Cleft Lip and Palate: Plastic Surgical Missions

One of the aspects of our healthcare that does not get noticed is that of the commitment of US surgeons to provide healthcare in many parts of the third world.  There are thousands of MD's in this country who take the time to travel to another country to provide their expertise to those in need.  In particular, plastic surgeons from the US routinely travel to countries like Philippines, Thailand, India, and many African nations to provide cleft lip and palate repair to those patients who do not have access to healthcare.  As most of my patients know, I have been traveling annually with a group of my colleagues to the Philippines to perform cleft lip and palate surgery.

Today, I will be traveling with a different set of colleagues to India to perform reconstructive surgery for people who do not have access to healthcare.  It is a combined effort with the American Society of Indian Plastic Surgeons (ASIPS) and the Indian Society of Plastic Surgeons.  This is an amazing collaboration between two groups of surgeons with a common goal: to help those who are less fortunate.  

These types of activities are certainly not unique as I have pointed out.  However, I wish that more of this type of activity get the publicity that it deserves.  Doctors in this country are the best in the world and this has to be one to the top reasons.

Breast augmentation with silicone implants.

In 2007, the FDA approved the use of cohesive gel (silicone) implants for the purpose of cosmetic enhancement of the breast.  Since then, the use of silicone gel implants has really increased in popularity.  The question that I get asked is whether they are safe.  The simple answer is "yes".  There are many factors that need to be considered when evaluating patients for breast augmentation using these gel implants.  Most of these issues should be discussed by the surgeon in the office during the initial consultation.