MEDICAL PROCEDURES

Dr. Patel is currently treating the following problems/conditions by referral (Patients unable to obtain a physician referral may call directly to book a consultation) - evaluations are covered by OHIP/WSIB:

• SUSPICIOUS MOLE BIOPSY
   

• ACNE EVALUATION (See Acne Section)
   

• MINOR SKIN CANCER REMOVAL/TREATMENT
   

• CORTISONE INJECTIONS
   

• GENITAL & BODY WARTS
   

• CONTACT DERMATITIS (OCCUPATIONAL)
   

• ROSACEA
   

• HYPERHIDROSIS (EXCESSIVE SWEATING)
  
  Excessive sweating can be treated by a number of methods including topical therapies (aluminum chloride), iontophoresis (electric plate), and now, with BOTOX injections. BOTOX causes the glands that produce sweat to stop working for approximately 6-9 months (in some cases over one year). The effects are consistently dry skin in the treated areas 24/7. Most drug plans cover BOTOX therapeutic and a physician's prescription is necessary. The treatment consists of injecting BOTOX into the desired areas (underarms, head/scalp, palms, soles, groin, etc). BOTOX will start to prevent the sweat production within two weeks and will last for months.
  Dr. Patel will evaluate your sweating problem, order some investigations (if necessary), perform a starch-iodine test, and assist with the re-imbursement process. 
  
   

Click to see Movie Clips for Starch-Iodine Test or BOTOX Injection (Dial-up/Broadband)

• SCAR THERAPY (see Cosmetic Procedures)

• BOTOX INJECTIONS FOR PAIN (HEADACHES, MIGRAINES, MUSCLE SPASM, TMJ DYSFUNCTION)
  Botox can be used to treat headaches, cerebral palsy contractures, TMJ and bruxism (grinding teeth), and areas of muscle spasm (ie. chronic low back, shoulder, neck, etc). Botox therapeutic works by weakening the very muscles that cause pain by relieving the tension they exert. Migraine headaches that are triggered by facial/scalp/neck muscle tension (tension headaches) respond very well to BOTOX Therapeutic. In some cases, fibromyalgia trigger points can also be injected to minimise flares and pain. Effects of BOTOX last approximately 3-4 months. With repeat treatments, the duration of action lengthens.
  
  Most drug plans cover the cost of BOTOX Therapeutic injections to varying degrees. Please bring a list of therapies/medications you have tried for your specific condition to the consultation. A request for drug coverage is usually required prior to treatment authorisation. In most cases, our office has copies of the BOTOX Therapeutic authorisation forms.
  
   

• KNEE INJECTIONS  (VISCO-SUPPLEMENTS)
  
  Injection of Hyaluronic Acid into the knee joint is an option that helps to cushion the joint - this helps to slow progression of the disease as well as help with pain, swelling, stiffness, grinding, etc. 
  
  Injections are relatively painless. Injections are done as a series of once weekly sessions for a total three sessions. The product brand used is OrthoViscÔ and is composed of hyaluronic acid. Variation among brands is essentially based on molecule size and at this time, no one product has emerged as the superior one.
  
  The efficacy of this treatment varies greatly between individuals and it seems to be most successful in mild-moderate osteoarthritis of the knee in approximately 50% of cases. Best results are achieved usually after five weeks. Taking this in context, visco-supplementation is an OPTION and only one component to an overall strategy for treating your knee arthritis. Your physician or Dr. Patel can examine your knees and review knee X-rays, and determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.
  
  Most private drug plans cover the cost of the hyaluronic acid for injection. Authorisation forms are usually required.
  
  To check your drug plan insurance coverage for this product, call the number listed on your drug benefits card and ask regarding reimbursement for HYALURONIC ACID SODIUM SALT. The cost for the series of three injections at VISAGE is $450.
  
   

• TRIGGER POINT INJECTIONS