Ask the Doctor
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED


Got a question about procedures that can help you look and feel your best? Image wants to help. Every issue, in this space, we'll run as many of your questions as we have room for, with answers from a panel of experts. Our doctors and other professionals are among the best in their fields, and they'll be happy to provide you with clear, helpful, authoritative advice and answers to your questions.

Send your questions to: Donna@LIimagemag.com and please mark the subject line ASK THE DOCTOR. Thanks! We're happy to help you.

Q: Since I started working out at the gym I've been suffering from Athlete's Foot. What can I do to both treat it and prevent it?

A: Athlete's foot is caused by fungus. Fungus likes a dark, moist environment. In order to prevent fungus from attacking your skin, consider wearing flip flops in the locker room. Changing your socks 2 or 3 times a day is a good idea. Dry your shoes well after each workout; you can try using a hairdryer for approximately 2 minutes per shoe. Spray your shoes with Tinactin Spray or Zeasorb powder, or leave your shoes near a window to allow for natural sunlight to disinfect them. If your symptoms persist, make an appointment with a podiatrist to get a prescription for topical antifungals. It should be treated, because if left alone, it can spread to your nails and that is more difficult to eradicate. Consider investing in a SteriShoe - visit www.sterishoe.com for information. (Answered by Dr. Pedram Hendizadeh)


Q: For the past few months my gums bleed when I brush my teeth. Is this a sign of something serious? What can I do about it?

A: Bleeding gums are most commonly due to inadequate plaque removal from the teeth at the gum line. This will lead to a condition called gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). If the plaque on your teeth is not removed for a long period of time, a more advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis will develop. Approximately 80% of the adult population has some form of gum disease. Persistent gum bleeding may also be due to serious medical conditions. Your dentist will be able to differentiate between a dental condition and a medical condition and refer you for proper diagnosis and treatment. Other causes of bleeding gums include:

-Hormonal changes during pregnancy
-Bleeding disorders
-Infection, which can be either tooth- or gum-related
-Leukemia
-Scurvy
-Use of blood thinners
-Vitamin K deficiency

Proper care of your teeth and gums will greatly reduce your risk of gum disease. You should brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal. Floss your teeth twice a day to prevent plaque accumulation. Follow a balanced, healthy diet. Visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for checkups and cleanings. If you have gum disease, your dentist will know how to treat it. Follow the instructions from your dentist in order to maintain a healthy mouth.(Answered by Dr. Morey Furman)


Q: I spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer, and although I don't want too much sun on my face, I would still like to get a little color. Is there a safe way to do that?

A: There is no safe way to get color. Although using sunblock of SPF 30 will block out 93 percent of the sun's harmful rays, some ultraviolet light gets through. Thus, you are still able to get color. The important thing to remember is to reapply sunscreen often enough to work. Tanning beds are not safe and do not give safe color. The highest rate of increase in melanoma is in young women up to age 29. It is advisable to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and to stay out of the tanning beds. (Answered by Dr. Suzanne Sirota Rozenberg)


Q: I have excessive hair on my upper lip. I'm afraid of scarring or discoloration. What's the best way to permanently remove it?

A: Yes, there are safe and effective ways of removing hair on the upper lip. In general, the most cost effective with the least chance of adverse reaction is laser therapy. Electrolysis requires many more treatments and may cause slight scarring. Laser treatment destroys hair follicles safely and will give you a permanent reduction. You will need anywhere from 6-12 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. While doing laser treatments you must remember not to wax or pluck the area. The laser attacks the root of the hair. Also, as always, stay out of the sun and tanning salons; the change in your pigment will affect the aggressiveness of the laser treatment. If performed by a licensed professional with proper equipment set for your specific skin type, you should have no problem with scarring or discoloration. (Answered by Lisa Panetta, Advanced Laser of Long Island)


Q: After two c-sections it's very hard to get rid of my excess belly fat. I am thin everywhere else, but my stomach does not flatten no matter how many crunches I do. Is a tummy tuck a pretty safe and standard procedure? Are there different types to consider?

A: Without having seen the individual myself, it sounds as though the issue is most likely not one of excess fatty abdominal tissue, but one of post-partum laxity of the abdominal musculature and the abdominal skin. If this is indeed the case, then no amount of diet and/or exercise will be of much use, nor will surgical procedures designed to reduce fatty deposition ( such as liposuction). The only likely option is a procedure that will tighten the abdominal musculature and the skin - a "tummy tuck." Although there are some modifications of the "classic" operation that are available, they all necessitate a significant lower abdominal scar and approximately a one- to two-week recovery. Despite these issues, the surgery is safe, reliable, and delivers consistently satisfying results. Of course, each patient must be individually evaluated for risk factors (diabetes, smoking, etc.), which may alter this assessment, but specific risk factors not withstanding, this is a very routine plastic surgical procedure. (Answered by Dr. Mark Silberman) IMAGE