Why It’s Important to See a Specialist for Treating Facial Injuries

Mar 21, 2017 | Your Health

Matthew B. Hirsch, MD, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai’s Department of Otolaryngology

Facial injuries are very common, affecting children and adults of all ages and walks of life. But that doesn’t mean you should treat them casually, according to Matthew B. Hirsch, MD, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai’s Department of Otolaryngology.

The spectrum of facial trauma is broad, from small cuts and bruises to major injuries involving the jaw, nose, eye socket (orbit), facial bones, or even the nerves of the face.

In the United States, vehicular accidents account for the majority of facial trauma among adults and children.  Varying by region, other causes include fighting, sports injuries, and falls. Regardless of source, if not treated effectively, every facial injury has the potential to cause cosmetic problems.

It is extremely important to see an experienced facial trauma expert for any facial injury.  If not closed with plastic surgical technique, a simple facial laceration may leave an unsightly scar or change the position of the eyelid or lip. Incorrectly treated facial injuries may also result in functional problems with chewing, nasal breathing, sinus function, vision, or hearing.

As an ear, nose, and throat doctor and a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Hirsch treats all aspects of patient facial injuries, both cosmetic and functional.

Dr. Hirsch has extensive experience treating facial fractures in both adults and children—including lower (mandibular) and upper (maxillary) jaw fractures, nasal bone fractures, orbital (eye socket) fractures, and frontal sinus fractures. His  expertise in cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty allows him to provide patients with multiple options for correction of nasal trauma,  months to years after the injury.  For complex craniofacial injuries or fractures of multiple facial bones (pan facial fractures),  Dr. Hirsch’s experience in skull base surgery—in collaboration with neurosurgeons within the Mount Sinai Health System—allows him to provide high-level care.

“The most important thing to remember when you or your child experiences a facial injury is to have it evaluated by a facial trauma specialist,” says Dr. Hirsch.  While the local emergency room or urgent care facility may provide excellent resources, many do not have an experienced specialist on hand. “To get the best cosmetic and functional outcome possible, I would recommend you seek out a facial trauma specialist in your area.”

If you have recently undergone facial trauma, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Hirsch at the New York Eye and Ear Institute of Mount Sinai.

Huffington Post: Is Weight-Loss Surgery for You?

Mar 20, 2017 | Your Health

For the right candidates, weight-loss surgery—also known as bariatric surgery—can yield remarkable health benefits, and even be lifesaving. Subhash Kini, MD, Bariatric Surgeon, Mount Sinai Program for Surgical Weight Loss, Associate Professor of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains why.

Read the post

Four Tips to Avoid Winter Weight Gain

Mar 13, 2017 | Your Health

Erika Jacobson RD, CDN, Clinical Dietitian in the Nutrition Department at The Mount Sinai Hospital

Healthy eating throughout the winter months can be challenging. After an indulgent holiday season filled with rich foods, returning to healthy eating may be difficult.  And with colder, shorter days, the urge to roll up on your couch, order in your favorite comfort foods, and binge-watch a new TV show may outweigh hitting the gym. It is no surprise that these habits can result in unwanted weight gain, which we then resolve to lose come swimsuit season.

The following tips from Erika Jacobson RD, CDN, Clinical Dietitian in the Nutrition Department at The Mount Sinai Hospital, can make healthy eating a bit easier this time of year.

Cook More, Eat Out Less

It’s well known that we consume more calories, fat, sugar, and sodium when dining out. After the holiday season ends, there is usually a decline in social occasions and you are spending more time at home. Take advantage of these months to reacquaint yourself with the kitchen. Preparing quick, healthy meals in advance allows you to have multiple meals on hand and helps you resist the temptation of ordering out.  In addition, preparing your own meals will allow you to make healthy swaps. Try the following swaps:

1. Use whole wheat instead of white pasta.
2. Opt for quinoa or brown rice, not white rice.
3. Use olive oil, not butter.
4. Add herbs and spices instead of salt.
5. Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
6. Bake or grill rather than fry foods.

Use the best of winter produce—think winter squashes, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts—for hearty and healthy vegetable-based meals. If fresh produce is expensive or not readily available, frozen vegetables are a great alternative.

Drink Smart

Few things sound better than cozying up with a hot, steamy beverage on a freezing night. Before reaching for a flavored latte, know that these sugar- and fat-loaded beverages can contain as many as 500 calories. Fortunately, less decadent homemade versions are easy, and better for your wallet as well as your waistline. Whether you make them at home or order out, choose low-fat or skim milk, or unsweetened plant-based milks like soy, almond, or coconut. Also, halve the amount of flavored syrup used, or opt for sugar-free syrup, and forgo the whipped cream.  

 Eat Mindfully 

Gloomy winter weather can make us feel melancholy and sluggish. This tempts us to curl up under the covers and seek comfort from sweet treats. Keep in mind that emotional eating often leads to mindless eating. Ask yourself: “Am I truly hungry?” To limit mindless eating, try not to eat in front of the TV or computer. Instead, slow down and savor your food. Mindful eating can help you become more attuned to your hunger and satiety cues, helping to avoid overeating.

 Stay active

It’s easy to find yourself in an exercise rut during this time of year. Try recruiting a friend, coworker, or family member to schedule your workouts in advance. This helps to keep you accountable. Downloading a new playlist, switching up your routine, or investing in new workout gear can also increase motivation. Also, keep in mind that small bouts of movement throughout the day—such as vacuuming, shoveling snow, getting up from your desk and moving around, or taking the stairs—add up. The one hour spent in the gym is not the only important source of activity; it’s just as important to be active throughout the day.