Category: Services

Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy

New technology now makes it possible to remove the uterus and/or ovaries through four small incisions in the abdomen. The cervix and its pelvic support ligaments are left intact. This less invasive surgery allows patients to go home the following day. Postoperative pain is significantly less than the more traditional type of hysterectomy. Most patients can return to work in 2 to 3 weeks as opposed to the usual 6 weeks.

Why da Vinci?

The da Vinci System enables your doctor to perform a minimally invasive hysterectomy even for complex conditions — with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity, and control. da Vinci Hysterectomy offers women many potential benefits over traditional surgery, including:

• Less pain
• Fewer complications
• Less blood loss
• Shorter hospital stay
• Low risk of wound infection
• Quicker recovery and return to normal activities

Varicose Veins

Phlebology is the treatment for varicose and spider veins found on one’s legs. Varicose veins can cause pain in the legs that can often worsen by lengthened times of standing.

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, and sometimes painful veins that have filled with an abnormal collection of blood. In normal veins, valves in the vein keep blood moving forward toward the heart. With varicose veins, the valves do not function properly, allowing blood to stay in the vein. Blood that pools causes the vein to swell.

Common symptoms include:

• Fullness, heaviness, aching, and sometimes pain in the legs
• Visible, swollen veins
• Mild swelling of ankles
• Brown color of the skin at the ankles (in more severe cases)
• Skin ulcers near the ankle (in more severe cases)

Veins that cause pain or are just not cosmetically appealing are easily treatable with Phlebology. Treatment may include a corrective method called sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy, an in-office procedure performed by Dr. Farmer, uses a tiny needle to inject the veins with medication that drastically reduces the vein’s visibility and pain.

Restylane®

Restylane® is a safe and natural dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds. This injectable filler uses Hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural substance that already exists in the human body. Restylane is different from other products that use HA because it is free from animal proteins. This quality limits the risk of allergy reaction and animal-based disease transmission.

Dr. Farmer will inject this dermal filler in the office and results may last up to six months. Treatments are typically only needed twice a year. Schedule your appointment today and see your skin transform.

PATIENT BEFORE
Photo Courtesy of Restylane.com

PATIENT AFTER
Photo Courtesy of Restylane.com

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External Content Disclaimer

*Please note that pages of this site may be linked to other websites, which may have different terms of use and privacy practices than Privia Medical Group. Privia does not own, control, manage, supervise, direct, or otherwise have involvement in such other websites or the content of such websites. Privia is not responsible for the content of any linked websites. Privia is not acting as an agent for these websites, nor does Privia endorse or guarantee, in any way, their websites, content, or products. Privia makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy of information contained in linked websites, takes no responsibility for the use of copyrighted or otherwise protected materials on such linked websites, and has no control over the privacy practices or use of user information at such linked websites.

Botox Cosmetic

This FDA approved treatment is an injectable solution that can drastically reduce the lines and wrinkles in between the brows on one’s face. Botox is a purified protein solution that is injected to reduce muscle activity that causes lines and wrinkles over time. One 10 minute session can last up to four months.

Photo Courtesy of BotoxCosmetic.com

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External Content Disclaimer

*Please note that pages of this site may be linked to other websites, which may have different terms of use and privacy practices than Privia Medical Group. Privia does not own, control, manage, supervise, direct, or otherwise have involvement in such other websites or the content of such websites. Privia is not responsible for the content of any linked websites. Privia is not acting as an agent for these websites, nor does Privia endorse or guarantee, in any way, their websites, content, or products. Privia makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy of information contained in linked websites, takes no responsibility for the use of copyrighted or otherwise protected materials on such linked websites, and has no control over the privacy practices or use of user information at such linked websites.

Urethral Support Sling

If you experience bladder leakage during physical activity such as laughing, exercising, sneezing and coughing, you may be experiencing stress incontinence. Stress incontinence may occur from weakened pelvic muscles that support the bladder and urethra or because the urethral sphincter is not working correctly. Weakness may be caused by:

• Childbirth
• Injury to the urethra area
• Some medications
• Surgery in the prostate or pelvic area

The urethral support sling is the minimally invasive procedure performed to help treat stress urinary incontinence.  The procedure involves placing a soft mesh sling under the urethra in order to give it the support it needs in order to prevent accidental urine leakage. Placement of the urethral support sling is an outpatient procedure and will allow you to return home hours after completion.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Urethral Support Slings:

• They’re effective for most women
• Many women regain complete bladder control within hours of their procedure
• In most cases, women can return to normal, non-strenuous activities shortly after the procedure
• Depending on the specific type of procedure, they may be performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia on an out-patient basis
• Incisions are small, reducing pain and recovery time
• The procedures can be performed in women who have scarring from previous pelvic surgeries

Call Dr. Farmer today to learn more about the urethral support sling and if it is the right treatment option for you.

Infertility Treatment

Dr. Farmer has a special interest in infertility. Services offered include infertility testing and treatment. Oral and injectable medications are sometimes used as well as intrauterine inseminations. Because these treatments are often not covered by insurance plans, Dr. Farmer offers discounted package pricing.

To learn more about the infertility options Dr. Farmer provides, please call our office today.

In-Office Lipo

Smooth predictable results with fast recovery & minimal downtime.

VASER Lipo, also known as LipoSelection, is an in-office procedure that targets body fat in unwanted areas. This highly advanced procedure contours the body to selectively remove unwanted body fat. This procedure is a gentler alternative to traditional liposuction, and uses ultrasound technology to differentiate targeted fat from other important tissues such as nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

If you’re looking to remove that unwanted area, contact us today or schedule an appointment online.

Contraceptives

There are many birth control options available today, and it may seem difficult to know which one is right for you. Dr. Farmer will discuss the needs and concerns you have and guide you to the right method. From oral, injectable, temporary to permanent, Dr. Farmer will give you all of your options for contraception and find the one that works for you and your lifestyle.

Below are a few examples of offered forms of birth control. For a complete list of options, please call 817.571.6863.

Mirena

Mirena is a form of birth control that is inserted into the uterus by your doctor in-office and works continuously with your body to prevent pregnancy for up to five years.

Essure

Essure is an in-office procedure for women who wish to have a permanent method of birth control. This gentle procedure involves placing soft and flexible inserts into the fallopian tubes.

Gardasil

Gardasil is the only cervical cancer vaccine that can protect against four types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Two of these types cause up to 70% of cervical cancer cases while the other two cause 90% of genital warts cases.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse is the condition where the connective tissue securing the vagina and uterus to the pelvis gives way- causing the vagina to become displaced towards, and sometimes beyond the vaginal opening. The bladder above and the rectum below are therefore affected, leading to a number of symptoms.

Symptoms can include:

• Loss of bladder control
• Urinary frequency
• Problematic bowel movements
• Recurrent bladder infections
• Discomfort or lack of sensation with intercourse and more

Causes of this condition are mostly dominated by age, with half of women over 50 experiencing some degree of prolapse. However, menopause, multiple vaginal deliveries, obesity, family history and other factors can also cause this condition.

Dr. Farmer can help you determine if you suffer from this condition and will provide several treatment options including a surgical procedure if necessary.

Painful Bladder Syndrome

If you experience bladder pain and discomfort, you may be suffering from interstitial cystitis (IC) or what is commonly referred to as Painful Bladder Syndrome. IC is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder wall that can affect both men and women. While the exact cause of IC is unknown, experts believe it occurs when the mucous layer that lines the bladder wall is damaged.

Symptoms of IC can include:

• Recurring urinary tract infections
• Overactive bladder
• Endometriosis

Many people see multiple physicians before they are ever properly diagnosed. Dr. Farmer is familiar with this condition and its treatment.

Call today to learn more about Painful Bladder Syndrome and the treatment options that are right for you.

Obstetrics

Dr. Farmer provides a full range of services for the pregnant patient. We understand this is one of life’s biggest events and we strive to provide the utmost professional care for mother and baby.

Dr. Farmer provides routine and high-risk obstetrical care including mothers with health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Our goal is to ensure the safety of the mother-baby unit and to make the wonderful experience of pregnancy an enjoyable one for the new family.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is by far the most common cause of pelvic pain in women. This pain may occur before or after the menstrual period while it is most prevalent during a woman’s monthly cycle.

This condition involves the abnormal growth of tissue called the endometrium. This tissue is normally found only on the inside of the uterus. However, this tissue can also be found in other areas such as on the outside of the uterus, the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the sides and the floor of the pelvis, and rarely, outside of the pelvis.

Symptoms

• Pain before and during periods
• Pain before and during periods
• Pain with sex
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Painful urination during periods
• Painful bowel movements during periods
• Diarrhea, constipation, and nausea

In addition to the symptoms above, many women with endometriosis may also suffer from:

• Allergies
• Chemical sensitivities
• Frequent yeast infections

Endometriosis can be a serious condition often associated with infertility. Dr. Farmer offers a series of treatment options including medication, hormone manipulation, and surgery. Schedule an appointment today to find out which treatment option is right for you and to prevent further damage caused by Endometriosis.

Burning Vulvar Syndrome

Studies have found that one in four women experience chronic vulvar pain at some point in their lives, making burning vulvar syndrome (vulvodynia) a very common disorder affecting women and girls of all ages and ethnicities. This common condition involves pain or a burning sensation around the vagina opening. In severe cases, sexual intercourse and tampon use are difficult or even impossible.

The exact cause of this syndrome is unknown, however, it may involve an inflammation or irritation of nerve endings in this region. Local irritation such as harsh soap, feminine sprays, and even dyes in clothing can also play a role in Burning Vulvar Syndrome

Treatment

Since the cause of vulvodynia is unknown, treatment options are numerous. Treatment options can include topical steroids, topical anesthetic gels, and oral medications that decrease the sensitivity of nerves in this region. Occasionally, surgery involving the removal of a thin strip of skin at the base of the vaginal opening is necessary. This is effective in approximately 80-90% of cases and dramatic relief is often achieved. Dr. Farmer has successfully treated many patients with this unpleasant condition. Call our office to schedule an appointment today.

There is no one treatment that works for all women. So if you are experiencing this unpleasant condition, schedule an appointment with Dr. Farmer today and let’s start working toward relieving your pain.

BRACAnalysis

If you or your close relatives have a history of breast or ovarian cancer, there may be an inherited risk that runs in your family. About 10% of breast and ovarian cancers are hereditary – meaning a mutated gene is passed on from parent to child. Having a history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family does not mean that you will actually inherit cancer, but you do inherit a higher risk of developing it.

BRACAnalysis is a genetic test for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The true promise of genetic testing is to identify women with the syndrome before they develop cancer so that they may be offered effective medical options to prevent it and detect it an early stage.

The test is not like a traditional mammogram, and is not intended for the general population. BRACAnalysis is specifically tailored for those who are at risk for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC). You should consider testing for HBOC if you:

• Had breast cancer before age 50
• Have two or more relatives who has had breast cancer
• Have a male relative who has had breast cancer
• Had ovarian cancer at any age

If you think you may be at risk for HBOC, contact Dr. Farmer today to discuss your options and to learn if BRACAnalysis is right for you.

For more information, please call 817.571.6863 or visit www.BRACnow.com

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External Content Disclaimer

*Please note that pages of this site may be linked to other websites, which may have different terms of use and privacy practices than Privia Medical Group. Privia does not own, control, manage, supervise, direct, or otherwise have involvement in such other websites or the content of such websites. Privia is not responsible for the content of any linked websites. Privia is not acting as an agent for these websites, nor does Privia endorse or guarantee, in any way, their websites, content, or products. Privia makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy of information contained in linked websites, takes no responsibility for the use of copyrighted or otherwise protected materials on such linked websites, and has no control over the privacy practices or use of user information at such linked websites.

Annual Exams & ThinPrep Pap Smears

It is recommended that women 18 and older or those who are sexually active see a medical profession or Obstetrician/Gynecologist for annual check-ups.

During your visit, you will be given a pelvic exam and may be administered a Pap smear in order to test the cells of the cervix and to test for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Seeing your doctor once a year will help keep you and your body healthy. According to recommended guidelines, the greatest factor to the occurrence of cervical cancer is not having annual Pap tests.

ThinPrep Pap Test

The ThinPrep Pap Test is the most trusted, most widely used, most comprehensive pap test available. It is more accurate than a conventional “pap smear”, and when combined with the ThinPrep Imaging System, even more, disease is detected. So be sure to ask for an Imaged ThinPrep Pap Test.

Why You Should Ask About the ThinPrep Pap Test

More accuracy than the conventional “pap smear” — the ThinPrep Pap Test is the only pap test approved by the FDA as “significantly more effective” than the conventional pap smear for detection of cervical abnormalities. In studies, the ThinPrep Pap Test improved the detection of precancerous cervical cells when compared with the conventional pap smear.

Dual Review screening for better disease detection — with the ThinPrep Imaging System, your ThinPrep Pap Test is screened twice: first by the ThinPrep Imager, and then by a trained laboratory professional. If cells are believed to be abnormal, then the laboratory professional will review the entire slide. If abnormalities are found, the slide will be sent to a pathologist — a doctor specially trained to interpret abnormal findings — and he or she will make a final diagnosis. Independent studies have shown that the ThinPrep Imaging System with Dual Review increases disease detection over manually reviewed ThinPrep Pap Test slides.

A wide range of benefits – Since FDA approval in 1996, more than 170 independent studies have been published in peer-reviewed medical journals, demonstrating a wide range of clinical benefits of the ThinPrep Pap Test. These benefits include:

• Increased disease detection
• More confident diagnoses
• Better sample preparation
• Cost effectiveness

All Things Influenza

Flu Season Is Here

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones From The Flu Virus

The Flu Vaccine

There are two types of flu vaccinations:

1. The Flu Shot – an inactivated vaccine (containing the killed virus) usually administered in the arm. Approved for healthy persons 6 months and older as well as those with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and kidney disorders.
2. The Nasal-Spray Flu Vaccine – a vaccine made with live, weakened flu virus that does not cause the flu. Approved for healthy persons 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

While it is important for everyone to become vaccinated, there are certain people deemed “high risk” and should always become vaccinated. These people include:

• Children 6 months up to 19 years of age
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• Any persons with chronic illnesses
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for flu complications (health care workers, contacts and caregivers of children and elderly)

Protect Yourself

• Cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. *Did you know? Not all common anti-bacterial sanitizers and wipes protect against influenza. These protect against bacteria, not viruses like the flu. Make sure they are alcohol based with more than 60% alcohol content to be most effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, hands and mouth. This is the fastest way germs are spread.
• Try to avoid contact with sick persons.
• Practice good health habits. Stay active, get plenty of rest, manage your stress, and eat nutritious foods.

Symptoms

• High fever*
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)
  * Not all influenza cases develop fever

If You Get The Flu

If you become ill with the flu, you should remain home and away from others except for when seeking medical attention. To prevent further complications, drink plenty of fluids and manage your fever with fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

The CDC recommends that anyone who is infected with the flu stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever has gone away in order to prevent further spread of the virus and H1N1.

Be sure to sanitize common areas in your home as flu germs can live on surfaces for up to eight hours. Such surfaces can include doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, and remote controls.

H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information

This season’s newest strand of influenza in H1N1, or the swine flu. This virus is spread in the same way that the seasonal flu is spread, and its symptoms are generally the same as well. However, this type of influenza can cause respiratory problems without ever producing a fever. In most cases, people recover from H1N1 without seeking medical treatment. There are however certain persons who are at “high risk” of developing serious complications from H1N1. These people include adults 65 years and older, children under five years old, and persons of all ages who suffer from some chronic illness such as asthma.