Plastic Surgeon in Mumbai
What is a vascular malformation?
Vascular malformation is a general term that includes congenital vascular anomalies of only veins, only lymph vessels, both veins and lymph vessels, or both arteries and veins.
- Only veins: venous malformation (VM)
- Only lymph vessels: lymphatic malformations (LM)
- Both veins and lymph vessels: venolymphatic malformations (VLM)
- Arteries connected directly to veins without any capillaries in between: arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
Why do these vascular malformations occur?
These are all present at birth and become apparent at different ages. We are just beginning to understand how malformations occur. The pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, when associated with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), is inherited genetically. There is currently much work being done on the possible genetics of other malformations. Most are only known as something that occurs during development of the arteries, veins, and/or lymph vessels, but without specific cause.
What are the symptoms of a vascular malformation?
These vascular malformations can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the location in the body:
Venous malformation may cause pain where ever they are located. Venous and lymphatic malformations may cause a lump under the skin. There may be an overlying birthmark on the skin. Bleeding or lymph fluid leaking may occur from skin lesions. Lymphatic malformations tend to become infected, requiring repeated antibiotic treatments. Venous and lymphatic malformations may be associated with a syndrome called Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome.
Arteriovenous malformations may cause pain. They are also more stressful on the heart because of the rapid shunting of blood from arteries to veins. Depending on their location, they may also result in bleeding (for example from the bowels, from the uterus or from the bladder).
Hemangioma is another common term used for vascular anomalies. However, this name actually applies to a childhood vascular anomaly that has a rapid growth phase between birth and 3 months of age. These will resolve completely by age 7. The major reason for us to treat these is for low platelets that do not respond to medical treatment, or in the liver because of massive shunting with a strain on the heart.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are somewhat different in that they shunt blood from the right heart system to the left heart system without picking up oxygen in the lungs. This results in symptoms of low oxygen, shortness of breath, fatigue. These malformations may also bleed, resulting in coughing up blood or blood in the chest. Also, these pulmonary artery to pulmonary vein shunts can allow clots to pass through the lungs and travel to the arteries in the body, with risk for stroke or brain abscess. This is a very significant reason to block these shunts in anyone who has a non inherited pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) or anyone who has inherited PAVMs with the syndrome of HHT [HHT has another name: OWR – Osler Weber Rendu].
FAQs
What is done in plastic surgery?
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. In general, reconstructive surgery is performed to improve function, but may also be completed to approximate a normal appearance.
Reconstructive surgery is typically covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.
If I have Botox or Restylane, how often would I need to repeat the injections?
Botox lasts about three to four months, and the treatment can be repeated as needed. When it wears off, you will begin to notice increased muscle action and some reformation of the wrinkles. It appears that with repeated use, the effect of Botox becomes longer lasting.
Restylane injections last for about six months, and can also be repeated as needed.
How do I know what size breast implant is right for me?
The decision is based on a number of factors, including the patient’s desires, reasons for the surgery and overall health.
For example, are you doing it because you feel your breasts are too small relative to your body contour or are you unhappy with the size and firmness of your breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or major weight loss? Unevenness between the breasts can also be a motivating factor. Your surgeon can help you make the right decision during your pre-surgical appointment(s).
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