Day: November 14, 2023

What is dental care? Dental care is the care of the teeth and mouth provided by a dentist, dental specialist or other health professional. In Australia, dental services are provided by public dental services or by private dentists. Dental costs vary widely from dentist to dentist. That is because there are no standard fees for dentists like there are for doctors. Dentists charge different amounts according to where they practise and what methods they use. Does Medicare cover dental care? The Australian Government does not cover the costs of most dental services in the way it does with other health services.

Guide to cosmetic surgery What is cosmetic surgery? Cosmetic surgery is done to re-shape or change an otherwise healthy part of the body because a person believes it will improve their appearance, not for a medical reason. Reconstructive surgery differs from cosmetic surgery in that it is designed to restore the appearance or function of a part of the body, such as after an accident or trauma, cancer, birth defect or disease. Who can perform cosmetic surgery? Cosmetic surgery can be carried out by plastic surgeons or by cosmetic surgeons. Plastic surgeons can also do reconstructive surgery for people whose

Guide to cosmetic surgery What is cosmetic surgery? Cosmetic surgery is done to re-shape or change an otherwise healthy part of the body because a person believes it will improve their appearance, not for a medical reason. Reconstructive surgery differs from cosmetic surgery in that it is designed to restore the appearance or function of a part of the body, such as after an accident or trauma, cancer, birth defect or disease. Who can perform cosmetic surgery? Cosmetic surgery can be carried out by plastic surgeons or by cosmetic surgeons. Plastic surgeons can also do reconstructive surgery for people whose

What is strabismus? Strabismus (or ‘squint’) is where one of the eyes points in towards the nose (convergent) or out towards the ear (divergent). Sometimes one eye may point up or down. How does strabismus happen? Strabismus in children is usually related to how their eyes focus. The condition often runs in the family and affects 1 in 50 children under 5 years old. Strabismus can also happen if the nerves to the eye muscles, or the eye muscles themselves, are not working properly. The muscles of the eye. What are the benefits of surgery? Your child’s eyes should appear

What is strabismus? Strabismus (or ‘squint’) is where one of your eyes points in towards your nose (convergent) or out towards your ear (divergent). Sometimes one eye may point up or down. Strabismus may be present all the time or only sometimes. How does strabismus happen? Strabismus in adults can happen because of disease that affects your eye muscles (such as thyroid eye disease and myasthenia), disease that affects the nerves to your eye muscles (such as high blood pressure and diabetes) or trauma (where a physical force is applied directly to your eye). Strabismus can also be caused by

What are the coronary arteries? Even though the heart is full of blood, the blood being pumped through doesn’t supply oxygen to the muscles of the heart. The heart muscles need their own supply of blood, and they get it from the coronary arteries, which wind around the outside of the heart. If the coronary arteries become narrow, then the supply of blood to the heart muscles can slow down. If the heart muscles don’t get enough blood, it can cause problems like angina, heart failure and a heart attack. What is a coronary angiogram? A coronary angiogram is an x-ray during which a doctor injects radioactive dye

 the cornea? Your eye has a number of layers. The cornea is the transparent (clear), dome-shaped outer layer in front of the black pupil and coloured iris. Sometimes the cornea can become diseased, causing it to become less clear. This affects your vision. How does the cornea become diseased? There are many causes for the cornea becoming diseased. Three common causes need surgery. Cross-section of the eye. Keratoconus — A condition where the cornea becomes cone-shaped, causing blurred vision. Endothelial decompensation — A condition that causes the cornea to become swollen and cloudy. Scarring — The cornea can become scarred if

What is the cornea? Your eye has a number of layers. The cornea is the transparent (clear), dome-shaped outer layer in front of the black pupil and coloured iris. Sometimes the cornea can become diseased, causing it to become less clear. This affects your vision. How does the cornea become diseased? There are many causes for the cornea becoming diseased. Three common causes need surgery. Cross-section of the eye. Keratoconus — A condition where the cornea becomes cone-shaped, causing blurred vision. Endothelial decompensation — A condition that causes the cornea to become swollen and cloudy. Scarring — The cornea can become

What is the contraceptive vaginal ring? The vaginal ring is a form of contraception (birth control). It’s a soft plastic ring that you put into your vagina. It releases the same hormones as the contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy. The vaginal ring can also help control your periods. It’s sometimes called a ‘birth control ring’. NuvaRing is the only type of vaginal ring available in Australia. You need a prescription from your doctor to get the vaginal ring. The contraceptive vaginal ring (birth control ring) is self-inserted and should be removed after 3 weeks. How does the vaginal ring work? The vaginal ring

Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) What is an intrauterine device (IUD)? An intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of contraception (birth control). IUDs are small devices that are placed inside the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. There are 2 types of IUD: the hormonal IUD the copper IUD An IUD needs to be put in place by a trained doctor or nurse. Placement of an IUD in the uterus after insertion. How does an IUD work to prevent pregnancy? IUDs are highly effective and reliable. They last for 5 years or more. The hormonal IUD Hormonal IUDs are made of plastic and slowly release a

What is the contraceptive injection? The contraceptive injection is a type of contraception (birth control). The injection contains a hormone called depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), which is like the hormone progesterone. It‘s also called simply ‘Depo’ or ‘birth control injection’. The DMPA is slowly released into your bloodstream over 3 months. You need a new injection every 3 months to prevent pregnancy. How does the contraceptive injection work? The contraceptive injection prevents pregnancy by: preventing ovulation (eggs being released from your ovaries) thickening the mucus at the entrance to your uterus (womb) so sperm can’t enter How is the contraceptive injection given? The birth control

What is a contraceptive implant? A contraceptive implant is a type of contraception (birth control). It’s a small, thin, flexible rod that’s inserted under the skin on the inside of your arm. The implant is 4 cm long and made of plastic. It continuously releases small amounts of a hormone, etonogestrel, that prevents pregnancy. Etonogestrel is a progestogen hormone. There is only one brand of contraceptive implant available in Australia, called Implanon NXT. You can feel the implant under your skin, but you usually can’t see it. The contraceptive implant is a type of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC). A contraceptive implant sitting on

Diaphragm (contraceptive device) What is a diaphragm? A diaphragm is a type of contraception (birth control) that can be used to avoid getting pregnant. It is a piece of soft silicone in the shape of a dome. When using a diaphragm, you put it into your vagina before having sex. It should be positioned to cover your cervix (lower part of your womb). This prevents sperm from entering your uterus (womb). Once you place a diaphragm, it’s held in position by your pelvic muscles. You don’t need a doctor to insert it. But it’s a good idea to see a doctor or nurse to learn