Dr. Samson Lee, MD

During dermabrasion, a nurse or other healthcare professional holds the skin taut so that the doctor can apply gentle but constant pressure on the skin using the device. Depending on how much skin needs treatment, it may take a few minutes to over an hour to complete the surgery.

A waxy or moist dressing is placed on the skin at the end of the procedure. The treated area will be red and swollen for about two to three weeks. Itchiness and tingling will likely be present for some time. Although less common, enlarged pores, cold sores, rashes, and permanent skin discoloration may also occur. Normal activities may be resumed about two weeks following dermabrasion. However, swimming in chlorinated water and sports that involve the use of balls should be avoided for four to six weeks.

Professional cosmetic skin treatments exist to treat wrinkles, scars, dark spots, remove excess hair, tone and tighten skin, and otherwise improve the appearance of the skin. They may use lasers, light therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or many other forms of skin treatment.

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, most commonly on the face or back. The clogged follicles can then become infected and inflamed. Treatments include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and retinoid creams.

Eczema is dry, sensitive skin that causes an itchy red rash, often in response to specific triggers. It is common in childhood but can sometimes last into adulthood. The main treatment involves keeping skin well moisturized.

Dermatitis is the medical name for any kind of skin inflammation or rash. Rashes can happen because of an allergy or contact with an irritating substance. They may be red, itchy, or even painful. They are often treated with antihistamines or moisturizing creams containing cortisone.

Psoriasis is patches of thick, red skin that is covered in silvery scales. It is often itchy and sore. Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an immune disorder, and it runs in families. Psoriasis is not contagious. There is no cure, but there are medicated creams available to treat the symptoms.

Skin growths, including warts and moles, are usually not serious. However, some skin growths should be examined by a doctor to make sure they don't cause problems in the future. Warts are harmless, rough, bumpy growths caused by a viral infection. They occur most often on the hands and feet. Because they are caused by a virus, they are contagious. Moles are brown or black spots that are sometimes raised slightly from the surface of the skin. They happen when clumps of pigment cells form in a cluster instead of spread out. Moles are harmless except that they are more vulnerable to cancer than other parts of the skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and its risk increases with sun exposure and fair skin tone.

Skin issues can be embarrassing or irritating, but most are minor and can be treated without serious problems. Some, however, can be a sign of a more significant issue, so it is important to see a doctor for anything out of the ordinary.

Tonsillectomies are usually performed on children; however, many adults also undergo the procedure. A tonsillectomy generally only lasts for about half an hour following the administration of anesthesia. The otolaryngologist (ENT) or surgeon performing a tonsillectomy may employ a variety of medical techniques, such as:

• Cold Knife Dissection: A cold knife dissection is the most popular tonsil removal method. A surgeon removes the tonsils using a steel scalpel and repairs the region with sutures (stitches) or electrocautery (high heat) to stop bleeding. This technique is favored for those with obstructed breathing.
• Electrocautery: Other tonsillectomy methods include a full tonsil removal by electrocautery, where the surgeon uses a high heat device to burn off the tonsils and cauterize the bleeding tissue. Electrocautery is more painful than cold knife dissection.
• Harmonic Scalpel: A third technique is where the surgeon uses a harmonic scalpel (vibrating bladed device) to first cut off the tonsils, and then coagulate bleeding using the harmonic scalpel's heat and vibration. Harmonic scalpel is the most precise form of tonsillectomy.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: To perform the radiofrequency ablation technique, the surgeon places small probes into the tonsil that transmit radiofrequency energy to the tonsil tissue. The delivered energy damages and scars the tonsils, gradually minimizing the tonsils' size. Unlike the other three methods, radiofrequency ablation is performed in-office with or without general anesthesia and has minimal recovery time. Patients can expect to return to daily activities nearly immediately and may receive radiofrequency ablation every few months. While radiofrequency ablation does reduce tonsil inflammation, it is not often prescribed to those with severe tonsillitis or breathing disorders.

Patients are typically able to return home shortly after having their tonsils removed. Tonsillectomy recovery time may range from around ten days to two weeks. During this time, it is common for patients to have a sore throat, neck pain, and a hoarse voice. Patients are advised to consume soft foods such as ice cream and applesauce to avoid further throat irritation. After recovering from tonsillectomy, many patients experience improved breathing, reduced irritation, and an overall improved quality of life.