skin tissue they see every day. Regular visits to a dermatologist also increase the opportunity to diagnose melanoma in its earliest stages.
Symptoms of Melanoma
Check moles, freckles, and irregular spots for:
Asymmetry
Irregular or blurred borders
Changing colors
Size (have a dermatologist examine anything larger than a pencil eraser)
Changes in size, color, shape, or sensitivity
Protect Your Skin Against Melanoma
Patients can decrease their risk of melanoma and increase the likelihood of early detection by following these steps:
Avoid tanning, especially exposure to UV radiation in tanning beds
Apply sunscreen every day, all year (even on overcast days)
Know that sunburns, especially in children, significantly increase the chances of developing melanoma
Supplement Vitamin D levels through diet, not sun exposure
Know which medications may increase sensitivity to sunlight
Regularly check your skin for changes
Protect your kids, your spouse, and your own skin this summer. To learn more about early detection of melanoma, call Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
As a physician, Dr. Brantner promotes informed decisions and continuous education. His board certification dictates that he complete yearly training to stay current on the latest surgical techniques, prescription information, and medical information available. But he strives for more than just personal expertise; Dr. Brantner wants to give everyone the opportunity to educate themselves about healthcare issues that may affect them. He’s achieving that goal with Go To Pills, an interactive website that allows, doctors, patients, and pharmacists to educate themselves about the FDA-approved and common off label uses of drugs.
Off Label Drugs
Most people would be surprised to learn that roughly 60% of doctors prescribe off label drugswithout knowing the drug uses are not FDA approved. The majority of drug information, both published and shared online, is provided by drug companies that are not required to share whether their most common uses are FDA approved. 80% of drugs are frequently prescribed for off-label uses. The lack of unbiased information regarding approved drug uses can obscure potential adverse events, leading to problems for patients and possible legal difficulties for healthcare providers.
GoToPills
GoToPills provides doctors, patients, and pharmacies with quick, reputable information about the approved and off label uses of drugs, as well as any side effects. A simple search provides information on the uses, side effects, adverse event reports, and litigation alerts associated with each drug. Doctors can download an informed consent report that guides them through the process of explaining to patients why an off label drug may be the best treatment for a patient’s condition. Doctors who want to learn more about the side effects of particular medications, ongoing litigation issues, or reactions of off label medications with other prescriptions can follow the information sourced on each page.
Want to learn more about Dr. Brantner’s work on GoToPills? Visit our website, download the smartphone app from the Apple store, or ask his staff about off label drug usage at your next office appointment.
It’s difficult to believe that another holiday season has already come and gone. 2015 is upon us, and if you’re anything like the rest of the world, you’ve already written a list of ways to better yourself for the new year. If you need a little help getting started this January, we’ve compiled these 5 resolutions for more beautiful year.
Beauty Goals for 2015
Look within. Having the body of your dreams won’t create happiness. Plastic surgery allows patients to improve their self-confidence and achieve their ideal look, but it’s only worthwhile if a patient’s self-perceptions outweigh the opinions of others. Make a concerted effort to love yourself – internally and externally – this year.
Stop smoking. Smoking is proved to age the skin, slow healing, and cause weight gain. If you want a healthier body and a more youthful appearance, nicotine is the first habit you should kick this year.
Love your skin. Preventing a problem is better than fixing one. Preserve the smoothness, youth, and elasticity of your skin by implementing a proper skin care routine for 2015, especially in the harsh weather of January and February.
Get healthy. Healthy living isn’t about overhauling your refrigerator or hitting the treadmill every day. Small life changes like dropping an unhealthy side at dinner or parking farther away at the grocery store are more sustainable than quick lifestyle changes. Instead of burning yourself out on exercise and healthy eating by going 0 to 60 this January, start small work your way towards a healthier lifestyle throughout the year.
Treat yourself. Have you been contemplating a tummy tuck since your last pregnancy? Have you always wanted a breast augmentation? Would a facelift make you feel more beautiful? Treat yourself to the face and body of your dreams in 2015. Call Dr. Brantner’s office to schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation in Johnson City, TN.
After weeks of Christmas shopping, festive decorations, and holiday tunes, the week of Christmas has finally arrived. We are so blessed to share this season of joy, giving, and bright spirits with our patients. We hope you’ve enjoyed the festive decor and merry dispositions of our office staff this December. As we finish our work and prepare for full houses, we’re reminded how blessed we are in our daily lives. God gave His Son to take our stresses and our shames, to help us overcome our weaknesses and revitalize our strengths for His cause. It’s easy to forget how a simple birth in a stable has transformed us for eternity. There’s no greater Christmas gift than God’s gift to us.
Dr. Brantner and his staff are looking forward to a wonderful week spent with family and friends, but the reason for the celebration doesn’t end when we kick off the New Year. The hope, faith, and love we celebrate this Christmas is everlasting in His Kingdom.
Dr. Brantner and his staff would like to wish all of Johnson City a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
When it comes to Breast Cancer Awareness, it’s crucial to educate women about the importance of regular breast exams. Breast cancer is typically detected during yearly breast screenings or monthly self-exams. While there’s no known cure for breast cancer, early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, at least 40% of breast cancer cases are detected by women performing self-examinations at home.
Clinical Exams and Mammograms
Doctors recommend that all women over the age of 40 receive yearly mammograms. Yearly mammograms allow doctors to monitor the breast tissue, keep records, and compare screenings to detect changes in breast material before a lump forms. Mammograms find both benign and malignant lumps in the breast tissue, and detect 85-90% of all breast cancers. Mammograms also increase early detection of breast cancer, which increases the survival rate to 95% over a five year span. Women between the ages of 20 and 30 do not need to have yearly mammograms, but it’s recommended that they receive clinical breast exams during their yearly physicals.
Breast Self-Exam
Although mammograms are important for breast health, two-fifths of breast cancer cases are detected by women performing breast examinations. Breast self-exams are recommended for all women, regardless of age. Self-exams are easily performed in the shower, lying down, or in front of a mirror. Feel your breasts for:
Lumps or swelling
Hardness or thickness
Changes in the feeling or appearance of breast tissue
Dimpled skin
Perform your monthly exam at the same time during your menstrual cycle (typically several days after finishing your period) to avoid inconsistent breast tenderness or swelling. To learn how to perform an effective home examination, read a step by step guide on breast self-exams and general breast health.
To learn more about breast health, breast cancer treatment, and breast reconstruction, call Jim N. Brantner MD, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Johnson City, TN.
Always follow the recommendations of your physician regarding health and diet prior to surgery. He may ask you to stop taking certain medications, blood thinners, and supplements that could interfere with anesthesia or recovery. Eating or drinking prior to surgery is likely to cause pneumonia or other complications.
