For a referral to Vladimir
Grigoryants, MD, or one of our other board-
certified plastic surgeons, call () -.
PlAstIC sUrGerY
it’s More tHaN skiN deep
Whether the chanGes
wrought are subtle or
dramatic, plastic and reconstructive surgery can alter—
even save—a person’s life.
“Plastic surgery isn’t just about improving physical
appearance, though that is often the goal,” says Vladimir
Grigoryants, MD, plastic surgeon at Glendale Adventist
Medical Center (GAMC). “The more important benefits
are good health, restored function, improved body image
and a better quality of life.”
rhinoplasty.
Most people think that rhinoplasty—or
a nose job, in more common terms—is for people who
are unhappy with the way their nose looks. While this
is true to a certain extent, Dr. Grigoryants points out
that rhinoplasty not only improves the shape of the
nose, but it can also help breathing problems caused
by genetic abnormalities, certain diseases or trauma to
the nasal area.
One of the most common reasons for rhinoplasty is a
deviated septum. This condition occurs when the carti-
lage of the nose, called the nasal septum, is off center. A
deviated septum can cause breathing problems as well
as chronic sinus infections or sinusitis.
“It has been estimated that up to 80 percent of all
nasal septums are off center,” says Dr. Grigoryants. “Many
people don’t realize how bad their breathing problems are
until rhinoplasty fixes them, allowing them to breathe
freely through their nose.”
Breast reduction.
Breast reductions are performed
for a variety of reasons, including:
●
Chronic back, neck and shoulder pain
●
Chronic rash or skin irritation under the breasts
●
Deep grooves in the shoulders from bra strap pressure
●
Poor posture and poor self-image
●
Restricted activity
●
Difficulty fitting into undergarments and clothing
“Breast reduction removes excess skin, fat and tissue
from the breasts, alleviating back and neck pain and
creating a breast size that is more proportionate to the
body,” says Dr. Grigoryants.
Before you consider having a breast reduction, be sure
to consult with a plastic surgeon like Dr. Grigoryants, to
be sure that you understand the risks involved with the
surgery.
“While breast reductions can be performed at any age,
it’s best if you wait until breasts are fully developed,” sug-
gests Dr. Grigoryants.
skin cancer treatment.
Plastic surgery can even
save a life—especially if skin cancer is involved. In that
case, the aim of the procedure is twofold: to completely
remove the cancer and to minimize scarring or
disfigurement.
scar revision.
While a scar can never be completely
erased, surgery or other treatments can improve scars that
affect movement or are painful or disfiguring.
You can learn more about the various types
of plastic and reconstructive surgeries in
our online health encyclopedia at
Glendale
Adventist.com
or the ASPS Web site,
www.plasticsurgery.org
.
W
e l l n e s s
2
( 8 5 5 ) 3 6 0 - g A M C
H Q
•
s p r i n g 2 0 1 3
With a cheerful red trolley car,
a movie reel
and depictions of scenes fromGlendale Adventist Medical
Center, the City of Glendale was awarded the Governor’s
Trophy for best depiction of life in California by the 2013
Tournament of Roses Parade.
GAMC teamed up with the Americana at Brand to
fund the City of Glendale’s 2013 Rose Parade float, “Living
the Good Life.” GAMC staff worked alongside volunteers
from the community to decorate the float for its debut in
the Rose Parade on Jan. 1.
GAMC would like to extend special thanks to the rep-
resentatives who received the once-in-a-lifetime chance
to ride on the float during the parade. Riders included:
●
Cancer survivor Guadalupe Mendoza, who has
received treatment at GAMC.
●
Melina Thorpe, director of Cancer Services at GAMC
and a cancer survivor.
●
Jenny Lau, community services officer, Glendale
Police Department, who was sitting in for Captain Carl
Povilaitis, winner of the 2012 Army of Pink breast cancer
awareness campaign held in October.
●
GAMC’s physician of the year, Rene Pidoux, MD.
●
GAMC’s nurse of the year, Kimberly Geraldez, RN.
Sp e c i a l t hank s t o e ve r yone who
made this year’s Rose Parade float pos-
sible. To see pictures of the float, visit
GlendaleAdventist.com/rosefloat
.
‘liViNg tHe good life’
1 3,4,5,6,7,8