Patient Education
Welcome to Dr. Stefan G. Chevalier’s Patient Education Library
We invite you to explore our comprehensive list of resources and educational materials designed to help educate you about cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Simply click on a topic below to learn more.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition or treatment, please feel free to contact Dr. Stefan G. Chevalier in Middletown, New York at (845) 479-5706.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination or the medical advice of your doctor. This information should not be relied upon to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment.
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Aging Skin
Wrinkles, crows feet, age spots...call them what you like, but if you are bothered by their presence, they are considered unwanted signs of aging. Everyone’s skin is genetically programmed to change as part of the natural aging process. Sun exposure ... Read More
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Aortic Aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm is a condition that results from the swelling of a weakened wall in the aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in your body. It branches off your heart and distributes blood throughout your body and organs. ... Read More
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Apex 800 Hair Removal Laser
Unwanted hair in unwanted places can be bothersome and embarrassing for both men and women. The Apex 800 Hair Removal Laser is a revolutionary hair removal system that is fast, safe, and produces immediate results. Unlike other hair removal lasers, ... Read More
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Appendicitis
Your appendix is a small tube-like structure that extends off your large intestine. While the appendix does not have a known function, if it becomes inflamed or infected the result is appendicitis. Appendicitis can be quite dangerous as there is ... Read More
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Arm Lift - Brachioplasty
An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure to remove fat and/or sagging skin under the upper arm to create a firmer toned appearance. The upper arms can become droopy or flabby looking because of increasing age, weight changes, ... Read More
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BOTOX® Cosmetics
Botox Cosmetic is used by both men and women for vanishing frown lines without surgery or downtime. Botox is an injected prescription medication that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines). Approximately ... Read More
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Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that uses implants to enlarge or change the shape of the breasts. It is a popular option for women that feel their breasts are too small and want to enhance their figure. Women ... Read More
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Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a common type of cancer in women. It is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that begins from the cells in the breast. Breast cancer can rarely develop in men, as well. There are several different types of breast ... Read More
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Breast Lift - Mastopexy
A breast lift (mastopexy) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is used to create more youthful-shaped breasts. It is a popular option for women that feel their breasts have lost their shape, are happy with their breast size in a ... Read More
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Breast Reduction for Men with Gynecomastia
Breast reduction for men (reduction mammoplasty) is a cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedure that is used to reduce the size of the breasts. Men may experience enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) for several reasons, including hormone abnormalities, hereditary conditions, disease, use of ... Read More
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Breast Reduction for Women - Mammaplasty
A breast reduction (mammaplasty) is a cosmetic or reconstructive surgical procedure that is used to remove excess breast tissue, and reduce the size of the breasts. Women with large breasts may experience back and shoulder discomfort or pain, activity limitations, ... Read More
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Brow Lift
A brow lift, also referred to as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to correct the effects of aging skin on the upper portion of the face. A brow lift will smooth or soften forehead wrinkles and ... Read More
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Buttock Implants
Buttock augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure for males and females that uses implants to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks. Buttock implants can improve the appearance of small buttocks or underdeveloped muscles that are difficult to attain ... Read More
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Captique™ - Facial Rejuvenation
Captique™ is a skin filler treatment used to rapidly add volume beneath the surface of the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Captique treatments are quick and safe. You can receive Captique during your lunch hour. ... Read More
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Carcinoid Cancer
Carcinoid cancer originates from certain hormone producing cells that line several organ systems. It most frequently occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. The exact cause of carcinoid cancer is unknown. It may or may not produce symptoms depending on where in ... Read More
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Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease results when the carotid arteries become blocked, impairing their ability to transport blood efficiently. The carotid arteries carry blood from your heart to your head and brain. Carotid artery disease can develop over time from plaque buildup. This ... Read More
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Cheek Implants
Cheek augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that uses implants to change the size or shape of the cheeks. Cheek implants may be used to create prominent high cheekbones or chiseled features for both men and women. Cheek implants can ... Read More
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Chin Implants
Chin augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that uses implants to change the size or shape of the chin. Chin implants can improve the appearance of weak or receded chins. Chin implants can add projection of your chin to improve ... Read More
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Collagen Injections
Collagen injections are nonsurgical cosmetic procedures used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen injections are most frequently used to treat frown lines, crow’s feet, laugh lines, and smile lines. It is also used to add fullness or ... Read More
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Colon and Rectal Polyps
Colon and rectal polyps are small growths that project out from the inside lining of the large intestine or rectum. They usually are noncancerous and produce no symptoms. However, some polyps can turn into cancer. Polyps that turn into cancer ... Read More
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Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a common type of cancer. Colon cancer occurs when cells in the interior lining of the colon or large intestine grow abnormally and out of control. The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown. In most cases, ... Read More
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Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a scope to view the inside lining of the entire colon. A scope is a long thin tube with a light and a viewing instrument that sends images to a monitor. The scope ... Read More
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Cosmetic Laser Treatment for Spots, Freckles, & Lesions
Cosmetic laser surgery treatments are non-surgical methods of removing or improving the appearance of freckles, liver spots, and pigmented lesions. A laser wand device is used to deliver small precise amounts of light energy. The light is delivered in brief ... Read More
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Cosmetic Laser Treatments
Cosmetic laser treatments are non-surgical methods that improve the appearance of skin. A medical laser is a device that delivers a small but precise amount of light energy. The light is delivered in a series of brief pulses where only targeted ... Read More
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Cynosure Apogee Elite - Laser Hair, Vein, Lesion Removal
Cynosure Apogee Elite is a comprehensive hair removal and spider vein treatment system. It is also an effective method for removing noncancerous colored lesions of the skin. The revolutionary laser has an adjustable wavelength, allowing you to receive customized laser ... Read More
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Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
IntroductionRobotic surgery with the da Vinci® Surgical System allows surgery to be performed with smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery. By making only a few tiny incisions, patients benefit from having less pain, less scarring, less bleeding, and less ... Read More
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Deviated Septum
The shape of your nose can give your face “character,” but it may also give you headaches, breathing problems, sinus infections, and cause snoring. The septum in most people’s nose is naturally a bit off center. The septum is the ... Read More
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Diabetic Foot
Foot problems are a common complication of Diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel for the body. Normally, insulin, a hormone, helps glucose get into ... Read More
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DiamondTome™ Skin Resurfacing
Aging and cumulative sun exposure can cause the skin to lose its youthful appearance. Skin on the face and body can develop fine lines, wrinkles, texture changes, age spots, and blotchy color differences. Fortunately, DiamondTome™ Skin Resurfacing is a non-invasive ... Read More
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Ear Surgery (Cosmetic) - Otoplasty
No set of ears are exactly alike, but some people find protruding ears to be unattractive or bothersome. They can make children and adults self-conscious and the target of teasing. Fortunately, cosmetic ear surgery called otoplasty can reposition the ears ... Read More
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Eyelid Lift - Blepharoplasty
An eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that improves the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. The procedure removes fat and excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids. An eyelid lift may also be ... Read More
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Face Lift
A face lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to improve the appearance of aging facial skin. It is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic treatments. Face lifts are most popular among people in their forties to sixties; however, ... Read More
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Facial Peels
Facial peels, also called Chemical Peels, are nonsurgical cosmetic treatments used to improve the appearance of facial skin (skin resurfacing). Aging, sun exposure, acne, mild scarring, wrinkles, and discoloration can cause facial skin to appear old, rough, leathery, and unattractive. ... Read More
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Full Body Lift - Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss
Significant weight loss following weight reduction surgery or dieting and exercise can result in excess skin and tissue that cannot “shrink” to be in proportion with the new body size. Skin that was overstretched from weight gain may not have ... Read More
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Gallbladder Disease/Gallstones
Gallbladder disease is caused by conditions that slow or block the flow of bile from the gallbladder. Bile is a fluid that breaks down fat during the digestive process. Inflammation or gallstones can block the bile flow. Gallstones are solid ... Read More
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Gastric Banding
Obesity is a growing nationwide epidemic. Obesity is associated with serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Doctors may recommend the gastric banding weight loss surgery for people that are very obese and have not lost ... Read More
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GERD (Reflux)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive condition. It is also called Peptic Esophagitis and Reflux Esophagitis. GERD results when stomach contents and stomach acids enter the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that transfers food from your throat to ... Read More
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Hair Loss
Hair loss, also referred to as alopecia or balding, is a very common condition. Balding is very common in men, although both men and women tend to lose hair thickness as they age. In most cases, hair loss is inherited ... Read More
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Hernia
A hernia results when the supportive muscle layer that covers the intestines is weakened or ruptures, allowing a portion of the intestine or tissue to protrude through it. A hernia may or may not cause symptoms. It may appear as ... Read More
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Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm, the muscle inside of the chest wall. A hiatal hernia may cause no symptoms. However, symptoms can occur from the back up of stomach acids, air, or ... Read More
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Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition that results when the parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of hormones. The parathyroid glands are located next to the thyroid gland at the front of your neck. Hyperparathyroidism may or may not produce symptoms. The condition ... Read More
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Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. Thyroid hormones regulate your body metabolism. Metabolism refers to all of the chemical processes ... Read More
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Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that most often occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. Thyroid hormones regulate your body metabolism. Metabolism refers to all of ... Read More
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Indigestion
Indigestion is a common condition and affects people of all ages. Indigestion can occur for many reasons. Cigarette smoking and the consumption of certain foods, medications, and alcohol can contribute to indigestion. Indigestion can be a symptom of stress. Some ... Read More
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease. It is believed to result when the immune system, which usually fights diseases, attacks the cells in the GI tract. When the cells in the digestive system are attacked, the cell ... Read More
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammatory damage in the lining of the rectum and colon. The primary symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea. The cause of ulcerative colitis ... Read More
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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Laser Vein Removal
With increasing age, the majority of women and large numbers of men experience unsightly varicose and spider veins in their legs. These vascular lesions may appear for many reasons including increasing age, heredity, hormone changes, and obesity. In the past, ... Read More
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Iriderm Laser - Skin Rejuvenation
Age spots, red capillaries, freckles, rosacea, moles, and sun damage all are common skin conditions that can make the skin look older. Finally, there is a safe and effective way to minimize the appearance of these bothersome skin conditions—the Iriderm ... Read More
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Juvederm® - Facial Rejuvenation
Wrinkles and loss of skin volume are a natural part of aging. Factors such as heredity, sun exposure, and lifestyle can accelerate the process. Fortunately, Juvederm® is a nonsurgical treatment to plump fine to deep wrinkles, creating a fuller more ... Read More
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Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Laparoscopic appendectomy is an advanced minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to remove the appendix in people with appendicitis. Your appendix is a small growth that extends off your large intestine. Although the appendix has no known purpose, it ... Read More
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Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat gallbladder disease. Your gallbladder is a small organ located in your right upper abdomen. Your gallbladder works with your liver and pancreas to produce bile and digestive enzymes to ... Read More
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Laparoscopic Colon Resection
Laparoscopic colon resection surgery is an advanced minimally invasive procedure to remove a diseased section of the colon. Your colon is part of your digestive system. The first part of the colon absorbs water and nutrients from the digested material ... Read More
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Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that is used to help people with significant obesity lose weight. The surgery reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes the small intestine. As a result, people feel full sooner and eat ... Read More
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Laparoscopic Splenectomy
Laparoscopic splenectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to remove a diseased or enlarged spleen. Your spleen is located to the left of your stomach. The spleen acts as a filter to help fight infections and maintain ... Read More
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Laser Assisted Liposuction
Laser Assisted Liposuction is a revolutionary new minimally invasive liposuction method. Like traditional liposuction, Laser Assisted Liposuction is used to improve the appearance of the body by removing troublesome areas of fat that persist despite diet and exercise. However, the Laser Assisted Liposuction system uses an ... Read More
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Lipomas
Lipomas are fat capsules located underneath the skin. They are usually harmless and common. Lipomas look like round lumps. They may be small or grow to over an inch. They most frequently occur on the arms and trunk. Lipomas do ... Read More
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Liposuction
Liposuction (lipoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that allows fat removal beneath the skin’s surface using small remote incisions to create improved proportions resulting in a better looking figure. For some people, excess fat may remain in certain areas of ... Read More
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MediDerm® Laser - Facial Rejuvenation
MediDerm® laser is a skin rejuvenation system that reduces wrinkles and skin imperfections. It gives skin a smoother and younger look. The laser delivers a controlled light wavelength that is appropriate for you. It creates a customized peel treatment efficiently. ... Read More
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Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is an alternative medicine technique intended to improve the appearance of cellulite or localized collections of fat. Aging and weight gain can cause cellulite/fat deposits in the thighs, buttocks, arms, and abdomen. Mesotherapy involves injecting physician-created formulas into affected ... Read More
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Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure used to improve the appearance of facial skin. Very superficial skin conditions, such as fine wrinkles, dull skin, age spots, and acne, may be minimized with microdermabrasion. The procedure uses the gentle abrasive action ... Read More
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Mini Face Lift
A mini face lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to reverse the signs of aging skin. A mini face lift is used to make the lower one third of the face look younger, rested, and refreshed. It can firm ... Read More
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Mini Tummy Tuck
Unwanted fat below the belly button can result from aging, weight gain, or childbirth. This area can be particularly difficult to lose with dieting and exercise. A mini tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess fat ... Read More
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Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy
Breast cancer is a common form of cancer that occurs in women, and occasionally in men. Self-breast examination, clinical breast examination, mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are used to detect breast lumps or abnormalities. A biopsy is performed ... Read More
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Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Skin Cancer
Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized surgical treatment for the removal of skin cancer. Mohs surgery is highly effective. It offers the highest potential for recovery for all skin cancer treatments. Mohs surgery has a five-year cure rate of 99% ... Read More
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Nose Reshaping - Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, nose reshaping surgery, is the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty is used to change the shape of the nose, correct structural or functional problems. Nose reshaping can improve the balance of your facial features and enhance ... Read More
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Palomar® Pulsed Light Hair Removal
The Palomar® Pulsed Light Hair Removal system is a revolutionary new way of removing small and large areas of unwanted hair, especially on the legs of women and the back of men. Unlike painful electrolysis or waxing, the Palomar Pulsed ... Read More
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Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer results when the cells in the pancreas grow abnormally and out of control instead of dividing in an orderly manner. The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. Although the vast majority of pancreatic tumors are cancerous, some ... Read More
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Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis results when the pancreas is inflamed. Your pancreas is a gland located near your stomach. It produces fluids that assist with food digestion. Certain conditions can cause the digestive fluids to become trapped inside the pancreas. As the fluids ... Read More
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Perlane® - Facial Rejuvenation
Perlane® is a revolutionary new injectable skin filler that is especially formulated to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and skin folds. Perlane contains larger gel particles than other skin fillers (ie. Restylane®), allowing it to give more volume and ... Read More
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Photodynamic Therapy - Facial Rejuvenation
Photodynamic therapy is a revolutionary process to improve the appearance of acne and poorly textured skin. It is used to treat a variety of skin conditions including wrinkles, large pores, actinic keratosis, sun damage, pigments, and rough looking skin. The ... Read More
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Photofacial Rejuvenation
Photofacial rejuvenation is a state-of-the-art skin treatment that is used to erase damage on the skin’s surface creating a younger and healthier looking skin. It is effective in treating a variety of skin imperfections including fine wrinkles, freckles, age spots, noncancerous lesions, ... Read More
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Radiesse® - Facial Rejuvenation
Radiesse® is a skin filler treatment used to rapidly correct facial lines and wrinkles, particularly nasolabial folds, lines that run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Radiesse® works below the skin’s surface to create ... Read More
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Restylane® - Facial Rejuvenation
Restylane® is a skin filler that is used to rejuvenate and enhance the appearance of aging facial skin. Restylane restores natural volume to your skin—correcting fine lines, creating fuller lips, and enhancing the shape of your cheeks or chin or ... Read More
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Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins & Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for small varicose or spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves the tiny injections of a medication into affected veins. The solution used causes the veins to shrink and eventually dissolve. Sclerotherapy may improve the appearance of veins and ... Read More
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SilkPeel™ Dermalinfusion™ - Facial Rejuvenation
SilkPeel™ Dermalinfusion™ is the only skin rejuvenation procedure that provides both non-invasive exfoliation and the delivery of skin-specific topical solutions. SilkPeel Dermalinfusion leaves your skin fresher feeling and better looking. Unlike other skin treatments, it does not use crystals or ... Read More
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SmartLipo™
SmartLipo™ is a revolutionary new minimally invasive liposuction method. Like traditional liposuction, SmartLipo is used to improve the appearance of the body by removing troublesome areas of fat that persist despite diet and exercise. However, the SmartLipo system uses an ... Read More
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Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Stereotactic breast biopsy is an important procedure for diagnosing breast cancer. It is a noninvasive method of obtaining a breast tissue sample for biopsy. A biopsy is an examination to determine if the sample is cancerous or not. Stereotactic breast ... Read More
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The Digestive System/How it works
Whenever you eat and drink, food travels through your digestive system for processing. Your body absorbs nutrients and removes waste products via your digestive system. As water is absorbed from your digestive system, the waste products become more solid and ... Read More
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Thigh and Buttock Lift - Thighplasty
A thigh and buttock lift (thighplasty) is used to remove excess tissue and fat following substantial weight loss. After weight reduction surgery or diet and exercise, skin in the thigh and buttock area may have lost elasticity and may not ... Read More
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Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is used to create a firmer flatter abdomen. It is common for excess fat deposits and loose sagging skin to develop in the abdomen as a result of aging, weight ... Read More
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Upper GI Endoscopy
An Upper Gastrointestinal Intestinal (GI) Endoscopy is a procedure that uses an endoscope to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. This test is also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or a gastroscopy. An ... Read More
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Upper GI Series/ Barium Swallow
An Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series or Barium Swallow provides a set of X-rays showing the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Before the X-rays are taken, barium, a chalky substance, is swallowed. The barium provides an image of the upper gastrointestinal ... Read More
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Vaser® Lipo
Vaser® Lipo is a revolutionary new body contouring method for creating a sleeker and firmer silhouette. Many people have areas of unwanted fat deposits despite healthy eating and regular exercise. Vaser Lipo is perfect for removing stubborn fat deposits from ... Read More
Copyright © - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.
