How to Protect Your Skin This Summer!

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, each year in the US, nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer. With summer in full swing and beach season here at least, it’s very important to make sure that you’re exercising caution when exposing your skin to the sun. Here are a few tips to keep your skin healthy and happy this summer:

1. Exfoliate and Hydrate - Exfoliating your skin daily will remove dead skin cells and debris, which will help keep your skin clear of congestion and blemishes. It will also allow for sunblock and cosmetic applications to last longer. Make sure to apply moisturizer after exfoliating to keep your skin hydrated and drink plenty of water daily, especially on days where you’re exposed to heavy sunlight. Warm weather can dehydrate your body faster than usual, causing dried out skin, headaches and dizziness.

2. Apply and Re-apply - Sunblock and SPF products are your best friend in the summer. Whether you’re a person who has sensitive skin that tends to burn, or can achieve a beach bronze complexion, some degree of SPF is absolutely necessary. As a general rule, you should apply a teaspoon of sunblock to your face, and enough to fill a shot glass to your body every two hours. There are a wide variety of sun protection products to choose from for any skin type and skin sensitivity, so get out there and get some!

3. Soothe and Repair - Sometimes no matter how much protection you apply, a sunburn is still inevitable. The first step to dealing with the after effects of sun damage is soothing your skin. Lathering up with aloe or cooling gel can reduce redness and irritation, and help to prevent peeling. Sun damage leads to brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles, in addition to increasing your risk for developing skin cancer. Using a ton of moisturizer and age-fighting products can help to repair your damaged skin. Remember to visit your dermatologist regularly to look out for abnormalities and keep an eye out for melanoma.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, our doctors are trained to treat melanoma and other skin cancers with sentinel node techniques. If you or someone you know suspects that they may need skin surgery, or have already been diagnosed with melanoma, our surgeons can help. Call 631-321-6801 to schedule your consultation today.

Sclerotherapy vs. Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

It’s no surprise that many people are eager to get rid of their unsightly varicose veins. The good news is, there are a few different ways to do so! In honor of National Beautician’s Day tomorrow, we’d like to dedicate this blog post to helping you choose the best treatment possible to beautify your body and get your legs vein-free for the beach this summer.

First, we’ll review the two most common types of varicose vein treatments: Sclerotherapy and Laser Therapy.

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure performed by injecting a chemical solution of sclerosant into your unwanted spider or varicose vein. The solution works to irritate, inflame and dry out the vein, causing it to collapse and be reabsorbed into the body. The body will compensate for the vein loss by redirecting blood to flow through alternative, deeper veins, significantly reducing the appearance and pain associated with varicose veins.

Laser Therapy is non-invasive, and require no chemical process. Instead, a laser is shot directly onto the vein through the skin, which heats up causing the blood to coagulate and collapse the vessel. The procedure itself usually takes between 15-20 minutes, and within four to six weeks the vein will be reabsorbed into the body, leaving virtually no trace of its existence.

Now, take a look at the comparative overview below, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment, and when they are typically recommended.

Sclerotherapy -- vs -- Laser Therapy
Advantages: Less expensive option  Faster and more effective Disadvantages: Not the best choice for all vascular medical and cosmetic needs  Recommended for: Reducing smaller, superficial spider veins on the hands and legs  Those with low pain thresholds  Patients with darker skin	Advantages: More effective than sclerotherapy when treating specific vascular issues Disadvantages: More expensive and less effective  Potentially more painful Recommended for: Veins in sensitive areas, like the face  Patients with a fear of needles or an allergy to sclerosant chemicals  Treatment of veins too small for injection

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we strive to provide surgical solutions for all of your cosmetic and medical vascular needs. Serving patients in Nassau, Suffolk and the surrounding areas, our team of leading surgeons is committed to providing exceptional services with state of the art technologies. For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here to view our website or call 631-321-6801 today.

Meet Dr. Sophia Fu!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we believe in serving our patients with the highest level of consideration and professionalism, which is our surgical team is made up of only the best and most skilled doctors in the field. Undergoing any sort of medical procedure, no matter the size, can be nerve-wracking.

To help settle those pre-procedure butterflies, we’ve developed a way for our patients to get to know our doctors a bit better - through our “meet the doctors” blog series!

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Sophia Fu, one of our top-notch surgical professionals!

Originally from right here on Long Island, Dr. Fu began her educational career at Barnard College, an affiliate of Columbia University. At Barnard, Dr. Fu earned a degree in biochemistry with a concentration in pre-medical studies, graduating with prestigious cum laude honors.

As her concentration and current position as a member of the Great South Bay Surgical Associates team allude, Dr. Fu went on to pursue a degree in medicine after receiving her Bachelor of Science, studying at New York Medical College of Valhalla NY and SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn NY.

But that’s not all! During her time in medical school, Dr. Fu was very also actively researching pancreatic diseases, pursuing and earning a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University

Today, Dr. Fu is just one of our many experienced professional surgeons, specializing in general surgery with a focus in breast and laparoscopic procedures.

To learn more about how Dr. Fu can help you, give us a call at 631-321-6801 today!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we strive to provide open and minimally invasive surgical solutions for any vascular or general health issues you may face. If you live in Nassau, Suffolk or the surrounding areas and are in need of a surgeon, click here to view our website or call us 631-321-6801 to schedule your free consultation today.

Meet Dr. Garri Pasklinsky!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, our surgeons are leading doctors in their respective fields, hailing from prestigious colleges, universities and surgical training programs country-wide. We want our patients to be calm and comfortable when undergoing any type of procedure, which is why we’ve decided to bring the doctors to you in our “Meet the Doctors” blog series.

Today we’d like to introduce you to another one of our surgical experts, Dr. Garri Pasklinsky!

Prior to joining the Great South Bay Surgical Associates team, Dr. Pasklinsky completed his general surgery training at Stony Brook University Hospital. Afterwards, he then went on to specialize his training in vascular surgery at Stony Brook as well, earning a double board certification by the American College of Surgeons.

Although Dr. Pasklinsky is certified to perform general and vascular procedures, his main area of interest lies in the management of arterial and venous disease. That being said, he typically performs surgical procedures relating to the vascular field.

Here are some of the doctors most commonly performed procedures, done using both open and endovascular techniques:

• Carotid Surgery
• Abdominal Aneurysm Repairs
• Management of Aortoiliac & Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease
• Hemodialysis Access
• Venous Laser Surgery
• Management of Deep Venous Thrombosis
• And more!

To learn more about how Dr. Pasklinsky can help you, give us a call at 631-321-6801 today!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we strive to provide open and minimally invasive surgical solutions for any vascular or general health issues you may face. If you live in Nassau, Suffolk or the surrounding areas and are in need of a surgeon, click here to view our website or call us 631-321-6801 to schedule your free consultation today.

How to Treat Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus that can potentially cause extensive pain, bleeding and discomfort. Although many cases of hemorrhoids are treatable with topical medications and a change in diet, it is recommended that large hemorrhoids be treated with surgery. In addition to the traditional methods of surgical hemorrhoidectomy, our surgeons also practice laser, rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy procedures. Here’s what you need to know about each procedure:

A hemorrhoidectomy is the most common procedure for relieving hemorrhoids. This procedure involves several incisions to be made around the anus in order to cut away the hemorrhoids present. Depending on the severity of the surgery, the recommendations of the anesthesiologist and the preference of the patient, this can be done with local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the area, allowing the patient to remain alert, relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure, while general anesthesia will put the patient to sleep. Although this is an outpatient procedure that is very beneficial in relieving pain, swelling, bleeding and itching associated with hemorrhoids, the incision sites are in a sensitive area which could cause mild pain and discomfort during healing.

The following three treatment options are minimally invasive, and work to remove or reduce the size of hemorrhoids:

Laser Treatment - During this procedure, a special, precise laser beam is used to burn away hemorrhoidal tissues in the anus. Since this is done with a laser, no incisions are necessary.

Rubber Band Ligation - In order to cut off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply and kill the tissue, a rubber band is placed around its base. Rest assured that this will be done as painlessly as possible, attaching the rubber bands to the areas that have the least pain receptors.

Sclerotherapy - This procedure uses a chemical solution that is injected into the blood vessel that fuels each hemorrhoid. The solution will work to shrink and destroy the supplying blood vessel, which will in turn kill the hemorrhoid or hemorrhoids that it perpetuates.

If you or someone that you know is dealing with the uncomfortable effects of hemorrhoids, give Great South Bay Surgical Associates a call at 631-321-6801 and learn how our surgeons can help. Our doctors are trained and skillful in all aspects of open and minimally invasive hemorrhoid removal procedures, and are guaranteed to handle your surgery with precision and care.

Meet Dr. Edward Timmins!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we’re proud to have a team of superior surgeons who are leading doctors in their respective fields, with prestigious educational backgrounds from colleges, universities and surgical training programs throughout the country. These distinguished members of the medical field provide top notch healthcare service through the execution of high quality procedures for patients in need of open and minimally invasive general and vascular surgery.

We know the worry that most people face when they learn that they need a surgical procedure, which is why we’d like our patients to be able to know our doctors a little bit better beforehand. We want to ease your fears and help you find comfort in knowing that no matter the procedure, with the surgeons at Great South Bay Surgical Associates, you’re always in good hands!

With that being said, today we’d like to introduce you to another one of our surgical professionals, Dr. Edward Timmins!

Dr. Timmins grew up in Brooklyn NY and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon completion of his degree, the doctor returned to Long Island to pursue a degree in medicine at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM) in Old Westbury NY and completed his surgical training at Nassau University Medical Center.

Following his residency, in 1998 Dr. Timmins joined forces with Great South Bay Surgical Associates, working hand-in hand with our extraordinary surgeons for more than 17 years. During his time with the practice, Dr. Timmins has developed an expertise in various types of general surgery, with a particular interest in hernia repair and minimally invasive surgery. As a board certified general surgeon, Dr. Timmins specializes in advanced laparoscopic surgery, dealing mainly with benign and malignant breast diseases, as well as gastrointestinal and abdominal related issues.

In addition to his prestigious hands-on medical background, Dr. Timmins also serves as a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has been president of the eastern Long Island chapter since 2010. He also serves as the Director of Performance Improvement for the trauma program, one of a select group of surgeons providing trauma care, at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center.

To learn more about how Dr. Timmins can help you, give us a call at 631-321-6801 today!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we strive to provide open and minimally invasive surgical solutions for any vascular or general health issues you may face. If you live in Nassau, Suffolk or the surrounding areas and are in need of a surgeon, click here to view our website or call us 631-321-6801 to schedule your free consultation today.

All About Breast Reconstruction Surgery

In honor of National Cancer Survivor Day yesterday, we’d like to tip our hats to cancer survivors everywhere, and shed some light on the breast reconstruction procedures that can benefit breast cancer survivors specifically.

Who is Eligible for Breast Reconstruction?
Many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are candidates for a lumpectomy or a partial mastectomy surgery. As part of the procedure, the surgeon will remove the tumor and reshape the remaining breast to preserve its aesthetics. However, in some cases women are not eligible for a lumpectomy, and instead require a full mastectomy to be performed, which is the removal of the entire breast tissue. Although it is not necessary, many women opt to receive breast reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy to rebuild breast tissue.

Types of Breast Reconstruction
There are three methods that can be performed to achieve breast reconstruction: Breast implants, natural tissue flaps or a combination of the two. When choosing a method you’ll want to take into account that each procedure produces different results, some feeling more natural than others. Body type and size also have an impact on the recommended method of reconstruction. Your surgeon will recommend the best options for you during your consultation.

Breast Implants vs. Natural Tissue Flaps
According to the Susan G. Komen Organization, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to the two methods of procedure.

• Look and Feel: With breast implants you’ll have less of a natural outcome than you would with natural tissue flaps.
• Surgery and Hospital Stay: Breast implants require a less extensive surgery than natural tissue flaps, but both require a hospital stay for the initial procedure. However, after receiving breast implant surgery you’ll only need to stay 1-2 nights in the hospital, whereas with the natural tissue flap procedure, you’ll need to be hospitalized for 3-4 nights.
• Repeated Surgery: Breast implants will likely need to be redone over time, while tissue flaps will not.
• Recovery Time: Breast implant surgery requires a 3-4 week recovery time, while tissue flap surgery requires 4-6 weeks. The likelihood of scarring is also significantly lower in breast implant procedures.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, our doctors specialize in a variety of oncological and reconstructive procedures. If you need breast cancer surgery, or desire breast reconstruction, our highly skilled surgeons are here to help. To learn more about our practice and procedures or to schedule a consultation call 631-321-6801 today!

Meet Dr. Michael Sacca!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we take pride in our exceptional level of quality healthcare services, provided by the best and most knowledgeable surgeons in the field. Our extraordinary team of doctors perform a multitude of open and minimally invasive procedures in general and vascular surgery. We understand the fear and discomfort that might result from learning that you have to have a procedure done, which is why we’ve developed our “Meet the Doctors” blog series. We want our patients to get to know our doctors before their surgery so that they can feel calm, comfortable and confident that they’re in the best hands.

So, today we’d like to introduce you to another one of our expert surgeons, Dr. Michael Sacca!

Dr. Sacca studied as an undergraduate student at Brown University before completing his medical school training at Albany Medical College. After receiving his degree from medical school in Albany, he returned home to Long Island to complete training in vascular surgery at Stony Brook University.

In 1998, Dr. Sacca became a valued member of the Great South Bay Surgical Associates team, where he has performed hundreds of surgeries over the past 17 years. The doctor’s training and dual board certification in both general and vascular surgery allows him to perform a variety of complex surgeries with ease and precision, including laparoscopic and open GI surgery as well as endovascular and open arterial reconstruction procedures. Dr. Sacca has also performed a number of minimally invasive varicose vein procedures in-office.

In addition to his role as a surgeon at Great South Bay Surgical Associates, the doctor is also the current Chairman of the Surgical Peer Review Committee at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, and holds a position as Associate Director of Vascular Surgery at Southside Hospital.

To learn more about how Dr. Sacca can help you, give us a call at 631-321-6801 today!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we strive to provide open and minimally invasive surgical solutions for any vascular or general health issues you may face. If you live in Nassau, Suffolk or the surrounding areas and are in need of a surgeon, click here to view our website or call us 631-321-6801 to schedule your free consultation today.

Varicose Veins: Causes and Risks

Varicose veins are unfortunately something that many of us face as our bodies age, and can be unsightly if left unmanaged. So what exactly are they? Varicose, or spider veins, form when veins become swollen and twisted, making them visible underneath the skin. Typically these veins form in the legs, but other parts of your body are susceptible as well.

What causes varicose veins to form?
Your veins work to pump blood throughout the body and back to the heart. When blood is pumped from your legs specifically, the veins must work double-time against the force of gravity to send the blood all the way up to your heart. Veins are made up of one-way valves that open to let blood flow through, but if these valves are weak or damaged, blood can pool in the veins causing them to swell and create spider veins. Damaged or deformed valves can cause blood to flow backward as well, which causes the veins to bulge and swell.

Who is at risk for developing varicose veins?
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, “many factors may raise your risk for varicose veins.” Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind and watch out for when it comes to varicose veins:

• Family History: If this condition runs in your family you’re more likely to develop varicose veins.
• Age: Since veins tend to weaken with age, the older you become, the more susceptible you are to having vein complications.
• Gender: Due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause and the like, women are generally more likely to develop spider veins than men.
• Weight: Obesity is a huge factor in vein related conditions because being overweight can cause extra strain on your veins.
• Physical Activity: As for most health conditions, a proven record of physical activity can help prevent this condition. Sitting or standing for a long time, especially with legs crossed or bent, can cause spider veins to form more rapidly.
• Leg Trauma: Blood clots or severe damage to your veins can cause weakening and make you more at risk for blood pooling and vein swelling.

How can Great South Bay Surgical Associates help?
We understand our patients’ needs for varicose vein removal, which is why we offer three types of treatments: Laser, sclerotherapy injections and inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement. To learn more about our vascular surgery options, click here to view our past blog post, or click here to visit us on the web.