LASER SURGERY BECOMES BOON FOR CLINIC IN CAPE

Midwest Plastic and Hand Surgery has added laser technology to its array of surgical services.

Dr. David Deisher joined the practice last year, said Dr. Greg Tobin.

"He brings additional expertise in facial procedures" using the laser, Tobin said.

The laser can be used to correct signs of aging and to remove pigmentation or vascular formations, such as birthmarks or spider veins, that can't be corrected by conventional surgical methods.

"The laser surgery has been a tremendous boon" for the clinic at 300 S. Mount Auburn Road, Tobin said.

Hand surgery makes up the bulk of Tobin's practice, as well as general reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

A number of factors have made reconstructive and cosmetic surgery a practical option for a growing number of people, Tobin said. Improved technology and surgical techniques and greater public education, as well as decreased embarrassment over the procedures, mean more and more people are willing to undergo plastic surgery.

He also said the FDA's inability to find any significant evidence linking breast implants to cancer or autoimmune deficiencies has helped the specialty.

"Their inability to find that evidence has increased our numbers in terms of breast implants," Tobin said.

Deisher joined the practice in July. The clinic has been at its current site 2 1/2 years, and Tobin has been practicing in Cape Girardeau for more than seven years.

The clinic performs a variety of hand procedures, including carpal tunnel releases, as well as cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.