Northland Plastic Surgery

NORTHLAND PLASTIC SURGERY / THE SKIN CARE CENTER TESTIMONIALS:

SKIN CARE

“When I turned 60, I felt the effects of aging skin. The (microdermabrasion) treatments at The Skin Care Center have given me a much younger, more vibrant look. The treatments were painless and relaxing … and they have significantly lessened the fine lines around my mouth and eyes. They are well worth the investment.”
“Ardie taught me how to use make-up to
de-emphasize the effects of the natural aging process.” ~ Marcia Doty

“Within two treatments the ‘mask’ I had from pregnancy was gone! Ardie understood what I needed, listened to me and took care of my problem areas.” ~ Heather Johnson

“I attended last year’s Bridal show prior to my September ’09 wedding. I was so impressed with all the information and ideas on everything from photographers and cake to hair and skin care. Employed at Northland Plastic Surgery, I have been a client of Ardie’s for the last four years. By using her suggested skin care products and Jane Iredale make-up, I felt confident and ready for photos on my special day.”
~ Mackenzie

“I had horrible acne and had actually skipped events in my life because of a broken out face. The treatments, skin cleanser and make-up completely cleared up my face.”
~ Stephanie Johnson

“My experience has been nothing but
professional and effective. I highly
recommend taking your skin care regiment to a higher level with The Skin Care Center.”
~ Sandra Nelson

“I am 110% satisfied and have much more confidence. I receive compliments on my clear skin and make-up a lot.” ~ Laura Doty

RECONSTRUCTIVE SERVICES

FACIAL TRAUMA RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY:

Alexis’ Story:
   Alexis was sitting in the stands at a high school hockey game when she was hit directly in the left cheek by a hockey puck at high speed. She suffered displaced fractures of the nose, maxilla and orbit, resulting in dramatic deformity. In addition, she suffered a laceration of the lower eyelid.
   Her care required open reduction and internal fixation of the fractures and repair of the laceration. She is pleased with the early results and we expect further improvement as her scar tissue matures. She graduated on time with the rest of her class and started college the following September.

Alexis’ Testimonial:
   “They did an amazing job on the surgery. Everything’s healed up very nicely and I feel good. I still have a while for
everything to be completely healed, but it’s coming along great. I’m so thankful for everyone involved. The care given was extremely thorough and they made me feel very comfortable.” ~ Alexis

BURN CARE EMERGENCY SURGERY & RECONSTRUCTION SURGERIES:

Ashley’s Story:
   Ashley was just five years old when her life was suddenly changed forever. She was caught in a gasoline fire and suffered severe, life threatening burns.
   Ashley was admitted to our service at Miller-Dwan Burn Center with deep burns to 65% of her body. She required surgery to her chest, legs and right arm. Ashley’s condition was critical for a long time but after four major skin grafting surgeries and seven weeks of intensive care in the Burn Center, she was finally able to go home.
   Since, Ashley has undergone nine additional reconstructive surgeries to improve both function and appearance. At age 18, she has enrolled in Duluth Business University’s Medical Assistant program. Ashley’s ultimate goal is to work in a burn unit where she can serve as an example to children facing the challenges she herself has had to overcome.

Ashley’s Testimonial:
   “I can move better than before. My legs have more flexibility and it is easier to walk. These procedures have been very
effective - they have made me happier and my scars look better than ever.” ~ Ashley

BREAST RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY:

Barbara’s Story:
Barbara underwent bilateral mastectomy in 2001 after a diagnosis of breast cancer. She underwent bilateral TRAM flap reconstruction after experiencing some problems with implants. She is cancer free and is pleased with the results.

Barbara’s Testimonial:
“I am amazed at how the surgery turned out! I look in the mirror and see form and natural softness that has been missing since my mastectomy. Ecstatic, confident and VERY thankful for the success of my surgery are some of the adjectives I would use to describe my results. The people working at Northland Plastic Surgery are wonderful. The staff, from the front desk to the nurses, treated me in a warm, friendly, competent and personal way.” ~ Barbara

SKIN CANCER SURGERY:

Candy’s Story:
Candy presented with a large lesion on the dorsal aspect of her nose. This lesion proved to be basal cell carcinoma. She underwent excision with frozen section biopsies of the margins. Complete removal of the tumor required removal of a large portion of the nasal skin. Reconstruction required a 2-stage procedure turning a flap of skin from the forehead down to resurface the nose.

Candy’s Testimonial:
“My experiences at Northland Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery have been very positive. They have gone above and beyond to make sure I always received the necessary treatments.” ~ Candy

BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY:

Christine’s Story:
Christine sought our help because she was suffering from back and shoulder discomfort, as well as headaches. After a careful consultation and a thorough education process she decided to proceed with breast reduction surgery. She has had a smooth recovery and her pre-operative symptoms are dramatically improved.

Christine’s Testimonial:
“I was nervous and a little unsure how much of a difference it would actually make. Now I can say that on an everyday basis I feel the tremendous results. I can do more physically and my shoulders no longer ache. The unexpected bonus is that I feel more feminine again. I just feel better about myself.” ~ Christine

RHINOPLASTY & SEPTOPLASTY SURGERY:

Coleen’s Story:
   Coleen came to our office to discuss problems with her nose. She had suffered an injury 20 years prior and was having trouble with obstruction of the left nasal airway. She was also unhappy with the appearance of her nose. She pointed out a dorsal hump that she did not like and perceived her nose to be too large and too long. An exam revealed her airway obstruction to be due to a deviated septum.
   Coleen underwent a reconstructive surgery and cosmetic rhinoplasty in 2002 at NPS. The procedure was done as an outpatient surgery through small intranasal incisions. Today she is enjoying much improved breathing and she is very pleased with her improved appearance and facial balance.

Coleen’s Testimonial:
   “I had a deviated nasal septum which impaired my breathing. Since the surgery I have equal airflow through my nasal passages and I am more happy with my appearance…it has given me a ‘softer’ look.” ~ Coleen

CLEFT LIP & PALATE RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY:

Jordan’s Story:
Jordan was born with a cleft lip and palate. These were repaired when he was a child but as a teenager he was left with
residual deformity that bothered him. He had some retraction of the lip, a noticeable scar and a typical deformity of the nose that resulted in substantial asymmetry. He underwent a complete revision and a reconstructive rhinoplasty with cartilage grafting. He has much improved symmetry and is pleased with the results.

Jordan’s Testimonial:
“The results are fantastic. We took Jordan out of town for a previous surgery that had disappointing results. I wish we had taken him to Dr. Baertsch much earlier in the treatment process. His work will make a difference in our son’s life.”
~ Jordan’s Parents

HAND SURGERY:

Larry’s Story:
Larry suffered an accident while at work as an industrial steel painter. Paint solvent was injected into his finger under high pressure. This required emergency exploration of the finger for decompression and debridement of the chemical and necrotic tissue. The finger was saved but an open wound with exposed tendon required a cross finger flap reconstruction. He has returned to work and has about 80% of normal finger motion.

Larry’s Testimonial:
“I know I wouldn’t have this finger if it weren’t for you guys - if I’d gone anywhere else, I know they would have amputated it. I work with a lot of guys who are walking around with missing fingers after their accidents. As bad as it was, it was a great experience there. Everyone was so patient and explained everything to me.” ~ Larry

BODY LIFT RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY:

Monica’s Story:
   Monica struggled with her weight for years. By age 34, her weight had increased to 298 pounds and she decided to undergo bariatric surgery. A year following her gastric bypass surgery, she had lost 125 pounds but her body image was still impacted by long folds of hanging skin and soft tissue.
   After consulting with us she decided to proceed with a lower body lift. We removed the excess skin and tissue of the lower abdomen, flanks and back as well as re-contoured her torso. She has done beautifully. Monica is now enjoying all the health and emotional benefits of reduced weight, improved body image and increased energy.

Monica’s Testimonial:
   “AMAZING! I could not believe the difference between my before and after pictures. Dr. Rishavy performed an artistic miracle. I had no idea I had a shape under all that skin! The staff is compassionate- never did I feel uncomfortable.”
~ Monica

BLEPHAROPLASTY & OCCULOPLASTY SURGERY:

Richard’s Story:
   Richard was referred to our office because he was experiencing difficulty with obstruction of his upper visual fields. We found his symptoms to be due to excessive hanging upper eyelid skin (blepharocholasia).
   An evaluation by his ophthomologist, including visual field testing, documented that his visual problems were due to the upper eyelid redundancy. His insurance company approved reconstructive surgery and he underwent bilateral upper lid blepharoplasty.
   After a short recovery he is pleased with the dramatic improvement in his vision and he has a natural, age appropriate but more rested appearance.

Richard’s Testimonial:
   “The surgery effectively removed the folds of my eyelids which had impaired my vision. Northland Plastic Surgery is an immaculate facility with efficient and friendly staff. I will recommend NPS to others.” ~ Richard

CARPAL TUNNEL SURGERY:

Sandy’s Story:
Sandy came to us with a three year history of numbness, weakness and aching, particularly in her right hand. She underwent Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel release and within a few weeks her strength returned and she was using her hand normally.

Sandy’s Testimonial:
“I am a hairdresser and use my right hand all day. I healed faster than I anticipated and was able to go back to work three weeks early. I have recommended NPS to many clients and they’ve also reported back to me how happy they were” ~ Sandy