General surgeon Dr. Stephen Kitchen provides breast biopsy procedures for Brunswick, GA patients

Brunswick, GA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/28/2016 -- According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common form of newly diagnosed cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. However, with early detection, women with breast cancer in stages 0 -3 have a 5-year survival rate of 93 percent or higher. Brunswick general surgeon Dr. Stephen Kitchen is helping women diagnose breast cancer by offering breast biopsies at his Georgia surgical center.

Dr. Kitchen offers two different types of breast biopsies depending on the specific need of the patient. This biopsy would generally be performed once the patient and her doctor had determined there was a need for further inspection of a suspicious breast lump that may be cancerous. Depending on the size and location of the lump, Dr. Kitchen can provide either a percutaneous or surgical biopsy.

A percutaneous biopsy is a less-invasive option that utilizes needles or probes to remove sample of the suspicious tissue through the skin. This type of biopsy does not require an incision in the skin that will require stitches or healing time. Typically, the patient only experiences some mild soreness and bruising after the procedure.

A surgical biopsy is performed when a more in-depth examination of the suspicious lump or tumor is needed. With this procedure, an incision is made in the breast to take out all or part of the lump so it can be examined further under a microscope. Stitches will be necessary with this procedure and it will also require recovery time followed by some mild scarring.

Breast biopsies are a crucial part of the diagnosis process, particularly when suspicious lumps are detected in early stages. In some instances, the biopsies may result in findings of benign tissue, while in other cases it can help patients and their doctor determine the proper course of treatment for eliminating breast cancer.

About Dr. Stephen F. Kitchen
Stephen Kitchen, M.D. has more than 20 years of experience as a general surgeon. He received his medical degree from Cincinnati College of Medicine and went on to complete his surgical training at the University of North Carolina. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

To learn more about Dr. Stephen Kitchen and the breast biopsy procedures he offers at his Brunswick, GA office as a general surgeon, please visit www.stephenkitchenmd.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/brunswick-surgeon-dr-stephen-kitchen-offers-biopsies-to-aid-in-the-diagnosis-of-breast-cancer-702426.htm

Dr. Stephen Kitchen of Brunswick, GA provides laser tattoo removal for patients as a comfortable, quick, and safe alternative for complete tattoo removal

Brunswick, GA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/02/2016 -- It is estimated that 25% of Americans have at least one tattoo that they will eventually want removed some time within their lifetime. Previously, dermabrasion, camouflage, and excision were the most common methods of tattoo removal. However, laser technology in tattoo removal is beginning to replace older methods because of the many benefits the system provides to patients. Dr. Stephen Kitchen uses the SINON® laser system to safely and more comfortably remove tattoos for patients in Brunswick, GA.

The laser system does not cause the patient to bleed and no incision is made at any point during the process. Duration of the treatment for laser tattoo removal is different for each patient because location, size, depth, skin tone, age of the tattoo, and the patient's ability to heal are all factors that are considered and will determine each individual's treatment plan. The type of tattoo is also considered because amateur and professional tattoos are applied using different techniques and therefore may also require a varying number of removal sessions, based on the type. Tattoos that were not successfully treated by other methods can be treated with the laser system if the area is not severely scarred. Dr. Kitchen and his staff consult with all of their patients to discuss treatment options before beginning a specific regimen.

During the laser procedure, Dr. Kitchen's patients are given protective eyewear. A small area of skin is then tested to determine the exact frequency that will give the best results. Treatment is simply the placement of a hand-held structure on the skin. After the laser light is activated, the patient may feel pulses, which feel like that of a rubber band being snapped on the skin. Typically, the number of pulses depends on the size of the tattoo. Smaller tattoos require fewer pulses, whereas more are required for larger tattoos. Depending on the location of the tattoo or for patients with a low threshold of pain, the doctor may recommend anesthetics, ranging from topical analgesics to site injections.

Recovery from each laser tattoo removal appointment is minimal and smooth. Ice packs can be applied to the treatment area to help soothe the skin. Dr. Kitchen also gives each patient a topical antibiotic covered by a bandage. It is also highly recommended to cover the area with sunblock to help prevent pigment damage during the healing process. Hyperpigmentation (darker than the surrounding area) and hypopigmentation (lighter than the surrounding area) may occur as a result of tattoo removal, even with the added care taken following treatment.

About Dr. Stephen F. Kitchen
Stephen Kitchen, M.D. has been treating patients as a surgeon for more than 20 years. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine and of the University of North Carolina, where he completed his surgical training. Dr. Kitchen is board certified by the American Board of Surgery, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of several professional medical associations. He specializes in endoscopy and advanced laparoscopic surgery and has received advanced training in both.

For more information about Dr. Kitchen, his staff, laser tattoo removal, or any of the procedures at Dr. Stephen Kitchen's office, please visit http://www.stephenkitchenmd.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/surgeon-in-brunswick-ga-offers-laser-technique-to-provide-patients-with-best-results-in-tattoo-removal-685784.htm

Dr. Stephen Kitchen is now offering a less invasive treatment for correcting varicose veins

Brunswick, GA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/18/2016 -- Patients in Brunswick, GA who are struggling with painful or unsightly varicose veins now have a better, non-surgical alternative treatment with the VNUS Closure procedure now offered by Dr. Stephen Kitchen. The VNUS Closure procedure, also known as the Venefit procedure, is a much less invasive alternative to vein stripping and can drastically improve the skin's appearance as well as reduce the health risks that are associated with large varicose veins.

Compared to vein stripping, which is a major surgery that requires general anesthesia and significant recovery time, the VNUS Closure procedure is done on an outpatient basis in about 30 minutes. This newly popular procedure is minimally invasive with only local anesthesia, requires very little downtime, and results in little to no scarring with long lasting relief from symptoms.

The VNUS Closure procedure that Dr. Kitchen now offers conveys radiofrequency energy to a heating element in order to heat and contract the collagen within the vein walls. The procedure uses ultrasound to position the VNUS catheter within the diseased vein through a tiny incision in the skin. Radiofrequency energy pulsed through the catheter heats up the vein wall, which contracts the collagen and essentially seals the vein shut. Once the diseased vein is sealed shut, the blood is now free to flow through the veins thus reducing or completely eliminating the appearance of bulging and enlarged varicose veins.

The VNUS Closure procedure has been heavily studied and showcasing impressive results. Within 24 months, 90 percent of patients who had veins treated with the VNUS Closure procedure remained closed. In addition to being less invasive and painful during recovery, the VNUS Closure procedure does not have to be performed in a surgery center with general anesthesia making it more affordable and ideal for the patient.

Dr. Kitchen is an expert in vascular surgery and offers patients a wide range of services to treat their diseased or enlarged veins. Dr. Kitchen also offers procedures such as laparoscopic surgery, peripheral bypass surgery, sclerotherapy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and more.

About Dr. Stephen Kitchen
Dr. Kitchen has been treating patients as a surgeon in Brunswick for more than 20 years. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His special training and interest in surgery also includes endoscopy and advanced laparoscopic surgery. He has received advanced training in these specialties and is a member of several professional medical associations.

For more information about Dr. Stephen Kitchen and the VNUS Closure procedure he offers for patients struggling with varicose veins in Brunswick, GA, please visit www.StephenKitchenMD.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/brunswick-ga-surgeon-introduces-non-surgical-treatment-for-varicose-veins-657412.htm