Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Women with very large breasts may have problems with back and neck pain, skin irritation, breathing and posture problems. Large breasts may also make a woman feel self-conscious. Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, firmer, and lighter. Many women find that their bodies look better proportioned and their clothes fit better. Some insurance companies do not cover this procedure, but it is necessary to meet with the doctor for a complete consultation in order to determine this.

Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs as a result of a pinched nerve at the wrist. This is caused by repetitive use of the hands and can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the area of the hand, wrist, and fingers. Some people notice symptoms of weakness of their grip. A nerve conduction study can be done to confirm the diagnosis of this condition. Symptoms can often be alleviated by changing activities, wearing splints, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. When symptoms do not improve, then surgery may be indicated.

Doctors Lex, Quigley, and Bruggeman offer Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery.

Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy

Many women experience the loss of a breast due to breast cancer or other diseases, and this can have both emotional and physical impacts. Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is an option that can help restore a woman's body image and self-esteem. Breast reconstruction can rebuild the contour of the breast as well as the nipple and areola and can achieve a look comparable to a natural breast. There are different types of breast reconstruction, and your surgeon will discuss these options with you at the time of your initial consultation.

Cleft Lip/Palate

Cleft lip or palate occurs when the right and left sides of the lip and/or the roof of the mouth do not grow together. A child can be born with either cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. These children often have problems with their teeth, feeding, hearing, and speech as they grow. Surgical correction will close the separation in the lip and/or palate with the goal of normal appearance and function. The initial surgery is done when the child is about 10 weeks old and additional surgeries may be required as the child gets older.

Dupuytren's Contracture of The Hand

Dupuytren's disease is a common hand disorder that normally begins as nodules in the hand. Thick, scar-like tissue forms in the palm and progresses toward the fingers. Dupuytren's is common among peoples origination from Northern Europe, but can be seen in people of any race. President Reagan had the Dupuytren's disease removed from his hand during his term in office.

The nodules of Dupuytren's disease occur in the fascia of the hand, causing a shortening of the fascia and contracture of the skin of the palm. When the disease migrates into the fingers, it often causes the fingers to curl up. Eventually, the fingers can no longer extend.

Indications for removal of Dupuytren's disease from the hand include both pain and decreased function. Many times, Dupuytren's nodules are painless, but if they cause pain which limits use of the hand they should be removed. If there is 30 degrees flexion of the first joint adjacent to the palm or there is any flexion of the second joint adjacent to the palm, surgery should be performed before the contractures of the finger become permanent.

In treating this disease, most surgeons recommend excision of the diseased fascia. The surgery is commonly done on an outpatient basis and takes one to two hours to complete. Post-operatively, the patient is usually able to return to normal activities within two to four weeks. Patients tend to do very well with the surgical correction of the disease, as long as surgery is performed before finger flexion becomes permanent.