The Aesthetics Center is committed to provide a safe environment and the best technology and modalities in surgical and non-surgical options to patients seeking to enhance their looks and increase their self-confidence.
Patients are under the care and expertise of a team of highly skilled and board certified doctors with the support and safety of having procedures performed in a hospital-based setting.
Since it is dubbed a “unique facility within the hospital,” patients also have the full support of all specialists in the medical field, giving them the assurance and peace of mind especially in cases of emergencies.
The center is located at the Wellness and Aesthetics Institute of The Medical City, a complex separate from the main hospital with its own elevators and a relaxing interior supplied with laminar airflow to reduce risk for airborne contamination. It has a dedicated operating room that caters only to aesthetics procedures. This ensures that patients can have their procedures done in complete privacy.
The Medical City is accredited by the Joint Commission International considered as the gold standard in global healthcare. Thus, patients are assured of the highest quality in healthcare services including aesthetic procedures.
Having your preventive health check at The Medical City’s Wellness and Aesthetics Institute has many benefits. One of the benefits is that skin assessment is included in the holistic examination of a patient. The human skin is the outer covering of the body and is the largest organ of the body. The total skin surface of an adult ranges from 12 to 20 square feet. A careful skin assessment can alert the doctor of any skin problems as well as systemic diseases.
Skin examination includes the skin from head to toe including the nails, scalp, hair and mucous membranes. Extra attention is given to growths and areas of pigmentation that may lead to potential issues. Areas with itchiness, pain, discomfort, heat or reduced sensation is usually correlated with the medical history of the patient.
The Visia Skin Analysis is a printed report that captures key visual information for eight areas affecting facial skin health and appearance. These eight areas are wrinkles, spots, texture, pores, brown spots (related to sun exposure), porphyrins (evidence of bacteria in pores), red areas and UV spots (skin damage due to overexposure to the sun). By comparing these information against a standard database, the Visia Skin Analysis, which is provided to patients, enables the Dermatologist to present the optimal treatments and skin care options which are tailored for them.
Dermoscopy
All Dermatologists who do skin assessment have been trained in Dermoscopy. This non-invasive imaging technique has become an important diagnostic aide in identifying skin lesions that have a high likelihood of being malignant (i.e., melanoma) and to assist in differentiating them from benign lesions that clinically mimic these cancers.
Dermoscopy can be used to zoom in on a mole and to accurately see diagnostic details under the surface which are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Moles recorded by dermoscopy can be compared over time, enabling detection of the slightest change in character. Moles undergoing pre-cancerous or cancerous change can be immediately detected.
By learning the importance of keeping the skin healthy, our patient will understand the importance of their skin, its connection with underlying conditions, and the tools that they need to heal and reduce risk of skin problems in the future.
For inquiries or appointments for skin assessment, please call TMC's Wellness and Aesthetics Institute at tel. no. 988-1000 / 988-7000 ext. 6588 / 6592.
The patient's complexion is the window through which her image is projected to the world and now the Visia Complexion Analysis System provides the information necessary to truly individualize facial rejuvenation and skin care regimens to match unique complexion profiles.
This ystem is the most in depth tool for evaluating individual facial characteristics. It can analyze your skin to measure features such as evenness, wrinkles, sun damage, sun spots and pores.
The basis for this is a camera unit which sends high quality photographs to a high speed computer. The computer calculates both the standard and UV photos and gives results which are plotted on a diagram with the patients' picture.
The dermatologists' clinical evaluation combined with the visia systems' objective measurements can now be used to give patients optimum anti-aging treatment planning and monitoring for restoring skin health.
What can we do to grow old gracefully or at least delay the aging process?
In our armamentarium are two useful products: hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin which work well separately but also work in tandem.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (sugar)
The most important characteristic of hyaluronic acid relevant to its performance as a dermal filler is its fluid retention, i.e., water binding capabilities
Other functions of hyaluronic acid:
How does hyaluronic acid soft tissue filler work?
Hyaluronic Acid Filler and Botulinum toxin filler work synergistically to address both dynamic and static wrinkles.
The use of hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin chemodenervation in combination treatments is safe and practical as both substances work in synergy to provide a natural rejuvenation.
The Pulse Dye Laser (V-Beam Laser) is mainly a vascular specific laser. This is the gold standard amongst all lasers to safely and adequately treat a variety of congenital and acquired vascular lesions (alterations in the size and form of blood vessels).
The V-Beam Laser may be used to treat the following conditions:
Congenital Vascular Lesions
Acquired Vascular Lesion
Fractional laser resurfacing has become a popular option for patients who want to improve the appearance of their skin to be smooth, firm and evenly toned. The erbium: YAG Laser has the ability to create microscopic channels in the skin which activates production of fibroblasts (cell that contributes to connective tissue fiber formation). The surrounding tissue beside these ablated channels remains intact and promotes rapid healing. Unlike traditional laser peels, fractional technology offers a short downtime solution to these skin problems.
Profractional Therapy can be used to treat:
The Skin Tyte module utilizes infrared energy delivered in rapid gentle pulses to deeply heat dermal collagen (substance that makes the middle skin layer firm) and increase skin firmness. This is done while continuously protecting the treated epidermis with sapphire contact cooling.
Having a healthy smooth and glowing skin is not enough to have these days. Removal of unwanted hair is becoming one of beauty standards to attain a perfect beautiful skin. The latest technologies in cutaneous laser surgery or laser surgery of the skin promises patients to attain the skin they have been dreaming of without the hassles of conventional therapies of unwanted hair removal such as waxing, shaving, tweezing, and elctrolysis often complain of allergies, superficial burns, and localized skin infections. Now you have the option to safely, comfortably and effectively remove unwanted hair with our Long-Pulsed Alexandrite Laser (GentleLase Laser).
The GentleLase is effective for the treatment of:
The Aesthetics Center is equipped with the StarWalker MaQX, the latest, top of the line, laser system that performs a wide range of applications in aesthetics. The Starwalker MaQX functions as a highly versatile, multipurpose system for treating tattoos, pigmented and vascular lesions, acne and scar revision and even permanent hair reduction.
This new technology delivers minimally invasive procedures with ultimate precision that cannot be performed with the same safety and efficacy by any other means.
Starwalker MaQX also produces clinical benefits including fewer treatment sessions for some procedures and little downtime coupled with patient comfort and satisfaction.
Click here to download brochure.
For inquiries about The Medical City's Laser Services, please call TMC's Aesthetics Center tel. no. (+632) 988-1000 / (+632) 988-7000 ext. 6586
Known HAIR Facts:
At The Medical City Hair Unit:
To find out if hair transplantation is an option for your hair loss problems, please visit the Wellness and Aesthetics Institute.
What is Patch Testing?
PATCH TESTING is a safe and easy way to identify whether a substance that comes in contact with the skin is causing an allergy.
Patch testing should be done to patients who have skin lesions / dermatitis or any of the following conditions:
The Medical City’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery team offers unique opportunities to patients seeking to enhance their looks and gain more confidence.
In fact, it is the only medical institution with an Aesthetic Surgery Operating Room located in the Wellness Center, a complex separate from the main hospital with laminar flow that filters the air of the center and a separate set of elevators for privacy.
1. Browlift/ Forehead lift
A Browlift procedure rejuvenates sagging brows thereby giving the upper eyelid area a more youthful look.
2. Facelift / Rhytidectomy
Facelift surgery rejuvenates the aging face and may include the neck. It corrects loose and sagging skin by removing and tightening skin and underlying fascia and/or fat grafting areas which need volume.
3. Necklift / Lower Rhytidectomy
A Necklift rejuvenates the aging neck. It corrects loose and sagging skin and lax muscles.
4. Cheek Augmentation/Reduction
Cheek augmentation lifts sagging cheeks or adds volume by using implants or your own fat. Cheek reduction or buccal fat reduction is done by removing some fat from your cheeks to give you a better silhoutte.
5. Ear Surgery/Otoplasty
Otoplasty improves the shape or position of the ear. An earlobe hole repair can also be done for those with torn or enlarged earring holes.
6. Chin Surgery / Mentoplasty
Mentoplasty gives your chin more projection using implants or fat graft. Chin reduction is done to decrease projection of the chin by removing or moving bone.
6. Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty
Eyelid Surgery improves the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. This is done for droopy eyelids, eyebags, or to for Asian eyes to create double eyelid surgery by either by removing excess fat and skin, repositioning fat, repositioning your eyelid fold or fat grafting.
7. Nose Surgery/ Rhinoplasty
This surgery re-shapes the nose. It includes the bridge (nose lift), tip, columella and nostrils (alarplasty). An implant or cartilage can be used for patients who desire added height to the bridge of the nose.
8. Scar Revision (Scar Removal)
It is a procedure to minimize the scar and make it appear less visible. It is commonly done on visible scars on the face but can also be performed in other parts of the body where there maybe a bothersome scar.
9. Dermabrasion (Skin Planing)
It is a skin resurfacing surgery that makes use of an instrument to scrape off the outermost layer of the skin to improve scars.
1. Breast Augmentation
This surgery reshapes the breast and adds volume to your breast mound. This procedure can restore breast volume lost after weight loss or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape, improve your natural breast size or correct asymmetry. Silicone implants are commonly used. Implants may be inserted thru incisions made under your axilla, around the areola, or under the breast. It maybe done in conjunction with a breast lift.
2. Breast Lift / Mastopexy
This surgery reshapes and lifts your breast. It lifts the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support your new breast contour. Your areola may enlarge over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well. Incisions can be around the areola, or under the breast.
3. Breast Implant Revision Surgery / Implant Replacement
Breast Implant Revision Surgery will replace your old breast implants with new implants. Over time, breasts with implants can change in shape or size, creating an appearance or feel to the breast that is less desirable than the original result. This surgery aims to improve the appearance of your breasts while updating the implant material, which could also include a concurrent breast lift and reshaping the breast implant pocket to reposition the implant on the chest. As this revision surgery is not a routine procedure, this surgery should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is well-trained and experienced in all types of breast surgery.
4. Breast Reduction
This surgery reshapes your breast by removing excess breast fat, breast tissue and skin to achieve a breast size more in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with excessively large and sagging breasts. The incision is usually vertical or an inverted T scar on the underside of your breast.
5. Gynecomastia – Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Gynecomastia or enlargement of the male breast has several causes, one of which is weight gain. Gynecomastia surgery reduces breast size in men, flattening and streamlining your chest contour. This is commonly achieved by doing liposuction. In severe cases of gynecomastia, combination liposuction and excision of skin may be done. The weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola. In these cases the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin will be reduced.
1. Liposuction (lipoplasty)
Liposuction is a procedure to remove excess fat on certain parts of your body with the aid of special instruments and a suction machine. Only small incisions are made thereby minimizing scars. It is used to slim down appearance of specific areas like the neck, abdomen, arms, chest and back, thighs/hips and buttocks. It is not a treatment for obesity but can help you enhance your appearance. The procedure suctions fat under the skin and cannot remove fat surrounding the internal organs of your abdomen.
2. Fat transfer
Fat transfer is a procedure that uses liposuction to remove fat from unwanted areas and transfers the fat graft to areas that need volume like the face, breast or buttocks.
3. Arm lift (brachioplasty)
An arm lift is surgery to remove excess fat and sagging skin from the arms which cannot be corrected by liposuction alone.
4. Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
A Tummy Tuck procedure removes excess fat and loose skin that cannot be corrected by liposuction alone. It also tightens the abdominal muscles thereby creating a smoother tummy profile. It is not a treatment for stretch marks per se but will remove sagging skin which involve stretch marks.
5. Thigh lift
A Thigh Lift procedure corrects excess fat as well as skin which has lost its elasticity.
6. Buttock enhancement
Buttock enhancement is surgery to improve projection or fullness of the buttocks. This may be done using implants, fat grafting or removing excess tissue (buttock lift).
7. Body lift after massive weight loss
Your plastic surgeon will consult your bariatric surgeon on the best time to consider body contouring after massive weight loss. This is usually done after your weight has stabilized.
a. Belt Lipectomy
- Surgery to remove excess skin and fat (dermolipectomy) around your trunk. The scar is below the waist and conservatively lifts the thighs.
b. Upper Body Lift
- An upper body lift may consist of one or more procedures, including a breast lift, arm lift and/or back lift.
c. Lower Body Lift and Medial Thigh Lift
- Surgery to remove excess skin and fat from around your trunk. The scar is lower on the hips, lifts the thighs.
What are the benefits of phototherapy?
Electrodessication can be used to remove:
Viral warts - verruca plana, verruca vulgaris - a small rough growth resembling a cauliflower that typically occurs on human hands or feet but can also be found in other locations.
Achrocordon - a small benign tumor that focus primarily in areas where the skin form creases (neck, armpit, groin)
Seborrheic keratosis - benign skin growth that appears in various colors from light tan to black
Sebaceous hyperplasia - disorder of sebaceous gland where they become enlarged
Syringoma - a harmless sweat duct tumor found clustered on the eyelids
Pyogenic granuloma - a vascular lesion that appears on both mucosa and skin, and looks like an overgrowth of tissue due to irritation, physical trauma, hormonla factors
Actinic keratosis - a pre malignant condition of thick, scaly, or crusty patches of skin
Basal cell carinoma - the most common skin cancer
The most complex dermatologic procedures involve life threatening conditions. Skin cancer when caught early can be managed surgically without chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Steps in Mohs Micrographic Surgery:
1. Tissue is excised with 2 mm margin.
2. Specimen is inked, mapped and mounted 100% on a slide.
3. Slide is examined by Mohs surgeon for tumor.
In genuine Mohs micrographic surgery, your dermatologist performs all three:
- Surgery
- Pathology
- Reconstruction
Mohs micrographic surgery offers the highest cure rate for:
- Basal cell cancer
- Squamous cell cancer
- Melanoma in situ
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- Sebaceous carcinoma
- Angiosarcoma
Multidiscipinary management is a corner stone of complex skin cancer cases.
This may involve:
- Radiation
- Oncology
- ENT
- Ophthlamology
- Plastic surgery
- TCVS
For inquiries, you may contact +639178919880
Obesity and Health
Obesity is currently recognized as a chronic disease wherein there is excessive accumulation of fat in the body caused by multiple factors that adversely affect health.
As a complex disease state characterized by having multiple causes, frequent association with weight-related medical conditions and different levels of severity, obesity requires a range of interventions. The aim of treatment is to reduce premature death, development and progression of associated medical conditions and more importantly improvement in quality of life.
Weight Loss and Metabolic Center
The TMC weight loss and metabolic center has a multidisciplinary team of experts that can provide the full range of treatment options for individuals with uncomplicated or complicated mild, moderate or severe obesity.
Mild Obesity
Comprehensive lifestyle interventions with the advice of a trained medical nutritionist/dietitian, sports physician and counsellor in reducing caloric intake, increase in physical activity and adherence to behavioral strategies.
Moderate to Severe Obesity
- Intensive Comprehensive Lifestyle Interventions – low to very-low calorie restriction, physical activity and behavioral strategy advice with or without prescription of weight loss medications.
- Endoscopic bariatric treatment specifically insertion of the intragastric balloon.
- Bariatric Surgery
- Common bariatric procedures all done via key-hole or laparoscopic surgery include:
- Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Laparoscopic Gastric bypass
Other Services
Comprehensive assessment of Obesity – Because obesity is understood to be caused by multiple factors, it is not enough to obtain a medical history. There is important information that can be gained in formulating treatment plans when a detailed nutrition, physical activity, family obesity as well as social and cultural history is included. In addition, the nature of obesity usually requires special diagnostic tests.
Body composition analysis – determining the amount and distribution of body fat as well as the amount and composition of lean body mass is essential for monitoring progress as the key to any weight loss strategy is achieving a healthy ratio of fat and other body tissues.
Post Bariatric Surgery follow-up – Not all hospitals and medical centers in the Philippines that offer bariatric or weight loss surgery have the complete roster of professionals that can provide the multidisciplinary consult essential for the post-bariatric surgery needs of patients. These services are very important particularly to prevent the long term complication of weight regain.
Your eyes are the first features that people notice and are an important aspect of attractiveness. Unfortunately, over the years eyelids can start to sag and may become droopy or puffy, and unflattering bags under your eyes make you look older. As you age, these changes can become permanent, giving you a tired appearance even when you feel refreshed and well rested.
Several changes occur in our eyelids as we age. By your late 30s or early 40s, the thin skin of our eyelids starts to lose its elasticity and begins to stretch, resulting in excess folds of skin that may actually hang down over the edge of the upper eyelids. In most people, this skin is the "first to go." You may feel an extra heaviness in the upper lid or feel the skin sitting on your lashes. Besides affecting your appearance, such conditions may also cause symptoms of ocular fatigue. In severe cases, it could even lead to impaired vision.
The eyelids have a fundamental mission in protecting the eye. The ocular anterior segment, especially the cornea, are very delicate structures that need to be in perfect condition to maintain their functions. The eyelids are essential elements for that task, and any change in position can lead to a bad eye protection, abnormal ocular surface, and visual impairment.
There are several kinds of eyelid malpositions or aesthetic eyelid surgeries: Blepharoplasty, Ectropion and Entropion, Ptosis, Eyelid Retraction.
Blepharoplasty is the term used for eyelid surgery to correct the baggy and sagging tissues around the eyes. It restores a more youthful appearance by creating a firmer, area around your eyes, while improving any vision impairments caused by hanging eyelids. It can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures.
Excess skin, muscle or fat will need to be removed to achieve this. Surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. Incisions are made along the natural folds of the eyelid skin so that they are virtually unnoticeable when they heal.
The eyelid crease will also be enhanced through double eyelid surgery (Asian eyelid surgery). The name, as the name suggests, is associated with Asians as they usually undergo this type of surgery for the eyes to look bigger and wider.
It is a procedure that improves the appearance as well as the function of the upper lids. It improves the function in patients whose sight is impaired by the drooping and loose skin that hoods over the visual axis. It entails the removal of skin and occasionally orbital fat to restore the youthful look of the eyes. It can add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes (double eyelid procedure) without erasing evidence of ethnic or racial heritage.
This procedure is almost always cosmetic. It is done to remove the puffiness of the lower lid caused by prolapsing orbital fat or eyebags. It does not remove crow’s feet or other wrinkles. Nor does it eliminate dark circles under the eyes.
Good candidates for the procedure are adult men and women who have healthy facial tissue and muscles, do not smoke, and do not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that could impact healing. The patient should have a positive outlook and realistic goals for improvement of the upper and/or lower eyelids and surrounding area.
You’re a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you have:
Just like all surgeries, complications and potential risks are always present. The primary risks associated with the procedure include bleeding, infections, scarring, inability to fully close your eyes, double vision, loss of vision, dry eyes, or abnormal eyelid position. In the event of these complications, contact your physician immediately for further assistance.
Ptosis is drooping of the whole upper lid which can be in-born (congenital) or acquired. It is due to poor muscle function to raise the lid. If for some reason this muscle does not work well, the lid can not be opened properly, leading to discomfort of an aesthetic nature. If the eyelid falls too, it can interfere with vision. In children, this can lead to lazy eye.
In ectropion and entropion, the lid margin loses its normal alignment with the eye. Entropion is the inward turning of the lower lid while ectropion is the outward turning of the lower lid. In ectropion ocular exposure increases, which leads to chronic eye irritation, pain, and tearing. In entropion, the eyelashes are continuously in contact with the cornea, causing further irritation. Both entropion and ectropion can be caused by infections, trauma, burns, and the loosening of the lids due to aging.
Eyelid Retraction is when the upper eyelid is abnormally high or the lower eyelid is abnormally low. Eyelid Retraction can lead to a wider than normal opening of the eyelids producing a wide eyed stare and causing drying of the eyes. This condition may irritate the ocular structure, cause vision discomfort and harmful effects on the cornea.
The most common cause of Eyelid Retraction in adults is thyroid eye disease
All these eyelid malpositions are normally treated by an Oculoplastic surgeon, who performs surgical procedures to reposition specific muscles and tissues in order to restore proper positioning and appearance of the eyelids in relation to the eyeball.
Hotel-like lobby and waiting areas
Dedicated floor for Aesthetic patients assure privacy and confidentiality
Aesthetic Dermatology: Visia & Lasers
Aesthetic Surgery: Dedicated Surgery Suite for Aesthetic Surgery Procedures
The Medical City has strict qualifications in accepting doctors. All doctors have to undergo formal training in their respective fields. They have to submit the requirements needed for the approval of the Joint Commission International, the world’s leader in accreditation, and the board certification from their respective Specialties. You can check the PAPRAS website or contact the Philippine College of Surgeons for their list of surgeons with good standing.
The length of surgery usually depends on the kind of anesthesia administered, the anatomy of the patient (size, droopiness, previous surgeries), and the technique of the operation. This means that the length of surgery not only differs from one surgeon to another but also from one patient to another.
Most stitches will usually be out in three to seven days.
It will take approximately three weeks for most swelling to subside and six weeks for the scars to tighten. Depending on your doctor, most strenuous activities will be allowed after six weeks.
Improvement in the scarring will continue for one to two years.
It is recommended that you take seven to 10 days leave from work, depending on the surgery and your doctor’s advise.
It is safest to book your stay for three weeks. You will be able to go sight-seeing depending on the extent of your surgery.
Blood tests (CBC, Clotting time, bleeding time, protime) are usually required for surgeries under local anesthesia. Additional blood tests are needed for patients with other problems like diabetes, etc. Those taking blood thinners and certain medications like Vitamin E and oral contraceptive pills will be required to stop the medications one to two weeks before your procedure. ECG and chest X-rays will be required for those who will require general anesthesia and a medical/cardiopulmonary clearance is often requested for patients with co-morbidity factors or those above 40 years old.
All aesthetic surgery procedures, whether under local or general anesthesia, will be performed in the Aesthetic Surgery Suite located at the Wellness Center. This Operating room is dedicated solely to Plastic surgery patients offering a relaxing waiting area to avoiding mingling with the Main hospital patients. The Center is supplied with laminar airflow, reducing the risk for airborne contamination and has a separate set of elevators from the Main and Clinic buildings ensuring better privacy.
You will be admitted in The Medical City Hospital where doctors of all specialties are available 24/7. You can also choose to be admitted at the Aesthetic/Wellness Unit located in the Wellness Center.
What is weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery (also known as “bariatric surgery”) is a surgical procedure performed on the gastrointestinal tract to induce weight loss and treat metabolic disorders particularly Type 2 Diabetes.
What are the aims of weight loss surgery?
Who are the best candidates for weight loss surgery? (based on Asian guidelines)
Severely obese individuals (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) who have failed conventional treatment.
* The BMI or Body Mass Index is the most widely used formula to measure the amount of body fat. It is calculated by dividing the weight (in kilograms) by the height in meters2 (square meters).
Those with BMI ≥30 to 34.9 kg/m2) who have obesity-related medical conditions or uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes.
Selected individuals with BMI ≥ 27 to 29.9 kg/m2) who have obesity-related medical conditions or uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes.
Serious weight-related health problem, such as Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, and severe sleep apnea.
What are the other important criteria considered for this procedure?
Healthy individuals, with ages ranging from 18 to 60. Patients outside this age range may be considered in select cases.
Individuals who are serious about losing weight and have tried to lose weight in the past.
Persons who are prepared to make the necessary lifestyle changes following surgery.
Persons who are not heavy alcoholics and are not illicit drug users.
Persons without untreated mental illness (may impair ability to understand the surgery or the required lifestyle changes).
Not indicated for pregnant women.
Individuals with no other medical conditions that can cause weight gain such as thyroid problems as well as untreated cancer or liver disease.
What are the bariatric procedures commonly done in the Philippines?
Sleeve Gastrectomy – involves surgery that removes the greater portion of the fundus (upper portion of the stomach) and body of the stomach.
Roux-en Y Gastric Bypass-a combination of procedures that involves creating a small stomach pouch to restrict food intake and repositioning of the small intestines.
How is it done?
Most of the above-mentioned procedures are done through small holes in the abdomen known as keyhole surgery or laparoscopy which is the preferred method as patients recover more quickly.
How long does the procedure take?
Duration of the procedures can range from 1 to 2 hours for the sleeve gastrectomy up to 3 hours for the gastric bypass.
What does the patient undergo before, during, and after weight loss surgery?
Before Surgery:
- Blood Tests
- Supervised Diet
During Surgery:
- Patient will be sedated under general anesthesia
After Surgery (depend on his recovery)
- Regular follow-up with the healthcare team
- Diet: Liquid to Soft until tolerated
- Maintain on a healthy and balanced diet
- Be active in physical activities
- Assist in maintaining weight loss
What are the benefits of the procedure?
- Weight loss
- Controls blood glucose, cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
- Prevents obesity-related medical conditions, disability, and death
What is a realistic weight loss after surgery?
A steady weight loss is reached around 12-24 months after surgery depending on the type of the procedure. Overall, the average weight loss is around 50 to 65 % of excess weight.
What are the risks of the procedure?
Risks of surgery increase with a person’s age, weight, and medical conditions.
Early complications:
- Stomach perforation
- Bleeding
- Pneumonia
- Infection
- Blood clots in the lung
Late complications (occurring after 30 days from surgery):
- Malnutrition
- Gallstone formation
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Gastric pouch ulcers
- Low blood sugar or Hypoglycemia
For men and women suffering from hair loss, hair transplantation can be a life-changing procedure. Hair transplant surgery restores naturally growing hair to areas that had been thinning or bald. In addition to scalp hair restoration, hair transplants can be used to restore eyelashes, eyebrows, facial hair, and hair lost due to trauma on the scalp and on the body, as well.
Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation (FUT), represents the end refinement of surgical hair transplant. In a properly performed follicular unit transplant, the result will mimic the way hair grows in nature and will be undetectable as a hair transplant . The effect of the procedure is not only aesthetic, but also emotional, granting many patients increased confidence and self-assurance
Hair Transplant is considered a minor surgery, which usually takes 6 -12 hours. Patient will be under local anesthesia and mild oral sedation.
The length of the procedure depends on the scalp characteristics, how patient is prepared for the procedure and the number of grafts to place in one session.
At the end of the procedure, a light dressing will be applied accompanied with a clean surgical cap or bandana or patient’s preferred cap to protect the grafts from harm.
Some patients require only one session but other individuals with progressive and severe pattern of hair loss might require more than one session . In addition since donor supply is limited , especially in young patients, proper scalp assessment and careful planning are important to reach the beneficial aesthetic result.
There are two techniques to perform Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) namely, STRIP FUT and Follicular Unit Extraction FUE) . They are both acceptable techniques for harvesting donor grafts. Each technique has advantages and disadvantages.
The donor hair is harvested by excising a narrow strip of scalp from the back donor , the size of which is planned by the physician.
The excised area is then closed using surgical stitches. The stitched area can be covered immediately after surgery by your existing hairs at the back or sides of your head, if worn long enough. These stitches are removed after 1 week to allow the skin to heal.
Strip and FUE procedures are sometimes combined for more grafts production especially in patients with tight scalp.
Donor Area Scar:10 months after STRIP FUT
A technique called Trichophytic closure is done by the surgeon to minimize the scar from the donor area. This technique enables the scar to be less visible, camouflaging it by allowing the hairs to pass through the scar tissue upon healing. A thin, less visible, white scar will form after several months over the areas harvested.
Right after placing of all 2,791 grafts in this patient, The hair transplant surgeon herself must be proficient with each step of the procedure in order to train surgical assistants in stereo-microscopic dissection and placing of high quality grafts.
Other applications of Hair Transplant
The latest and more popular technique in hair transplant surgery is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Physician performs FUE procedure with his /her choice of device. As FUE evolved, so did the development of instruments for harvesting follicular units (FUs). Technical evolution from the original manual instruments, motorised device to a more technically sophisticated, mechanically or electronically-assisted instruments, to the latest development of a robotic FUE device.
Physician’s efficiency and speed of proper individual graft dissection with her choice of FUE device and a good surgical team are important to harvest individual physiologically healthy and anatomically intact follicular hair grafts from the back donor area .
Recipient Area
The intact follicular units are removed from a donor site and transplanted to a recipient sites which are more likely to thrive and produce hair at the transplant recipient site.
Second Session
The motorized device make possible also, BODY HAIR TRANSPLANT ( BHT) which allows harvest of grafts from other hairy areas such as the beard, chest, abdomen, thighs and legs . BHT is an option especially for patients who have limited or exhausted scalp donor sites to add density after scalp hair transplantation. BHT also gives new hope to patients who are not or no longer candidates for traditional hair transplant . Please call for consultation appointment to learn more about this updated and advance technology in hair restoration.
Applications of FUE procedure:
Introduction
One of the most difficult challenges that a woman can face is being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Fortunately, most women who need to undergo a mastectomy to treat breast cancer can opt for reconstruction. Breast reconstruction can help restore the body image of a woman.
It is a surgical procedure that creates a new breast mound which is aesthetically pleasing and symmetrical to the other breast.
Candidates for breast reconstruction include women:
The breast can be reconstructed either by using an implant or a woman’s own tissues. Deciding which reconstruction method is best for you will be discussed during your consultation with the plastic surgeon, who will consider your personal preferences, as well as body and breast shape, prior surgeries, current medical condition and cancer treatment needs. All reconstructive options have both risks and benefits.
A breast implant filled with saline or silicone is placed on the chest wall under the pectoralis muscle and skin.
There are cases wherein the skin may be deficient mainly because the reconstruction is performed months or years after the initial breast surgery. In this case, a temporary tissue expander can be inserted under the chest muscle to allow progressive stretching of the skin and muscle before a permanent breast implant is placed. A combination tissue expander and implant is now also available for single stage breast reconstruction which can take place immediately after the mastectomy.
A skin flap or using your own tissue for reconstruction may be the procedure of choice for some women. This procedure can utilize tissues from two areas -
Skin, fat and muscle from the abdomen
This procedure involves taking skin and fat from the lower abdomen and transferring them to the chest wall to create the new breast mound.
Skin, fat and muscle from the back
A piece of skin and muscle can also be taken from the back and moved to the chest wall to create the new breast mound. Depending on the desired size of the new breast, an implant may or may not be added to the tissue from the back.
Depending on the patient and her desired goals, breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after the mastectomy or may be delayed.
Breast reconstruction immediately after a mastectomy can minimize the emotional trauma from the loss of a breast, and allows for a better aesthetic outcome as the breast skin can be preserved.
Reconstruction can also be delayed to a few months if the patient desires.
The nipple and areola are usually reconstructed a few months after the breast reconstruction surgery. This is to allow the new breast mound to settle into its position so that the nipple and areola complex may be placed at its optimum location.
The nipple is created from local skin by use of small skin flaps or part of the nipple from the other breast. The areola or dark skin around the nipple can also be created from a small skin graft taken from the groin, or tattooed.
Studies have shown that breast reconstruction does not increase the risk of the cancer recurring nor does it make it harder to detect if the cancer does return. More importantly, it does not affect breast cancer survival rates.
Breast reconstruction does not delay or interfere with chemotherapy or radiotherapy should either be required.
Breast reconstruction can enhance women’s quality of life, sexuality and overall confidence.
Hospital stay is normally between 3 days to a week depending on the type of reconstruction and the patient’s condition or preference.
One can return to their day to day activities such as household chores, sports and leisure, driving and sexual activity 4-6 weeks after the surgery.
Scars will be present initially, but will lighten over time.
The Medical City offers a roster of competent, board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons who will evaluate you and perform your breast reconstruction.
Breast Clinic Operating Hours:
Monday - Saturday, 8:00AM – 7:00PM
Tel. No. 635- 6789 ext. 6527 / 6528
CENTER FOR WELLNESS AND AESTHETICS
Monday – Saturday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Tel. No. (632) 635- 6789 ext. 6576
Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For any questions please contact any of our accredited physicians or the Center for Patient Partnership at 635-6789 local 6444.
Source:
TMC Cancer Center, Breast Unit
www.breastreconstruction.org
The Medical City’s Aesthetic Surgery team underwent extensive surgical trainings here and abroad. Prior to that, they also went through formal training in their respective fields, making them well trained in their respective specialties.
Unit Members:
All dermatologists at The Medical City's Aesthetics Center are accredited by the Philippine Dermatological Society, an organization which has built a strong credibility in the field of dermatology over the years and recognized by the Philippine Medical Association.
All our plastic and aesthetic surgeons are fully certified by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery (PBPS) and are members of Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS) http://www.papras.org/plastic-surgery-philippines/fellows/
Aesthetic Dermatology is located at the 6th Floor Podium Bldg.
Surgical Suite - Aesthetics is located at the 7th Floor Podium Bldg.
Telephone Numbers: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6588/6592
Monday to Saturday 6:00AM to 5:00PM
The Medical City practices patient confidentiality in the different procedures and programs it offers.
