Neurofibromatosis Support Group
Neurofibromatosis is usually noncancerous. There are three types of this condition. Type 1 usually appears in childhood, while Types 2 and 3 appear in early adulthood. Type 1 can cause bone deformities, learning disabilities, and high blood pressure. Type 2 can cause hearing loss, vision loss, and difficulty with balance. Type 3 can cause chronic pain throughout the body....
I've been doing a lot of research on the technique done by Dr. Weinberg, and I think I may have found a better option, but I was wondering if anyone here has had this procedure done.
I've been reading a lot about the success of using a CO2 laser to remove neurofibromas. Plastic surgeons can use the laser to resurface the skin of the face to get rid of the ones under the skin and they can use it to remove the ones on the skin too.
I would think removing the ones under the skin wouldn't leave too much of a scar, because if they use it to resurface the skin of patients without Neurofibromatosis, I would think the results would be similar.
Thanks,
James
I've been reading a lot about the success of using a CO2 laser to remove neurofibromas. Plastic surgeons can use the laser to resurface the skin of the face to get rid of the ones under the skin and they can use it to remove the ones on the skin too.
I would think removing the ones under the skin wouldn't leave too much of a scar, because if they use it to resurface the skin of patients without Neurofibromatosis, I would think the results would be similar.
Thanks,
James
The CO2 laser is presented as a useful tool for the removal of large numbers of neurofibromas, the major source of cosmetic disfigurement in the patient with peripheral neurofibromatosis. Its advantages include high patient satisfaction with the rapid, staged removal of thousands of neurofibromas, with minimal morbidity and an enhanced appearance. The operative technique for each of the forms of neurofibroma, that is, pedunculated, sessile, and subcutaneous, is described. As with all procedures involving a change in appearance, it is essential that the patient be fully aware of the limitations of the procedure and the expected final result. This is easily accomplished in this procedure by the use of a "test treatment."
It actually removes damaged layers of skin, so for bumps that aren't that deep, I would think they could remove everything. Hopefully when I go back to the dermatologist on the 30th, I can get a referral to a plastic surgeon and hopefully they'll be willing to work on NF.
I was excited when I read about this, so hopefully it will give someone else hope too.
James
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/urban/201/2001/00000016/00000004/art00031
If you do a Google search for CO2 laser for neurofibromatosis
or
CO2 skin resurfacing, you'll find some really great stuff.
There is only one man where I live that uses this and I have emailed him with no reply as of yet.
I should be going to a plastic surgeon before too long, so I'm going to ask about maybe a combination of ED and laser.
My only concern about the CO2 laser is if it doesn't kill the bump under the skin, then the bump will probably grow right back. With ED, I would think the same bump shouldn't grow back.