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Friday, August 1, 2025

Takes Two to Save Two Diabetic Feet

 

Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers with Oxygen: Understanding TWO2 Therapy

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a painful and frustrating complication of diabetes, often resistant to healing and at risk of infection, gangrene, and even amputation. While traditional wound care — dressings, debridement, offloading, and antibiotics — remains the cornerstone of management, some stubborn wounds need something more. This is where TWO2 therapy comes into the picture.





What is TWO2 Therapy?

TWO2 stands for Topical Wound Oxygen therapy — an advanced wound-healing approach that delivers pressurized oxygen directly to the wound site. Unlike hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which involves placing the entire body in a chamber, TWO2 targets only the wound itself using a specially designed, portable system.

Think of it as giving your wound a concentrated dose of oxygen — exactly where it’s needed the most.

 

How Does It Work?

Oxygen is critical for tissue repair, immune defense, and the formation of new blood vessels. But many chronic wounds, especially in diabetic patients, suffer from poor blood flow and oxygen deficiency.

TWO2 therapy works through a sealed, pressurized chamber that wraps around the affected limb (usually the foot or leg). Inside, it delivers:

  • 100% pure oxygen
  • In cyclic pressure pulses, improving oxygen absorption and circulation

This combination accelerates healing in several ways:

  • Promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth)
  • Boosts collagen synthesis and skin repair
  • Enhances white blood cell activity to fight infection
  • Reduces local swelling and inflammation

 




Why Is It Beneficial for Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

Patients with diabetes often have multiple challenges — neuropathy, reduced blood flow, and impaired immune response. These make ulcers harder to heal.

Clinical studies show that TWO2 therapy:

  • Increases wound healing rates significantly
  • Is especially effective in non-healing ulcers that haven't responded to standard care
  • Can reduce the need for amputation when used in time

A 2020 study published in Diabetes Care showed that TWO2-treated patients were twice as likely to achieve complete wound closure compared to those receiving only standard care.

 

Who Can Use TWO2?

TWO2 therapy is most suitable for:

  • Chronic diabetic foot ulcers
  • Venous leg ulcers
  • Pressure ulcers or non-healing surgical wounds
  • Patients with adequate arterial supply, but local hypoxia

It's generally used 5-7 times per week, for sessions lasting 60–90 minutes, and can often be administered at home under guidance.

 

Is It Safe?

Yes — TWO2 is non-invasive, painless, and well-tolerated. Most patients report no discomfort during the sessions. However, it should not be used in:

  • Wounds with untreated infections
  • Necrotic tissue without proper debridement
  • Patients with severe peripheral arterial disease (unless revascularized)

TWO2 vs. Hyperbaric Oxygen: What's the Difference?

Feature

TWO2 Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Application Site

Directly to the wound

Whole-body chamber

Portability

Home or clinic use

Hospital-based

Oxygen Delivery

Topical, cyclically pressurized

Systemic, at high pressure

Risk of Systemic Side Effects

Minimal

Possible (e.g., ear barotrauma)

Cost & Convenience

More accessible

More resource-intensive





Final Thoughts

TWO2 therapy is a promising, patient-friendly advancement in the management of chronic diabetic foot ulcers. By delivering life-giving oxygen right where it's needed, it offers new hope to patients battling stubborn wounds.

If you or a loved one is dealing with a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer, consult your wound care specialist or plastic surgeon to see if TWO2 therapy could be part of your healing plan.

 

Want to know if TWO2 therapy is available in your area or if you're a suitable candidate? Reach out to your plastic surgeon today.

 Dr Ashish Gupta

Director, Dept. Of Plastic, Microvascular and Cosmetic Surgery 

Deep Hospital, Ludhiana

Monday, July 7, 2025

When Gratitude Turns Into Grievance

 

When Gratitude Turns Into Grievance: The Misplaced Blame Surgeons Face Today

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, one would expect growing awareness and understanding among patients. Surgical advancements, better outcomes, shorter hospital stays — these are signs of progress. Yet, beneath this surface lies an increasingly disturbing trend that many surgeons, especially those in private practice, are facing: patients taking legal action or filing complaints against doctors even when the surgery is successful — for reasons completely beyond the surgeon’s control.

When Success Isn’t Enough

As a plastic surgeon, we commit not just our skill but years of intense training, judgment, and personal responsibility toward each patient’s well-being. We spend time explaining risks, setting realistic expectations, documenting consent, and above all, delivering safe and aesthetic outcomes. Yet, it is not uncommon to hear of surgeons being dragged to court or facing consumer complaints not for negligence or poor results — but for things like Insurance Denial, TPA rejections, billing queries, or administrative delays.

Let that sink in.

A patient undergoes a procedure, recovers well, and is happy with the results. But somewhere down the line, the insurance claim doesn’t go through — and suddenly, the surgeon is blamed.

How did we get here?

The Scapegoat Syndrome



Surgeons have become the soft target, the easiest person to hold accountable when something — anything — goes wrong. Even if it’s a paperwork issue, a policy clause, or hospital administration oversight, the first instinct of some patients or their attendants is to turn that frustration onto the operating surgeon.

This isn’t just unfair. It’s dangerous.

Doctors are not claim processors. We are not insurance agents. We have no control over what terms an insurance company decides to cover or exclude. And yet, when a patient's cashless facility is denied, it somehow becomes our fault.

What follows is a nightmare of legal notices, complaints to consumer courts, and unnecessary defamation — all while the actual medical care provided was impeccable.

The Emotional Toll No One Talks About

Behind every surgery is a human being — not just the patient, but also the surgeon.

We carry the weight of life-altering decisions. We endure sleepless nights during complications. We often work overtime, push through physical exhaustion, and stretch ourselves emotionally to reassure anxious families.

Yet one misdirected legal notice can shatter that bond of trust. It sends a message that no matter how skilled, ethical, or compassionate a doctor is, they are one clerical error away from litigation — even if they had no hand in it.

This climate of fear, suspicion, and adversarial attitude is pushing many doctors toward defensive medicine or even early burnout.

What Needs to Change?

It’s time we ask some hard questions as a society:

  • Should a surgeon be penalized for an insurer’s corporate policies?
  • Is it fair to treat doctors as service providers without extending the same consumer rights protection to them?
  • When did healthcare become a battleground instead of a partnership between patient and doctor?

Empathy Should Go Both Ways

We understand patients are frustrated when insurance is denied. It's natural to seek someone to blame. But when a doctor has delivered on their promise of care, results, and honesty, punishing them for issues outside their scope is unjust — both legally and morally.

There is a silent wound inflicted each time a grateful smile turns into a courtroom summon. It's not just about one case; it's about eroding the sacred doctor–patient relationship.

Let us not allow bureaucracy, misinformation, or commercial interests to damage the fragile trust that holds healing together.


In Conclusion

Medicine is not a transaction. Surgery is not a warranty card. Surgeons are not punching bags for every system failure.

Push a surgeon into a corner often enough and one day you’ll find a scalpel without a soul behind it.

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

The Unsung Heroes: Role of a Plastic Surgeon in War

 

When we think of war zones, we often picture brave soldiers, battlefield medics, and emergency trauma care. But behind the scenes, working quietly yet tirelessly, are plastic surgeons—playing a pivotal role in restoring not just bodies, but lives.

 

Beyond Beauty: Plastic Surgery in War Zones

 

Plastic surgery is often misunderstood as a field limited to aesthetic enhancement. But in reality, the roots of plastic surgery lie in reconstruction, and nowhere is this more evident than in the setting of war.

 

In war, injuries are rarely simple. Bomb blasts, gunshots, burns, landmines, and shrapnel wounds cause devastating damage to faces, limbs, and soft tissues. In such scenarios, plastic surgeons step in—not for vanity, but for function, dignity, and survival.

 

What Do Plastic Surgeons Do in War?

 

Here are some critical roles plastic surgeons play:

 

1.      Reconstruction After Trauma

 

Plastic surgeons manage complex injuries involving the face, head, hands, and limbs. Whether it's rebuilding a shattered jaw, reconstructing an eyelid to protect vision, or salvaging a mangled hand—these surgeries can mean the difference between lifelong disability and functional recovery.

 

2.      Burn Management

 

Thermal and chemical burns are common in warfare. Plastic surgeons not only save lives by performing early excision and grafting but also help in long-term rehabilitation—restoring mobility, reducing contractures, and improving appearance.

 

3.      Limb Salvage

 

Rather than amputation, a plastic surgeon may offer techniques like flap coverage and microsurgery to save limbs that would otherwise be lost—preserving function and quality of life.

 

4.      Facial Reconstruction

 

War often leaves survivors with disfiguring facial injuries. Plastic surgeons help restore identity and self-esteem by meticulously reconstructing facial features using skin, bone, and tissue from other parts of the body.

 

5.      Psychological Rehabilitation

 

Reconstructive surgery has deep emotional implications. Helping a soldier or civilian look and function more normally plays a huge role in psychological healing, reintegration into society, and rebuilding confidence.

 

6. Children and Civilians

 

Plastic surgeons don’t just operate on soldiers. Innocent civilians, including children, are often victims. Reconstructing a child’s face after a blast injury or a civilian’s hand after a mine explosion is as much a part of a war-zone plastic surgeon’s responsibility as any military injury.

 

Silent Warriors of Hope

 

Plastic surgeons in war zones often work under extreme pressure—limited resources, long hours, and emotionally taxing situations. Whether part of the armed forces or humanitarian missions (like Médecins Sans Frontières or the Red Cross), they are silent warriors, offering hope and healing amidst chaos.

 

 

A Noble Calling

 

In the setting of war, a plastic surgeon's role extends far beyond the operating table. They help rebuild lives, restore human dignity, and become instruments of compassion in the harshest of human conditions.

 

The next time you hear the term "plastic surgery," remember—it's not just about looking better. Sometimes, it's about helping someone live better, especially in places where the world has turned upside down.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Bye-Bye Stretch Marks: How Fractional CO₂ Laser Can Help You Feel Confident Again

 


Stretch marks—those silvery or reddish lines that show up on your skin—are more common than you think. They often appear on the breasts, abdomen, thighs, or arms, especially after pregnancy, weight changes, or puberty. While completely removing them isn’t always possible, the good news is that modern laser treatments like the Fractional CO₂ Laser can significantly reduce their appearance and improve skin texture.

 

What Is a Fractional CO₂ Laser?

 

The Fractional CO₂ Laser is a state-of-the-art technology that uses tiny beams of light to gently resurface the skin. These microscopic beams penetrate the skin’s deeper layers, triggering the body’s natural healing response and boosting collagen production.

 


Think of it like a “high-tech reset” for your skin—without cutting or surgery.

 

How Does It Help with Stretch Marks?

 

Stretch marks form when the skin stretches too quickly and the deeper layers tear slightly. The laser works by:

 

Stimulating new collagen—which helps plump up and smooth out the stretch marks 

Improving skin tone and texture 

Fading discoloration over time 

Tightening the skin, making stretch marks less noticeable

 

Over a few sessions, stretch marks become shallower, smoother, and less visible.

 

What Can You Expect During Treatment?

 

- The area is cleaned and a numbing cream is applied to reduce discomfort.

- The laser session itself takes around 15–30 minutes, depending on the size of the area.

- You may feel a warm or prickling sensation—most patients describe it as tolerable.

- Post-treatment, the skin may be red and mildly swollen, similar to a sunburn, for a few days.

 

 How Many Sessions Are Needed?

 

Most people need 3 to 5 sessions, spaced about 4–6 weeks apart, to see noticeable improvement. Results continue to improve over time as new collagen forms.

 

Is It Safe?

 

Yes, when performed by a trained specialist, it’s a safe and effective option. However, it's important to:

 

- Avoid sun exposure before and after treatment

- Follow proper skincare as advised by your doctor

- Know that results vary depending on your skin type and the age of the stretch marks

 

Is It Right for You?

 

Fractional CO₂ Laser is especially effective for:

 

- White/silvery stretch marks (older ones)

- Stretch marks on the breasts, abdomen, or thighs

- Individuals seeking non-surgical options

 

Your doctor will assess your skin and guide you on the best course.

 


Final Thoughts

 

Stretch marks are nothing to be ashamed of—they’re a natural part of life. But if they bother you and you’re looking for a way to feel more confident in your skin, Fractional CO₂ Laser treatment offers a scientifically backed, safe, and effective solution.


DR. ASHISH GUPTA

PLASTIC SURGEON 

LUDHIANA

Friday, April 4, 2025

Say Goodbye to Breast Stretch Marks with Microneedling!

Stretch Marks Are Natural—But Treatable!

Stretch marks on the breasts are incredibly common. Whether it’s from puberty, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or strength training, our bodies go through changes—and our skin tells the story. While many choose to embrace these marks, others prefer to smooth them out. One of the most effective, non-surgical solutions? Microneedling.




What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses ultra-fine needles to create tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the body’s natural healing response—kickstarting the production of collagen and elastin, the building blocks of smooth, youthful skin.



Why It Works So Well for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks form when skin stretches quickly, disrupting the normal collagen structure. Microneedling helps rebuild that structure by:

  • Stimulating fresh collagen and elastin production

  • Improving texture and tone

  • Softening the appearance of both red (new) and white (older) marks

  • Enhancing skin elasticity and firmness



Treatment Process: What to Expect

Each microneedling session typically lasts 30–45 minutes. A numbing cream is applied beforehand to ensure comfort. For optimal results, patients usually need 3–6 sessions, spaced about 4–6 weeks apart.

Post-procedure, the skin may appear pink or slightly swollen for 24–48 hours—similar to a mild sunburn.



Boosting Results with Serums & PRP

At our clinic, we often pair microneedling with:

  • Hyaluronic acid for hydration

  • Peptides for firming

  • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for healing and skin regeneration

These combinations supercharge results and speed up skin recovery.


Dr. Ashish Gupta’s Note:

“As a plastic surgeon, I understand how personal and emotional skin changes can be. If breast stretch marks are affecting your confidence, know that gentle, effective treatments like microneedling are available—and truly transformative.”


Let’s Talk!

If you’re curious about microneedling for stretch marks, reach out for a personalized consultation. We’ll assess your skin, explain the process, and tailor a treatment plan that fits you best.


Dr Ashish Gupta

Director,

Deep Aesthetics & Anti Ageing Clinic,

Deep Hospital, Ludhiana.


Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Facial Infections in Diabetics: A Silent Threat

Beware the Dangerous Triangle of the Face! Did you know that infections in certain areas of your face can spread directly to your brain? The Danger Triangle extends from the bridge of your nose to the corners of your mouth. This region has veins that drain directly into the cavernous sinus, a blood-filled space near the brain.

Why is it Dangerous? Infections in this area can quickly spread to the brain, leading to serious complications like cavernous sinus thrombosis, meningitis, and brain abscesses. In severe cases, it can even be life-threatening.

Common Causes - Popped pimples or boils - Cuts, scratches, or insect bites - Poorly done nose piercings - Dental or sinus infections Symptoms to Watch For - Facial pain and swelling - Redness and tenderness - Fever and chills - Eye swelling and vision problems

Prevention & Treatment ✔ Avoid touching or squeezing pimples. ✔ Keep facial wounds clean and avoid self-medication. ✔ Seek medical help for persistent infections. ✔ In severe cases, IV antibiotics, surgical drainage, or anticoagulation may be needed. Early diagnosis can save lives! If you notice signs of a spreading facial infection, consult your plastic surgeon immediately.
#DangerTriangle #FacialInfections #CavernousSinusThrombosis #BrainHealth #KnowTheRisk #PatientAwareness #HealthMatters #PreventInfections #DiabetesCare #DiabetesComplications #InfectionControl #ActFast #EarlyDiagnosisSavesLives #MedicalEmergency #SeekMedicalHelp

Friday, March 21, 2025

Say Goodbye to Flabby Arms – The Secret Treatments Celebrities Swear By!

 

Get Toned and Sculpted Arms: The Best Ways to Achieve Firm, Beautiful Arms

Introduction
Do you feel self-conscious about sagging skin, stretch marks, or stubborn fat in your arms? You’re not alone! Many people struggle to achieve firm, toned arms, but the good news is that modern aesthetic treatments can help. From gentle skin treatments to advanced fat reduction and muscle toning techniques, here’s how you can get the arms you’ve always wanted—without spending hours in the gym.


Non-Surgical Treatments for Tighter, Smoother Arms
If you want to improve your arms without surgery, here are some of the latest treatments that work wonders:

  1. Smooth Out Wrinkles & Stretch Marks: Dermapen 4 and Fractional CO2 Laser

    • Dermapen 4 is a microneedling treatment that boosts collagen, making your skin firmer and reducing stretch marks over time.


    • Fractional CO2 Laser gently resurfaces the skin, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and scars for a smoother, younger look.


  2. Shrink Fat & Tighten Skin: HIFU Laser

    • HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) targets fat just under the skin while also tightening and lifting loose areas.
    • Perfect for mild to moderate arm flabbiness, HIFU firms up the skin while helping to contour your arms.


  3. Define and Tone Muscles: EMS (HIEMT) Technology

    • Electromagnetic Muscle Stimulation (EMS), also known as HIEMT, uses strong pulses to contract your muscles—just like an intense workout.
    • This treatment builds and tones arm muscles, giving your arms a more sculpted look with no downtime.



Surgical Options for Dramatic Results
If you need more noticeable, long-lasting results, surgical procedures can help:

  1. Liposuction: Removing Stubborn Arm Fat

    • Liposuction is a quick and effective way to get rid of unwanted fat that won’t go away with exercise or dieting.


    • It provides immediate slimming and is often combined with skin-tightening treatments for even better results.




  2. Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Say Goodbye to Loose Skin

    • If your skin is sagging due to aging or major weight loss, an arm lift is the best way to remove extra skin and reshape your arms.
    • This procedure tightens and smooths the skin, giving you firmer, more youthful-looking arms.


Which Treatment is Right for You?
Here’s a simple way to decide:

  • If you have wrinkles and stretch marks, go for Dermapen 4 or Fractional CO2 Laser.

  • If you want to tighten your skin and reduce fat, HIFU Laser is a great choice.

  • If you’re looking to tone and strengthen our arms, EMS (HIEMT) can do the job.

  • For stubborn fat, liposuction gives fast, effective results.

  • If you have loose skin that won’t tighten on its own, an arm lift (brachioplasty) is your best option.


Conclusion
Getting beautifully sculpted arms is easier than ever! Whether you prefer a non-invasive treatment or want a long-lasting surgical fix, there’s a solution for everyone. Not sure which one is right for you? Schedule a consultation with an expert to explore the best option for your needs.


Ready to transform your arms? Contact us today and take the first step towards a more Confident You!

DR ASHISH GUPTA

DIRECTOR,

DEEP AESTHETICS

& ANTI-AGEING CLINIC

LUDHIANA

+91-9779771111