Category Archives: Surgery

The Harley Medical Group Reports Rise In Tummy Tuck Ops For Weight Loss Patients

The Harley Medical Group, the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, has seen a dramatic five year rise in patients undergoing body corrective surgery to cope with the after effects of extreme post obesity weight loss. Dubbed “Post Obesity Surgery” (POS), various surgical procedures such as tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), male breast reduction (gynaecomastia) and breast uplift (mastopexy) are booming as patients book in for body corrective surgery to treat their post obesity bodies.

Data taken over the past five years from The Harley Medical Group, which has conducted more than 10,000 POS procedures over this period, shows that tummy tucksare up 31%, male breast reductions are up 24% and female breast uplifts are up 18%.

Mr Frati, a surgeon at The Harley Medical Group, cites the UK’s obesity epidemic as the cause for this boom. With 21% of men and 22% of women in the UK being classed as clinically obese, which is predicted to rise to a quarter of all adults in 2010*, The Harley Medical Group estimates the abdominoplasty procedure alone will overtake breast augmentation as the clinic’s most popular treatment over the next ten years.

A patient of The Harley Medical Group patient, John Wright from Lincolnshire, who had a tummy tuck operation plus gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) after he lost 22 stone commented: “After the immense effort and hard work of loosing so much weight it was utterly soul destroying to see vast folds of skin hanging from my body. My local GP wouldn’t refer me to have cosmetic surgery on the NHS and so I was forced to go private. I used almost £10,000 of my savings, but I think it was worth every penny.”

Lisa Littlehales, head nurse at The Harley Medical Group, explained: “It’s heartbreaking to see patients who have achieved so much to lose dramatic amounts of weight so embarrassed by their post weight loss bodies. Surgery is able to transform both their bodies which have been so vastly overstretched and in the process restore their confidence.”

She added: “Many patients describe how they wish they had addressed the problem before they became obese, but talk of the creeping nature of obesity – slowly moving from being simply over weight to clinically obese over a ten year period. Many feel let down by healthcare professionals and feel strongly that the government’s focus on educating the public on healthy eating and exercise routines is long overdue and also needs far greater focus and outreach work.”

*Department of Health’s “Forecasting Obesity to 2010” report

About The Harley Medical Group:
The Harley Medical Group is the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, performing more procedures and with more clinics than any other cosmetic surgery provider. It has been established for more than 25 years and is one of the most highly regarded cosmetic surgery groups operating in the UK. It has conducted more than 400,000 procedures to date.

The Harley Medical Group has always worked tirelessly to maintain the highest standards in the industry for the benefits of all cosmetic surgery and non surgical patients. We are currently at the forefront of the campaign to ensure that the government continues to regulate the use of all lasers and Impulsed Light Machines (IPL) used in cosmetic surgery and non surgical treatments so that patients are protected from permanent damage by unregistered beauty salons and practitioners illegally using Lasers and IPL machines.

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Bookings For Surgery Amongst 45-65 Year Olds Booms, Second Marriages As Their Main Motivation

According to The Harley Medical Group, the UK’s biggest cosmetic surgery provider, bookings for surgery amongst 45-65 year olds doubled in 2008. When explaining why they’d opted for ‘silver surgery’, patients from The Harley Medical Group’s 23 UK clinics cited second marriages as their main motivation.

Liz Dale, Director of The Harley Medical Group, commented: “Many patients have thought about surgery for a long time and when they come out of a long-term relationship it can be part of their start afresh strategy. Cosmetic surgery helps give our patients renewed confidence as they embark on new relationships and second marriages. We also see many patients using Botox to help keep their appearance fresh when they have a younger partner.”

With second marriages now accounting for one in three marriages in the UK, a desire to look their best walking up the aisle the second-time round is encouraging patients to book in for procedures to dilute the ravages of time. Popular pre-nuptial procedures with middle-aged women include Blepharoplasty, Brow Lift, Breast Uplift, Botox and Face Lift. Top ops for men include Rhinoplasty and Otoplasty, which are often chosen to alter a feature they’ve long been unhappy with.

Liz Dale continued: “It’s not only the demand for cosmetic surgery that’s changing, it’s also the perceptions associated with it. Twenty years ago the majority of our patients wouldn’t tell anyone about their surgery; it would be a complete secret. Now the majority are happy to share the details of surgery with their families and friends.”

The Harley Medical Group is the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, performing more procedures and with more clinics than any other cosmetic surgery provider. It has been established for over 25 years and is one of the most highly-regarded Cosmetic Surgery Groups operating in the UK. It has conducted over 400,000 procedures to date.

The Harley Medical Group is renowned for introducing and pioneering most new surgical and non surgical techniques to the UK and Irish markets, such as Aesthera PPx, Laser Hair Removal, Cool Touch Laser, Silk Touch Laser, Collagen for lines and wrinkles, Laser for snoring, Tumescent Liposuction, LPG cellulite treatment etc. All new treatments and techniques are first thoroughly researched and tested before they are submitted for approval by the Group’s Medical Advisory Committee, as being suitable for application by the Group’s fully trained and specialized Plastic Surgeons, Doctors and Treatment Nurses.

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A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery

Nearly 5 million children underwent surgery in the United States in 2008 and according to one prominent anesthesiologist, many of those surgeries were made more difficult by parents who refused to follow their doctor’s orders. Dr. Armen Ketchedjian, author of the book Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery, says that parents often ignore doctors’ directions and requests for pre-surgery testing and preparation.

Considering the stakes, the reasons parents give for not complying with their doctor often seem, well, unreasonable: Scheduled tests may interfere with family vacation plans or because parents, in their own opinion, feel that the requested tests or diets aren’t important.

“I’ve seen parents who felt that the rules didn’t apply to them,” says Dr. Ketch, as he is known to his patients. “They assume that doctor’s will understand if certain tests are not done or if certain consultations are missed.”

Missed appointments and tests cause unnecessary delays in the preparation for surgery according to Dr. Ketch, who says that medical professionals order the tests for a reason.

“We in the medical profession are held to a higher standard and so we can’t take anything for granted,” says Dr. Ketch. “We need the fullest cooperation of parents to provide the best care possible.”

Will it Hurt? is a guide for parents whose children need surgery and a big part of the book’s message is the importance of the preparations that contribute to a successful surgery. Dr. Ketch says he believes that informed parents make the experience easy for everyone, including their child. And that can pay big dividends after the surgery.

According to Dr. Ketch, “Children who are less anxious need less anesthesia during surgery and less recovery time after the surgery. Parents can ensure their children are more relaxed by being informed and by not putting any undue stress on the process.”

Will It Hurt? helps educate parents about pediatric surgery. It is an easy to-read resource will give you, your child and your family the help and reassurance you need to make the surgical experience as stress-free as possible.

Listed in The Guide to America’s Top Anesthesiologists by the Consumer Research Council of America, Dr. Ketch trained at Cornell Medical Center, with a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and a pain management elective at Boston Children’s Hospital. He has also worked to help develop new techniques in ambulatory anesthesia, taught medical students and residents, and cared for more than 10,000 patients.

Dr. Ketch is also the author of the children’s book Golden Apples (winner of the 2008 Reviewer’s Choice Award), a beautifully illustrated book that aims to help educate children about the dangers of drug abuse.

For more information, contact the author directly at support@dr.ketch.com.

WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC and author Dr. Armen G. Ketchedjian chose Arbor Books, Inc. (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote Will It Hurt? Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery. Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm. (Will It Hurt? Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery by Dr. Ketch; ISBN: 0-9815373-0-8; $14.95; 172 pages; 5½” x 8 ½”; soft cover book with illustrations; WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC)

 

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Study Says That Young Children Exposed To Anesthesia May Be More Prone To Developing Behavioral And Developmental Disorders Than Their Peers

A study released this week by Columbia University researchers found that young children exposed to anesthesia may be more prone to developing behavioral and developmental disorders than their peers, though researchers said the study was limited.

One prominent anesthesiologist says he believes that parents can help alleviate their fears about anesthesia by forming a solid relationship with their child’s surgeon.

Dr. Armen Ketchedjian, author of the book Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery, says that parents are often in the dark about what their child will experience while under general anesthesia and what risks may be associated with the drugs used during surgery.

“The risks to children undergoing surgery with general anesthesia are slightly higher than they are in adults” says Dr. Ketch, as he is known to his patients. “Children have smaller windpipes than adults and that makes the procedures a little more complex. It’s important for parents to talk to their child’s doctors to better understand what the procedure involves and what their child may experience.”

Research into the link between anesthesia and developmental disorders was first established using rats, and the anesthesiology community has been conducting further research since then on a recommendation from the FDA.

“We in the medical profession are held to a higher standard and so we can’t take anything for granted,” says Dr. Ketch.

Dr. Ketch’s book is a guide for parents whose children need surgery and a big part of the book’s message is the importance of education for parents. “Education,” says Dr. Ketch, “is a great way to help dispel myths and help parents make more informed decisions.”

Will It Hurt? is an easy-to-read resource that will give parents, their children and their families the help and reassurance they need to make any surgical experience as stress-free as possible.

Listed in The Guide to America’s Top Anesthesiologists by the Consumer Research Council of America, Dr. Ketch trained at Cornell Medical Center, with a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and a pain management elective at Boston Children’s Hospital. He has worked to help develop new techniques in ambulatory anesthesia, taught medical students and residents, and cared for more than 10,000 patients.

Dr. Ketch is also the author of the children’s book Golden Apples (winner of the 2008 Reviewer’s Choice Award), a beautifully illustrated book that aims to help educate children about the dangers of drug abuse.

For more information, contact the author directly at support@dr.ketch.com.

WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC and author Dr. Armen G. Ketchedjian chose Arbor Books, Inc. (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery. Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm.

(Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery by Dr. Ketch; ISBN: 0-9815373-0-8; $14.95; 172 pages; 5½” x 8 ½”; softcover with illustrations; WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC)

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Dr. Ketch’s Book Covers Important Topics For Parents Whose Children Need Surgery

A recent study of more than 11,000 children published in the journal Pediatrics found that door hinges and frames represent the greatest danger to small children in the form of hand and finger injuries.

The results of these injuries can lead to surgery, and one prominent anesthesiologist is paving the way in helping parents understand what that means for their kids.

Dr. Armen Ketchedjian, author of the book Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery, says that the injuries children sustain can often only be repaired through surgery, and that parents should prepare for that possibility.

Most of these injuries occur when doors close on a child’s fingers, a problem made worse in countries without legislation mandating safer door systems designed to help kids stay safe. 

“When you hear that your child must have surgery it can be a terrifying experience” saysDr. Ketch, as he is known to his patients. “It’s not easy to accept that your child needs an operation, but once you know that he or she does, it’s imperative that you help prepare your child as best you can.”

Will It Hurt? is Dr. Ketch’s way of furthering parent education in the days and hours surrounding child surgeries that result not only from injuries such as those caused by door frames and hinges, but also from developmental problems, childhood diseases and birth defects. 

“It has been shown that children have an easier time with surgery and recovery when they are less anxious, and a great way to help that happen is to have the parents be less anxious,” says Dr. Ketch.“That often means educating them so that their fears are alleviated at least a little bit.” 

Dr. Ketch’s book covers important topics for parents whose children need surgery, including:

• What to do the day of the surgery
• What to do if their child needs to stay overnight
• How to choose a surgeon
• What questions to ask of the child’s doctors
• What to expect as the child recovers from surgery

Will It Hurt? helps educate parents about pediatric surgery. It is an easy-to-read resource that will give parents, their child and their families the help and reassurance they need to make any surgical experience as stress-free as possible.

Listed in The Guide to America’s Top Anesthesiologists by the Consumer Research Council of America, Dr. Ketch trained at Cornell Medical Center, with a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and a pain management elective at Boston Children’s Hospital. He has worked to help develop new techniques in ambulatory anesthesia, taught medical students and residents, and cared for more than 10,000 patients.

Dr. Ketch is also the author of the children’s book Golden Apples (winner of the 2008 Reviewer’s Choice Award), a beautifully illustrated book that aims to help educate children about the dangers of drug abuse. 

For more information, contact the author directly at support@dr.ketch.com.

(Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery by Dr. Ketch; ISBN: 0-9815373-0-8; $14.95; 172 pages; 5½” x 8 ½”; softcover with illustrations; WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC)

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Surgicare Has Announced That The Gastric Balloon Will Be The Next Procedure To Be Added To Its Weight Loss Treatments

SurgiCare, leading UK cosmetic and weight loss surgery provider, has announced that the gastric balloon is the latest procedure to be added to its weight loss treatment portfolio.

SurgiCare has reported that the introduction of the air filled gastric balloon procedure directly responds to a gap in the current weight loss market and has proven to be less prone to side effects compared with the liquid alternative. The traditional liquid filled gastric balloons have been known to cause extreme nausea and discomfort due to the movement of the liquid content. The introduction of the gold coated, air filled balloon means that patients experience less nausea and discomfort, meaning a faster, safer recovery following the procedure. The gold coating is designed to prevent air loss and reduce the problem of deflation, which can occur in the fluid filled balloon option, ensuring the balloon stays at maximum volume for the full duration of placement, which can be up to six months. During this time, weight loss can be up to five stone.

SurgiCare is one of only two weight loss surgery providers to offer the procedure in the UK. Available exclusively to patients with a BMI of between 25-35, the gastric balloon offers patients who are struggling to find a weight loss solution an opportunity to control their weight. It is an industry concern that patients who do not meet the strict criteria for a gastric band or bypass may resort to more drastic measures such as over eating to reach the required BMI of 35 and above. The lowered BMI recommendation of a gastric balloon provides a weight loss option for those who would not previously be considered, providing a much needed alternative for those who have tried every other weight loss method.

The relatively simple procedure, takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. The balloon is inserted into the stomach under sedation or general anaesthesic and then filled with air. The filled balloon decreases the space available in the stomach making the patient feel ‘full’ quicker resulting in weight loss.

Mark Bury, chief executive at Surgicare commented: “The gastric balloon has been a staple weight loss procedure in the United States for many years. The introduction of the air filled balloon is a big step forward for weight loss procedures as it provides patients with the same results as a liquid filled balloon, but without the associated side effects.

He continued, “The addition of the procedure to SurgiCare’s weight loss portfolio will open the door to weight loss surgery for those who would not be considered for other procedures. The gastric balloon provides an excellent short term aid to weight loss and delivers fantastic results when combined with the diet and exercise program offered in our aftercare program.”

As part of the SurgiCare aftercare program it is recommended that patients carry out three hours of sporting activity each week and follow a coordinated diet plan to aid maximum weight loss.

About Surgicare:
With over 16 years experience and 8 clinics, SurgiCare is one of the largest and most respected cosmetic surgery networks in the UK. SurgiCare specialises in weight loss surgery with a unique 24 month aftercare programme and prides itself on providing an unrivalled aftercare service.

As one of the leading UK specialists in cosmetic surgery, SurgiCare has the all latest therapies and caring, professional experienced staff to enhance a patient’s self-confidence by improving appearances. SurgiCare has helped more than 20,000 patients fulfil their dreams of looking and feeling their best.

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SurgiCare, one of the leading cosmetic surgery providers, has announced that as the economy is going bust, UK women are boosting theirs

As the UK has been teetering on the cusp of going bust, SurgiCare, one of the leading cosmetic surgery providers, has announced a 135 percent increase in UK women boosting theirs.

It seems despite the current economic crises, women in the UK are still investing their hard earned cash on boosting their own assets. With financial depression set in all over the country and companies going bust every day, SurgiCare has revealed record figures for September 2008.

Mark Bury, chief executive at SurgiCare said; “Last months figures have absolutely no reflection on the current financial climate in the UK at the moment. In fact, they are record breaking. Over double the amount of women enquiring about breast enlargement, in comparison to last September’s figures, amounting to a whopping 135% increase. Cosmetic surgery is generally flourishing despite the credit crunch, with most procedures on the up, but breast augmentation is especially booming this year.

Mark continued, “Perhaps women are having breast enhancements to cheer themselves up as a result of the general depression gripping the UK at the moment, or maybe their appearance and self confidence takes precedence over their annual holiday or new car. Looking good is a physical defence in hard times.”

SurgiCare is a specialist in breast augmentation, offering everything from, breast enlargement, reduction, breast uplift to the new Macrolane treatment for women who want the perfect breast shape with no surgery or recovery time.

Jonquille Chantrey, SurgiCare’s non-surgical director said; “We have just introduced Macrolane, the non-surgical breast augmentation. It’s designed to enhance and improve the shape of the breasts. It’s a very effective and safe treatment which costs around £3,000, with a top up usually required every 12 months.

Most of the women I have treated have saved for a while or opted for SurgiCare’s finance package. They are not necessarily being frivolous, just sacrificing other things to look their best”.

About Surgicare:
With over 16 years experience and 8 clinics, SurgiCare is one of the largest and most respected cosmetic surgery networks in the UK. SurgiCare specialises in weight loss surgery with a unique 24 month aftercare programme and prides itself on providing an unrivalled aftercare service. As one of the leading UK specialists in cosmetic treatments, SurgiCare has all the experience, the latest therapies and the caring, professional staff to enhance a patient’s self-confidence by improving appearances. SurgiCare has helped more than 20,000 patients fulfil their dreams of looking and feeling their best.

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World Association of Laparoscopic surgeons (WALS) has received financial support from Medical council of India

World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons is organizing International Conference on Recent Advances of Minimal Access Surgery every year. In 2009 it is going to be held in Istanbul Turkey under the presidency of Dr. Gokhan Goynumer. Since 2001 Laparoscopy Hospital is supporting surgical residency and fellowship training by providing an opportunity for surgeons-in-training to utilize the Fellowship and Diploma program to study and to certify their basic skills in laparoscopy before going into clinical practice.

“We are proud to extend our coordination with Medical Council of India by having financial support to organise such international conference and laparoscopic workshop,” said, Prof. Dr. R. K. Mishra Indian President, World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons. “This MCI grant will allow thousands of surgeons to get advantage from this conference and to develop in laparoscopic skills which will ultimately lead to new innovative surgical procedures and better patient outcomes,” added Flora.

The WALS has also developed structured training guidelines, developed by its international members and now jointly supported by the TGO University, is a comprehensive and validated educational module designed to teach the physiology, fundamental knowledge and technical skills required in basic and advanced laparoscopy that allows practice in a safe environment without putting patients at risk. Upon completion of the didactic and manual skills training portion of the course, participants take a proctored, two-part exam that covers cognitive knowledge, clinical judgment and technical skills.

Recognizing the importance of improving surgeon’s technical skills and enhancing patient safety, as well as the need for on-site training and testing, Medical Council of India has provided a generous, financial support to the WALS.

World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons is a leading global organization to promote minimal access surgery among surgeons and gynaecologists all over world. WALS creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and excellence.

About World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons
The World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (WALS) was founded in 1998 to foster, promote, support and encourage academic, clinical and research achievement in minimal access surgery. The Society has grown from fewer than 50 original members to almost 2,000 over 80 countries. WALS provides signature guidelines for training, standards of practice and granting of privileges which promote patient safety and the best clinical outcomes. Visit
http://www.wals.org.uk for more information.

About the Laparoscopic Surgery Fellowship and Diploma Program
Developed by the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (WALS) the Fellowship and Diploma in Minimal Access Surgery includes cognitive and hands-on skills training components, and a validated assessment focusing on the physiology, fundamental knowledge, and technical skills required in basic laparoscopic surgery. Visit
laparoscopyhospital.com for details.

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