How the SMAS Facelift Is Done

It is less invasive than a regular facelift, and recovery or recuperation is faster. The SMAS (superficialmuscularaponeuroticsystem) is a layer that connects face and neck muscles to the skin. It contains fibers, collagen, and connective tissue and plays a key role in facial expression. Hero Images / Getty Images What Is a SMAS Facelift? It includes muscles, fibers,collagen, and fat. As you age, your skin and the SMAS lose theirelasticity....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 411 words · Susan Stewart

How the Soleus Muscle Works

You have two soleus muscles located in each lower leg. The word “soleus” comes from the Latin termsolea, which means sandal. What Is the Soleus Muscle? Zoff-photo / Getty Images The soleus muscle originates from the back side of your uppertibia, or shin bone. Small slips of the muscle also arise from your fibular head and along the thin aponeurosis between yourfibulaand tibia. The soleus muscle courses down the back of your lower leg and is located just beneath your largergastrocnemiusmuscle....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 658 words · John Lewis

How the UB-04 Form Is Used to Bill Insurance Companies

It is used to bill Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurance companies for inpatient or outpatient services. This article explains who can fill out the form and what the form’s various sections mean. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health Who Can Bill Claims Using the UB-04? Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health Any institutional provider can use the UB-04 for billingmedical claims. Non-institutional providers or suppliers, such as physicians or providers of durable medical equipment, use the CMS-1500 form....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 150 words · Ryan Wilson

How the Western Blot HIV Test Works

HIV testingis typically a multi-step process. The first test used is generally a high sensitivity test. High sensitivity tests are designed to detect as many potential HIV infections as possible. Science Photo Library - TEK IMAGE / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images How Does the Western Blot Test Work? Western blots tests are also known as protein immunoblots. These tests are used to detect specific proteins in a sample....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 213 words · Danielle Salinas

How the Word Bilateral Is Used in Medicine

Bilateral means “on both sides”. In medicine, bilateral refers to both sides of the body or two of something. Bilateral ankle fractures would mean both ankles are fractured. MediaForMedical / UIG / Getty Images Bilateral inguinalherniaswould mean that both inguinal areas, left and right, have hernias. Medical problems often affect both sides of the human body, but this is not always the case. Accidents and trauma are less likely to be bilateral problems....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 151 words · Joshua Guzman

How Thyroid Disease Causes Dry Mouth

Thyroid disease and dry mouth often go hand in hand. To compound matters, treatment for thyroid disease can also trigger xerostomia. Untreated or partially treatedhyperthyroidismcan cause dry mouth as well, though the reason is unclear. Verywell / Gary Ferster Hyperthyroidism is the state of having an overactive thyroid. If you notice that you’ve had a persistent sensation of dry mouth, talk to your healthcare provider. Summary If you have a thyroid disorder, you may also have dry mouth....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 177 words · Jamie Sampson

How Thyroid Function Affects Your Period

Thyroid problems can affect your period by causingmenstrual irregularities. SHBG is a protein that “sticks” to reproductive hormones so they can be carried throughout your body. If you are experiencing unusual menstrual symptoms, it’s worth asking your healthcare provider to evaluate your thyroid. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin How symptoms present could depend on which punch in of thyroid disorder you have. This medication has been shown to improve menstrual irregularities even in people with normal thyroid function....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 311 words · Sandy Weaver

How to Access Medical Information Bureau Reports

Most consumers are well aware of credit reporting agencies. Those savings, the MIB claims, help to lower premiums to insurance-buying consumers. What Information Does the MIB Collect? Reza Estakhrian / Getty Images The information collected by the MIB stays on file for seven years. Why Do MIB Members Need This Information? Who Has Access to MIB Collected Information? Why Is This Important to Patients? MIB, Inc.The facts about MIBs underwriting services....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 89 words · April Rogers

How to Administer a Subcutaneous Injection

It may sound scary or intimidating to give yourself a shot, but it isn’t difficult. Once you do it a few times, you should see there really isn’t much to it. 2005;2(3):122-30. doi:10.1111/j.1741-6787.2005.00030.x BSIP / UIG / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 43 words · Andrew King

How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor’s Office If You Have a Larger Body

If getting weighed makes you feel uneasy, remember: you have the option to decline. Its important for patients to know that it is completely within their right not to be weighed. Erlanger is one of many healthcare providers who offer weight-inclusive care. Photo Illustration by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images The journey to getting appropriate health care at every size starts with choosing the right provider. At her fat-positive clinic, Gaudiani emphasizes the importance of creating an environment that counteracts weight stigma....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 187 words · Justin Jordan

How to Apply Pressure Dressings

Using pressure dressing is one of the most effective methods tocontrol hemorrhage. It is then topped by an adhesive, stretchable cover that wraps the area with tight pressure. You might also be familiar with devices that can be used to tie off a bleeding arm or leg. tommaso79 / Getty Images However, these medical treatments have limitations that don’t impact pressure dressing. When to Use a Pressure Dressing Pressure dressing is one approach to controlling bleeding....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 574 words · Sara Page

How to Apply to a Type 2 Diabetes Clinical Trial

Clinical trialsaim to find new and better treatments for a condition. It may involve comparing two treatments to see which one is more effective and safe. It will also cover costs and how to determine if someone is eligible for the clinical trial. vgajic / Getty Images vgajic / Getty Images What Are Clinical Trials? The first step is to talk to a healthcare provider. Another great resource isClinicalTrials.gov. This is a database of both private and federally funded clinical trials in the United States and internationally....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 598 words · Jorge Thompson

How to Avoid and Treat Negative Side Effects of Waxing

Waxing can help people with these conditions improve their appearance and self-esteem. Choosing an Esthetician Because hair waxing is a procedure, safety and hygiene are essential. All states except for Connecticut require esthetician licensing. PeopleImages / Getty Images Pain Yanking hairs out from the root can hurt. Practice deep breathing while you wax. When you anticipate pain, you may unintentionally hold your breath. Unfortunately, holding your breath can make the pain worse....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 644 words · Tara White